Get a Boost From the Past and Plan Your Move Forward

Sometimes it feels like progress crawls at a snail’s pace. It’s easy to think about all the things you still can’t do very well.

Sometimes it just takes a marker in time to realize how far you really have come.

Where were you in your riding at this same time last year?

Consider the increase in your overall knowledge, the quality of your practice sessions, your improved mental skills, your level of enjoyment, and your showing. Don’t forget to include the joy you felt with your horse and comradery with friends.

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Always There, Easy, and Not-so-Easy

This holiday, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting about relationships.

I’ve also had a number of people ask me via email about sustaining healthy relationships.

This time of the year is a good time to discuss this topic because the holidays are classic for getting together with friends, and family.

We also slow down a little, so we have time to think about all those people who are involved with us in all the different dimensions of our lives.

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How often do you think, “I can do it!”?

And, then in the next second you have a super uncomfortable, shriveling moment of doubt.

You question yourself, “Can I, really?"

Innately, you know it feels so good to dream big. It’s energizing!

That’s because dreams and passion fuel our lives.

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Three Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Fall is often a time to reflect about what has transpired during the first three-quarters of the year.

You’ve got time now before the beginning of 2011 to think about what worked this year, what didn’t work, and what you would like to do in the future.

Maybe you want to buy, sell or trade your horse. Maybe you want to show more … or less. Maybe you’re content at the moment.

In this article, I’m suggesting three key questions to ask yourself when you make decisions.

They will help you stay on track with what makes you personally happy. It’s so easy for any number of reasons … ourselves, other people, circumstances … to make decisions that haven’t been thought out completely.

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Sometimes I hear, “It’s easier to communicate with my horse than it is with the people in my life!”

For some people that may be true. But, with a few minor adjustments in your communication style, you may be able to get a lot more of what you’re after.

One major truth remains. We have no control over other people. But, one thing we do always, always, always have control over is … how we respond to him/her.

Our responses pack power, too. They usually have a big impact on the direction of the conversation.

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And, Change is a Gift

There is always change in our horse lives.

This can happen when our horse has to be laid off. Or, we might experience a change in our financial capabilities to follow through on plans. Or, we might get the news that a trainer or a vet is moving. These are just a few examples. You fill in your own blanks.

Change is the only thing that is sure in our lives.

As I write this article, I am feeling that ultimate happy/sad state that change can bring. There’s a big change happening in my life right now.

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Here are two closely related questions I received on this topic:

1. How can you get enough physical practice off the horse to build enough time to be really world-class (the 10,000 hours)? Will visualization really work?

2. The closest trainer is 2 hours away, so I do the best I can on my own and take clinics as often as I can. I was wondering how often I should be riding my two horses to stay competitive? I really seem to get hard on myself when I can’t find the time to ride as often as I think I should.

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Use Indoor Days to Boost Your Riding From the Inside Out

When chilly temperatures arrive, we usually spend more time indoors.

During winter months, do you feel like you’re losing ground in your riding?

While there is no substitute for time in the saddle, winter can be a GREAT time to strengthen the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of your riding.

The first step is a shift in perception. Swap the thought, “Winter is the pits!” … for … “Winter is a great opportunity!”

After you giggle for fibbing to yourself, try on these ideas anyway(!):

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