Hey, it’s Barb,

What I always find amazing is the fact there are always more layers to understand and learn in anything we do.

Of course, that’s true about communicating with our beloved horses and developing our riding skills. The depth and breadth of what seems to just keep showing up for each of us is truly incredible and surprising sometimes for how it comes to us.

Audio Transcript:

Hey, it’s Barb,

What I always find amazing is the fact there are always more layers to understand and learn in anything we do.

Of course, that’s true about communicating with our beloved horses and developing our riding skills. The depth and breadth of what seems to just keep showing up for each of us is truly incredible and surprising sometimes for how it comes to us.

It’s the same with the mental and spiritual side of our lives with horses.

I was watching an interview on TV with a college coach. I’m sorry to say I did not write his name or the college name down.

He was talking about when he interviewed for the job before he was hired.

He said that he told the powers that be that if they wanted a coach “to win” that he was not their man. Sure he would do his best, but he was more interested in the growing the character of his players as a measure of success than the scores of the game.

Although I was intrigued by so much that he said, and I was glued to the TV as I listened to him, I wrote down one point in particular that resonated with me – and put it in big words on my vision board.

Keep your expectations HIGH! NO EXCUSES.

It’s interesting how certain things happen in our lives when the time is right.

The two parts of that message – expectations high and no excuses got me thinking about my own expectations about so many things – and if and how I limited my thoughts about them by thinking small or making excuses.

What I found is that sometimes the small thinking doesn’t have to be in terms of limited expectations – although I sense some of that – but it’s more subtle than that. Sometimes it can be a lack of excitement. It’s like a feeling of being resigned to ‘this is just how this or that is.’

To me, what makes the “Keep your expectations high and no excuses,” powerful is both parts of that phrase.

It’s a raise the bar! C’mon, let’s go. You can do it! And don’t be mealy-mousing around with the roadblocks that come up – including the ones I generate by not keeping my eye focused on going for the highest of the high expectation.

I was inspired by that interview. I wish I had written down his name. I only watched for a few minutes, but the timing of the message for me was perfect – as it always is for all of us.

So no matter what you’re doing with your horse, keep your expectations

HIGH! No excuses!

Let me know what you think in the comments. Have a great week.

Warmly,
Barb

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS 

This time of year is such a perfect time to think about 2022 – what we want to accomplish – why we want to achieve it – and what success looks like. Then – what is our path to get there?

I think about new beginnings first regarding the what and why as such essential pieces to ponder.

We tend to think about the logistics of the path, like – where we’ll take lessons – how we’re going to be coached – and who is going to train our horse.

That’s important, but I like to start with the foundation of determining what brings you joy (why do you even ride?)

Then ponder, what is it that you need technically? What does your horse need technically? How will you get each of you improving in the areas that need improving – and then how will you get the connection between the two of you going?

Does your horse stay calm and focused? How will you think in empowering ways and use your body in ways that call up confidence? You’ll need to hone your horse’s mental and emotional skills along with your own.

So again, I think of planning to shore up our needs, our horse’s needs, and then blend them.

When you think about what you’d like to accomplish in 2022, it should be something that makes you so happy.

Next, let’s talk about decisions regarding your horse’s and your technical skill development.

First, you and your horse are a team. In teamwork, of course, it takes two or more to achieve the desired result, and it’s not a solo act.

As a rider, we are the team leader with our horses. It takes two to tango.

I often see amateurs and nonpros feel as if they are responsible for every weakness their horse has or they have. They think they should know most things ‘by now.’ But the reality is they’ve never had the opportunity to learn those skills.

Your horse brings their own set of trained technical skills to the table, and you get your set of riding skills. It’s best not to feel burdened by the pressure you put on yourself to be more advanced than you are.

Yes, you do need to be as objective as you can, perhaps with the help of a coach or professional. Please do your best to understand what horsemanship and technical skills you need next and how to learn them.

The same is necessary to consider for your horse.

In addition to a professional trainer or coach, there is additional information to be found online or by hearing the comments of those more experienced than you.

I think it’s fun to think of your job as a rider, like being a detective. Do your homework. Pick what information resonates with you for your riding and to improve your horse. No one person or resource knows everything. Have fun gathering information wherever you find it. That is the way of learning to be a good rider and horse person.

Above all, please do not blame yourself for being behind. You are never behind, and you are on a magnificent – and very personal – adventure with your horse. Enjoy every moment.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS