A NATURAL PROGRESSION
As equestrians, we are part of a sport that is not a straight path of improvement, but rather one that follows a natural progression of peaks and valleys.
The positive is that from a personal growth perspective, your former peaks become your new valleys. I was first introduced to this explanation from a counselor years ago as I navigated the aftermath of divorce in my early thirties. This was one of the most trying times of my life as I was formulating a career, business school and emotional healing. Looking back, this professional was spot on in his description of the continuum of growth that applies to multiple aspects of life.
GROWTH IN EQUESTRIAN SPORT
I use the peaks and valley analogy to describe equestrian sport to other riders. All of us have experienced the elation of finishing a lesson when you nail every test and the disappointment when you feel you cannot complete a simple exercise correctly. I have been present with the strongest women when they have broke down to tears because of a perceived failure in their riding- a crash at a show, constructive criticism from a trainer or client, personal challenges in balancing home and riding. These experiences are not failures, but instead they are OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH.
RE-ROUTING
We must recognize that our sport is not easy. It is physical, mental, time consuming, expensive and relies on learning to bond, trust and communicate with an equine partner. With so many variables one must be adaptable. There are many ways to the top of the mountain and you might have to make some big decisions that will affect your current route. There are moments when the path is straightforward and other times when we are challenged with large decisions like changing mounts, trainers and even looking inward to assess your commitment level. When you are frustrated, always remember to look back at where you started. I can almost guarantee you that was feels like a valley, is in reality a former peak.
Always remember where you started…you have made progress through exemplifying shear fortitude alone!
Salut!