4 Things Anyone Can Do To Be A Successful Rider
These five tips are super simple and easy to learn. If you are in this sport you will always want to be bigger and better than the others around you. This is just our human competitive nature. Some riders will progress faster than others but if you can master these five things you may become better in some aspects than others.
Be a good listener- This is by far the most important thing about the equestrian sport. If you are taking lessons you are paying someone for their time and knowledge so it is supper important to be a good listener. If we do not listen to our trainers and superiors you may not get better. This world is always changing and evolving so things can change over time. It is important to get different training techniques and practice to see which one works best for you. Being a good listener also means being an attentive listener to your horse. Though our horses do not speak english they will speak to us in other ways we just have to listen.
Have a work ethic- Equestrian sports are not easy nor cheap so you better have a good work ethic. Almost everyone I know in this industry has been a working student. It is important to work alongside farm staff or trainers so you can appreciate all the things that are done to make this all happen smoothly. It is also important to be self driven and motivated to get better. If you are having a lesson and only using 50% of your physical/mental ability you will have a hard time advancing in the long run. Now you will have good rides and bad rides but it is important to get on and plan to do the best you can. My biggest pet peeve is when someone is complaining the entire time we are having a lesson. Work hard and see the end results
Be responsible-This sport taught me responsibility at a very young age. There are alot of moving parts in this industry so it is important to know what is going on with you and around you. This also taught me how to own up to my mistakes. If you have done something wrong that could potentially put others in harm it is important to own up to your mistakes and ask how you can fix it. Horses are not cheap so if you are lucky enough to ride other people's horses it is of the most importance to be responsible with other people's personal property. Treat things as if they were your own.
Be nice to other- The horse world we are in today has been cruel and rude. It is important to be kind and generous to others. We all may not be able to afford the nicest things so it is important to keep others personal lives in mind. Every barn will have drama. It is just something we can not get around but it is very important to be the bigger person and not get involved no matter how much we would like to. I do not know a single person that wants to go to a barn where there is tension. Be nice to your fellow barn mates, riding instructors, staff and fellow competitors. We all have personal things going on that you may not know of.
If you can successfully master all of these techniques you may see a change in the person you are and the rider you will become. Remember to always be kind and offer a helping hand when you can. These will take you a very long way!
If you have any questions about these tip to becoming a successful rider or any other questions about riding, send us an email on our contact form and we will help you out