Chestnut Warmblood Mare in a lunging caveson.
  1. Train inside your commitment. It is the foundation you build your house on.
  2. Stay focused on your commitment. Things do not always move at the pace we think they ought to. The tiniest bit of movement in the direction we are seeking is triumph.
  3. Everything you do generates experience and growth. We cannot learn and grow if we do not make those things we call “mistakes”.
  4. Stay open to learning and studying.
  5. Trust your instincts. Being too much in your head can stop you ability to be Mindful and in the moment.
  6. Money is useful but your attitude toward it can destroy your commitment.
  7. Be careful not compare yourself with the work of other instructors, riders, or trainers. You are enough as you are.
  8. Do not let the horse world dictate anything to you or anyone tell you that you cannot have your dreams. If you lose friends over your commitment then they were not your friends in the first place.
  9. Do not judge your work or riding to competitive standards.
  10. “Listen” to your horse. They know everything.
  11. Goals are separate from your commitment. Set direction but never at the cost of your commitment to the well being of the horse.
  12. And NEVER let anyone abuse you or your horse. No matter how knowledgeable or famous you may think they are. Look through the eyes of your commitment.

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I have been with horses for 51 of my 54 years. Once a competitive Jumper/hunter rider and trainer I left that world over 20 years ago. I am owned by a Hanoverian mare-Doerte and a very loving Andalusian gelding, Oliver. I am an animal communicator, energy clearer, Reiki practitioner and clinician. I help many people rehab abused horses and I give people the same care I give the horses. You cannot separate the two. I can be reached at [email protected]

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5 Comments

  2. This post comes at the perfect time. After a lesson full of “mistakes” last week, I was discouraged and feeling deflated. As a new, adult rider, it’s hard not to compare myself to the other riders and get overwhelmed at how much I need to learn. This was a great reminder to slow down and take one lesson at a time.

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  3. I am glad Grace. I don’t like to think of anyone feeling deflated while riding. There are no mistakes. Honest. Just a process. I refuse to let any student leave unempowered from a lesson. Love the process and the lovely company of your horse..Oh, and those of us that have been riding and training for as long as I have…we still make “mistakes” and learn every day. <3

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  4. I thought this was going to be one of those “funny” lists at first. But this is very well written. I love th 12th step because I treat my horses like my children.

    great list!
    Lisa

    Reply

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