Ride for the Shine
There is something to be said for simply riding for the pleasure of riding proper and progressing at your own speed with your horse. Sometimes, diving into competition increases the stress so great that the horse is driven to perform better, as with the rider, that the pleasure is lost. Why not simply ride for yourself? Ride your horse to bring out your smile and shine in the saddle. Ride your horse to bring out their shine as well. There is something to be said for the happy duo riding in harmony and for simply the sake of riding. It brings happiness and inspiration to the horse and rider as well as those around them.
How do you do this?
1. Decide on a discipline
First of all, decide what kind of rider you are. Don't forget to listen to your horse. Many horses do not like riding in the crowded arena. It's not a natural environment and sometimes there are disasters that can happen, destroying what you have been struggling for. Sometimes a horse is happier on the trails. Try to match you and your horse as best as possible.
2. Set a goal
What is it that you want to do? Do you want to just get some sun on your face, feel the wind in your hair? Or do you want to earn awards for your riding? Or is it beating others that brings out your true happiness? Be honest with yourself.
3. Be realistic
Deciding on what you want to do is one thing, but can you actually do it? Can your horse do it? Is it affordable? As much as we all want the finest of the finest, it is not feasible and may not be a good goal to set. You want to focus on what you can do.
4. Improve
It is one thing to just want to ride, but doing it properly is another. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, however once done, the ride is amazing! Learn, research, practice, and progress. This does not mean that you have to travel all over the world and ride with expensive trainers and coaches. The International Riding Academy offers some excellent courses with the opportunity to ride and video to learn with very knowledgeable coaches, trainers, and riders who have a passion and have studied intensively. This knowledge is extremely valuable. You can learn the rider levels or you can ride in different disciplines.
5. Keep going
While attaining a goal is wonderful and helps set that gratification deep within, don't stop. Try setting a new goal, perhaps level up and go again. Whatever it is, hope it leaves a smile on your face and lets you and your horse shine!
How do you do this?
1. Decide on a discipline
First of all, decide what kind of rider you are. Don't forget to listen to your horse. Many horses do not like riding in the crowded arena. It's not a natural environment and sometimes there are disasters that can happen, destroying what you have been struggling for. Sometimes a horse is happier on the trails. Try to match you and your horse as best as possible.
2. Set a goal
What is it that you want to do? Do you want to just get some sun on your face, feel the wind in your hair? Or do you want to earn awards for your riding? Or is it beating others that brings out your true happiness? Be honest with yourself.
3. Be realistic
Deciding on what you want to do is one thing, but can you actually do it? Can your horse do it? Is it affordable? As much as we all want the finest of the finest, it is not feasible and may not be a good goal to set. You want to focus on what you can do.
4. Improve
It is one thing to just want to ride, but doing it properly is another. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, however once done, the ride is amazing! Learn, research, practice, and progress. This does not mean that you have to travel all over the world and ride with expensive trainers and coaches. The International Riding Academy offers some excellent courses with the opportunity to ride and video to learn with very knowledgeable coaches, trainers, and riders who have a passion and have studied intensively. This knowledge is extremely valuable. You can learn the rider levels or you can ride in different disciplines.
5. Keep going
While attaining a goal is wonderful and helps set that gratification deep within, don't stop. Try setting a new goal, perhaps level up and go again. Whatever it is, hope it leaves a smile on your face and lets you and your horse shine!