I WANT YOU!

Figured it time to throw some yak out here for the EDRA folk. This here is just a teaser, I will put start putting out info on the education page regularly for the EDRA member to view.

 

This goes without saying, but I will say it anyway- the smart and focused effort you put into enhancing you and your horse from this point forward will be reflected big time in you and your horses results this season. Sure there is some luck involved, but if you really pay attention you will see many riders that achieve great results year after year. That either makes them REALLY LUCKY or something else, anyone, anyone?

 

Now, I WANT U to strive for some great results. For everyone the definition of a great result will vary. Try to decide what that result would be for you, set that goal and be like that dog with a bone- do everything in your power to work toward achieving that goal. here’s one example of what I am doing to work toward a great result-

 

I am now studying a book on self discipline. A chapter spoke of building mental toughness and handling adversity by exposing yourself to, guess what? Adversity and uncomfortable situations. One of his suggestions involved exposing yourself regularly to cold temps. Why would anyone purposely expose themselves to an uncomfortable situation? When you think about it the answer is really easy, the more you are exposed to uncomfortable situations the more easily you can handle them. A couple examples-

 

We have a swimming pool down South. Through the cold months despite my best attempts to keep it warm it often is not. Who likes jumping in a cold pool? Not me, but a funny thing happens when I do. After a spell of not swimming in cold water I may stand there ankle deep dreading that shock diving into the pool. I know it is not gonna hurt me, I know I am not gonna die from it. It is just gonna be- anyone? UNCOMFORTABLE! and every single time after I do jump in I think, wow this is really ok. The other interesting thing that happens is with regular cold water swimming I have my mind right, my body has adapted and I just dive right in with no hesitation and git that swim done. pretty simple, with repeated exposure I adapted to an uncomfortable situation.

 

So what, you adapted mentally and physically to cold water swimming. Think about it though, I bet you will come to the conclusion that this same theory can be applied to distance riding- in a million different ways.

 

-At the EDRA clinic last weekend Celina and Robin carefully exposed your horses to uncomfortable situations. Bit by bit they became more comfortable and with repeated exposure I saw each one accept most any challenge quietly and confidently.

 

-those 2 last push ups when your arms are grubber are really uncomfortable, but will make you stronger physically AND mentally. The next time you do a set those last 2 will be easier, or you may push beyond that imaginary barrier.

 

-briskly grinding out those last few miles of a really hard ride when both you and your horse are tired will make you both physically AND mentally stronger. Anyone who has gone on training rides (or runs) with me can attest that my goal is to make that finishing portion fast and hard. There is where I feel the real training benefit and mental toughness is found. Next time will likely be much easier.

 

Then there are the really small things that in the end are not small at all-

-getting out on those really rainy days, even for a really quick run or ride. Even though it is UNCOMFORTABLE.

-having the discipline to make a long term effort to eat and drink right.

Baby steps like the cold pool may sound silly but believe me things like that are character building.

 

I have already gone on to long. My take away point- you all are extraordinary people with extraordinary horses. With extraordinary discipline and extraordinary effort you know what? You WILL achieve extraordinary results!

 

Here’s your homework assignment- post on here just one little UNCOMFORTABLE thing you intend to build on until it becomes more comfortable. Putting a goal to paper and making public will tend to enhance the follow through I think.

 

Giddyup and have a great season!