Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Credit due

I'm not writing this to toot my own horn or even to pump myself up.  I writing this for all of us that get stuck looking at the daily grind and forget to give ourselves the credit we deserve.  The credit for the beautiful care our horses get.  The acknowledgement of the research we do for the products we use.  Credence to the mental fortitude to be patient and not to resort to anger or hysterics in the most trying of situations.  Most of all, today though, I'm remembering to give myself the credit for the progress of my horse.

A few posts ago I acknowledged the 'winter training elves' and time off.  I always acknowledge my horse and how great he is, how hard he tries, his talent, his memory for the skills he learns.  I might talk about the things I am doing with him, but in my own head I never take that moment to be just a little proud.  I'm not talking hubris here, just that little pat on the back.  'Good job self, this horse has made progress, you have guided that progress, you deserve a hug.'
He didn't learn to canter like this all by himself
 Do you understand what I'm saying?

Last year was a struggle, I've talked about 'muchness' and confidence.  I've talked about learning to not beat myself up.  So, I guess the next step on this journey to healthy mental maturity is to move from the safe zone where I no longer berate myself into a zone where I am willing to recognize the good things I do with a horse.
Or to use his neck like this
Instead of looking at where we are in our training and feeling upset for not being further, I need to look at where we are in our training and throw a little party celebrating the journey so far.  Ok, so we haven't been to a USEA event yet, but we can do pretty solid shoulder in, we did win a jumper class, we can canter in a manner suitable for first level.  My horse's topline continues to develop as does his confidence.  These are all things that don't happen while he stands in his stall or pasture.  These are things that happen as I take up the reins, and I put on my leg, as I reward his effort I also need to reward mine.
Hello topline development not gotten while grazing
This is for all of you as well as myself.  Remember where you started, remember where your horse started.  In your journey to the finish line don't forget where that starting line was.  It is that distance between goals in which you can so easily get lost.  So, keep acknowledging the progress, keep readdressing the direction, and always remember to give yourself credit where credit is due.
Enjoy all the steps

18 comments:

  1. I love this! It's so easy, especially seeing everyone else's successes on the internet, to discredit yourself and all the hard work you've done.

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  2. i love it! pop the champagne and celebrate that progress! it's so important to acknowledge ourselves and enjoy every success, big or small :D

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  3. Agreed! I love this as well! We all need to take time to appreciate our accomplishments instead of harping on what we haven't done. In horses and other aspects of life. Well said! :) And you should be proud of how far you've come with Prisoner!

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  4. This is really awesome. I think taking a minute to pat ourselves on the back for even the tiny victories means a lot. We put a lot into the sport and these animals!

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  5. I love this post. I've been working hard to see the 'positive' in everything. It's not always easy, but it really is true.

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  6. I'm giving myself credit for those damn fine polo wraps. They are so perfect on him.

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  7. Great post! This is so important. Megan from A Enter Spooking wrote about how the next level up will never be enough and I took away from that that basically, we should be enjoying the journey, even though we will always try to be better and do right by our horse. It's a fine balance<3

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  8. I enjoyed this post and its so true!! Excellent way to put it. We all need this reminder from time to time

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  9. This is such a great reminder!

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  10. Oh. So much this... I need more of this in my own life.....

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  11. Great post! Definitely helpful during the winter blues

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  12. Well put! I've been trying really hard lately to focus on my successes rather than my failures. You've had a great year!! :)

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