I often hear riders say, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.” It’s a tough place to get to and I am always grateful that these riders are sharing this and aren’t sitting in that feeling alone. The great thing about this sentiment is that it is born from frustration combined with a genuine desire to improve, but the fact is that there’s always another step to take, another lesson to learn, and another way to grow… Sometimes we just need help to see it.
Recently, I was left speechless by a video shared by Olympic event rider Ros Canter on Instagram. In the video, Ros rides her 20-year-old horse, Alfie, ‘perfecting’ her flying changes. Watching them, you could feel the bond between them, a testament to years of dedication, trust, and love. Ros commented, “How lucky am I to have a horse that still loves his work and can help me out like this with a smile on his face.” Her words resonated with me on a profound level. This wasn’t just a display of skill or success; it was a celebration of perseverance and the fundamental spirit to keep working hard to be the best.
Ros Canter, is World Number 1 and is working to get better! Despite her incredible achievements, she continues to strive for improvement, learning from her trusty, older horse. It’s a beautiful reminder that even at the pinnacle of success, there’s always room for growth. Ros’s journey with Alfie isn’t just inspirational—it’s a beacon of aspiration.
So, what can we learn from this? First and foremost, it’s the understanding that the journey never truly ends. No matter how experienced or accomplished we become, there are always new horizons to explore, both in our skills and our mindset.
For those of you who feel like you’ve hit a wall and have tried everything, I urge you to reconsider. The mindset of “I’ve tried everything” is often the biggest barrier to progress. If one method or coach didn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that another won’t. Just like Ros finding new ways to improve with Alfie, you can find new avenues to enhance your confidence and skills.
Mindset coaching, in particular, can be a game-changer. However, it requires the right approach and, sometimes, a bit of trial and error to find what resonates with you. It can sometimes be a case of timing too – you have to be ready to approach mindset coaching and ready to address confidence issues and mental blocks.
Different coaches bring different techniques and perspectives. The right coach can make a world of difference, just as the right training approach can transform your riding.
In conclusion, let Ros Canter’s journey inspire you not just to persevere, but to thrive. Embrace the ongoing process of learning and improvement, both for yourself and your horse. Remember that every rider, no matter how accomplished, has had a “stuck” moment. Keep striving, keep learning, and never lose sight of the joy that brought you to horse riding in the first place.
The best is yet to come. GO TEAM GB!
Come on Pie, you have 9 years more experience than Alfie, what have you got to teach me still….. xx
