Have you ever asked a question whilst also not wanting to know the answer? Well, I did last week when I said to the vet “Are we talking season ending or career ending?” Every part of me wanted her to say “Oh no, a few weeks rest and he will be fine.” but I knew she wouldn’t be saying that. Jack and I had a fall a couple of weeks ago and I thought we got lucky and both came out relatively unscathed but sadly that wasn’t the case. We have an MRI scan booked next week to find out exactly what is going on but it is looking like the end of our season at the very least.
It has been tough to process and deal with but horse riders are a tough breed, aren’t they….
So, this is what has been on my mind. Horse riding is a tough sport/hobby/obsession to have and I am truly amazed by the strength I find in the people in it. However, strength comes in many forms.
In my coaching work, I have met some of the strongest people, but universally none of them acknowledge their own strength. I would like to go on the record today to say this:
- Asking for help is strength
- Picking yourself up after a fall is strength
- Entering a competition is strength
- Not competing when you feel like something isn’t right is strength
- Sticking by a horse when things are tough is strength
- Admitting you aren’t coping is strength
And these are just examples from the last week.
Riding is not a team sport but it is a tough road to go alone. However strong you are, it is important to remember that we don’t have to do this alone. It’s important to find a decent support network to help you on the journey. This might be stable mates, riding club teams, family, friends, instructors, online friends, a coach….
How have you shown strength this week? Who is supporting you?
