3. Prepare, then prepare some more. Think of every possible scenario regarding your goal and walk yourself and your horse through all of them, as best you can. Then do it again, and again.
4. As many as you can, read horse books and watch horse videos. Then read and watch them again, and discuss them with others. There is always something to learn.
5. Watch your horse as he or she interacts with other horses. That is probably how he or she will want to interact with you. Then adjust your demeanor accordingly. Some horses respond best to a soft voice, others need firm, business-like directives. Make sure your horse is a good match for you.
6. Always wear a helmet. Always. I have seen far too many accidents, many at the walk and trot, to feel it is safe for anyone to ride without one.
7. Follow other basic safety guidelines, too. Keep your lead rope from dragging on the ground, check your girth or cinch often, make sure your equipment is in good condition. Constantly think the equine mantra: is this safe?
8. Have fun, and try new things. The very best riders can ride well both English and western. Try something out of your realm of experience, such as a Dressage or barrel racing lesson.
9. Make friends and encourage others. Then, your new friends will encourage you, too. Remember that you do not compete against others, but against your own best ride.
10. It’s okay have a bad day. If you’re smart you will learn something important, so smile and take time to digest what went wrong so you can come back better and stronger the next day.
Just like you, I have learned so much more during my journey with horses than just this. But I really, really wish I’d known all of these things when I was eleven.
ACTHA Monthly | August 2015 | 44
Trail
Talk
With
Lisa Wysocky
Lisa Wysocky is a horsewoman and clinician; a PATH instructor, mentor, and ESMHL; and the author of many books..
Find her at LisaWysocky.com
or on Facebook.
What I Wish I'd Known
When I was young, all I could think about was horses. From the time I stole a tiny, plastic horse from the farm set at my nursery school (I was two), horses were all I could think about. After years of raking yards and many summers of lemonade stands I finally saved up enough to buy a pony when I was eleven. From there I moved up to an Appaloosa mare and began to compete. Since then I have trained, instructed, and shown successfully on a national level, although I sometimes feel my journey with horses is just beginning.
I have learned a few things over the years, however, so I thought this might be a good time to share what I wish I’d known when I was eleven.
1. It’s okay to ask questions. In fact, never miss an opportunity to ask. It is the very best way to learn something that is important to you. Ask more than one person, then compare answers to develop your own opinion.
2. Set a goal, one that is doable. Your goal should not be winning a class, but more along the lines of improving your performance through the gate, or walking more quietly over the tarp. You might not reach your goal, but you will have learned something along the way. When you do reach a goal, celebrate!