We were lucky enough to spend time with dressage rider, author, motivational speaker, and (now) dancing queen Jane Savoie while attending Equine Affaire in Massachusetts last week. Her vitality, enthusiasm, and vibrant energy reminded us why TSB is so proud to have published her books, including JANE SAVOIE’S DRESSAGE 101, THAT WINNING FEELING!, and IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIBBONS.
Here’s one fabulous lesson from Jane’s winning playbook from IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIBBONS:
At one time or another, you’re going to get discouraged about your riding. This might happen when you think you’re just not making any progress; you feel like you’re taking two steps forward and three steps back. Maybe it happens when either you or your horse are sidelined with an injury. Perhaps you get discouraged because your horse is so good at home, but he’s inattentive or disobedient when ridden in a clinic or a show.
Your reactions are perfectly normal, and it’s fine to be discouraged for the moment. The problem only exists if you stay that way. The antidote to “getting stuck there” is to be resilient.
Resilience is an important quality in every area of life but it seems particularly necessary if you’re going to survive in the horse business. How many times have you been chugging along, smoothly working toward a goal, and then you show up at the barn and discover your horse is lame and needs a month off? How many times have you felt like quitting because you’re riding so badly? At times like these, your resilience—your bounce-back ability—will help you stay optimistic and ready to soldier on.
It really doesn’t matter what the challenge is. You can get knocked down in any area of your life as you pursue your goals. But getting knocked down doesn’t matter. You never truly fail unless you quit. And if you’re resilient, you’ll be able to bounce back after disappointment and stay in the game.
It’s normal to get discouraged from time to time. It only becomes a problem if you stay there emotionally. Obstacles and setbacks shouldn’t stop you in your tracks. Look at “failure” in a positive light. It gives you necessary feedback. It tells you what doesn’t work so you can figure out what does. Remember: You never really fail unless you quit.
Here are five tips for making resilience your “bounce-back” secret to success in the saddle—to be resilient you must:
- Have have a “fire in your belly” (a burning desire).
- Believe in yourself.
- Commit yourself to your goal.
- Be bold enough to dare to keep on “keeping on.”
- Use hurt, such as anger, as a motivator, rather than allowing it to become a roadblock.
You can get all of Jane Savoie’s fabulous books and DVDs from the TSB online bookstore, where shipping in the US is FREE.