Trust Your Gut
In sport, there are many people involved in the game besides the individual athlete or the team. The typical roles involved in equestrian sports consists of the horse, rider, trainer, veterinarian, farrier, stable owner and staff members, mental performance consultant, and additional rider and horse care personnel. With many different individuals involved with the rider and horse at varying capacities, there comes many diverse perspectives, areas of expertise, and opinions. Sometimes, these roles collaborate and share a mutual understanding; other times, these roles conflict and carry vastly different opinions. As the horse owner, rider, or primary caretaker, how do you proceed?
It all comes down to who you trust with your horse as well as with your riding. Pick your team very carefully but remember that you also have a voice. Depending upon your level of experience with horses and riding, you may have to lean extra on your team of various equine professionals for direct assistance. In the meantime, further educate yourself by reading books, watching videos, asking questions, observing lessons, and being present while your horse is being worked on by their team of professionals. If you are experienced, know your horse well, and trust every member of your team, you have a valid say in the matter and should express your questions and ideas to your team as they arise. Your intuition about your horse and riding matters and you should never ignore it, even when someone you value holds the opposite opinion about the subject. Sure, there are times when we may be overthinking something, but you should never compromise your intuition for any reason. Always offer your perspective if you are feeling a certain way, and collaborate with your team for solutions. Lean into those feelings and communicate them with your team rather than staying quiet; you will find more clarity through exploring your gut feeling rather than ignoring it.
It can be easy to let go and listen to others who may know better, but don’t ignore your intuition if something doesn’t feel right. If you are warming up for a class at a horse show and your horse feels off in a way, don’t go in the show ring. If you feel like your pace and eye is on point and your horse is capable, take the higher jump options in the hunter derby. Know yourself, listen to yourself, and trust yourself. At the same token, know your horse, listen to your horse, and advocate for your horse. At the end of the day, you will likely know your horse best, and they rely on you to give them what they need. If you don’t appropriately advocate for your horse, then your riding will likely be put on hold. It’s natural to work towards a big goal and try to see it though, but sometimes horses have other plans. The unpredictability of horses warrants many changes; sometimes you plan to have a jumping lesson but find your horse with a swollen leg. Pay close attention to anything that may seem out of the ordinary and actively listen to your intuition. Your team of professionals are there for support, information, and intervention as needed. No matter what happens, always trust your gut about the situation and do right by your horse on every occasion.
Do you make many decisions for yourself and your horse, or do you let others take on that responsibility? Have you ignored your gut feeling about something and ended up being right about it in the end? Remember that your intuition matters and to listen closely to it, especially for the sake of your horses’ well-being and your safety. Take a few moments each day to assess where your horse is at and what is appropriate for them as you strive towards your riding goals. If you would like to speak more in-depth about trusting your gut, please let me know!
