Never Give Up
As a para rider I always have days where I'm feeling better than others. The past couple weeks have been more difficult for me physically. I tried to ride and my body just wasn't cooperating with me during my lesson last week. It's so frustrating to feel like I'm making progress, then take ten steps backwards.
What I love about this sport, however, is the relationship with the horse. Horses are remarkable creatures in their forgiveness for our mistakes and their ability to read our emotions. Their willingness to try again and again is what makes this sport so addictive. Knowing that the correct answer is only a few strides away, and having a partner willing to keep trying, is why this sport is so enjoyable. Instead of walking away and giving up in my lesson last week, I took it as a learning experience. Zotti pushed through with me and in our next lesson we had some great breakthroughs.
I live by the motto "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't." As a rider who was only introduced to horses for therapy recently, I continually remind myself to work hard to achieve what I want. Even though I didn't grow up riding, I am extremely grateful for the horses and trainers that have taught me so much in a short amount of time. Every horse I have ridden is like a puzzle to me; each one is different and requires a different approach, a different way to work my body, different aids, but with the same underlying principles. I have to truly think through every single movement to become the best possible rider.
As I continue my partnernship with Zotti I strive to face each day head on. Never give up. Dig deeper and always give 110% so I can become a more solid rider.
