In this episode, I'm sharing some recent experiences that opened my eyes to the inherent challenges and opportunities that each day presents. Tune into this segment to learn more about shaping your perspective around challenging circumstances and focusing on an opportunity-centric mindset.

A reminder to always be present

A few weeks ago, I was working with a reactive colt, and, well, let's just say things didn't go as smoothly as usual. I've been working with this particular colt for some time now, and I had been doing little things to help this horse be less reactive in certain situations–however, I still knew this colt had some reactive tendencies. Truthfully, no matter how much you work with colts, they are all going to have those reactive moments from time to time.

As I was brushing this colt, I brought the brush up under its belly and found myself in the wrong position just behind the back cinch, where I was vulnerable to a sudden kick. As I picked myself up off the mat and assessed the injury to my leg, I was quickly reminded of the power of being present. No matter how much preparation you do with a horse, you can never be too careful, especially around colts. In that moment, I got caught just going through the motions and not giving that horse the full attention I needed to to prevent that situation from happening.

Expressing gratitude for challenges

Every morning, I list out a few things I’m thankful for in my day planner. This routine helps me keep a positive outlook, even when challenging situations–like getting kicked–arise. As I sat in the house with ice on my leg, I was grateful for the lesson and reminder to be more present. I was also thankful for the opportunity that presented itself as a result of this challenge. This situation challenged me to consider how I allocate my time and energy each day, consistently evaluating my daily training routine to ensure that I am spending time on the things that matter most.

Appreciating new opportunities that arise from challenges

One opportunity that arose from this incident is delegation. In the past, the majority of my livelihood came from starting colts and training customer horses. However, times change, and so has my business. Currently, I find myself more involved in instruction and teaching fundamental horsemanship. With this shift, the way that I create value for my business has also shifted. This means that the way I spend my time each day needs to reflect the things that are driving my current business model.

Acknowledging that my current focus lies in instruction, I've been nudged to start letting others handle the more hands-on aspects of training, such as saddling, grooming or doing other chores. This incident with getting kicked was a great reinforcement of the need for delegation. Understanding and recognizing the need for these shifts in roles is a big part of the ever-evolving horsemanship journey.

Conclusion

Challenges are an inherent part of every day, and it's essential to view them as opportunities for growth. This incident served as a reminder to be present, especially when working with young or reactive horses. The reality is, every horse is unique, and every situation demands your full attention.