She recently participated in a Dressage clinic with Eddo Hoekstra, and had a great time, as well as some realizations that really apply to all of us. Below is a copy of the letter she sent to Eddo the day following the clinic:
I want to share with you a few things. Everyone in the barn thought you were the best clinician they had ever worked with. Everyone took something home with them. I was very pleased! Even the Barn owner wanted to sign up at the last minute! You were great with everyone. Thank you. :).
It was nice to have you over for the weekend and I spent some thought on our discussions about showing and the state of the horse world. When you asked me why I quit showing well It took my session with you at the end of the day and another 12 hours of thinking to put my finger on it exactly....although I think I already knew.
Ready (this should almost be a published article).
Riding is Like Star Wars.
When I was talking with you over breakfast and then we were having our session, I felt like young Luke Skywalker. You are Yoda. Balance. Feel the force.
Its so easy to go to the dark side, to bully crank and push our horses, and so much harder to just let go and wait for everything to balance worry about myself let my horse have a say land let great things happen. (moment of brilliance).
I realized at that moment why I quit showing. As a professional I was expected to go in the show ring and win. Often this is rushed by the owner of the horse. (Right now the people who own the Vanner keep asking me WHEN I am going to get on him) Well I just got him Friday he doesn't know me and I don't know him I like to take my time so we have a relationship based on trust. He is 3. I want him to feel confident and happy. It seems that in today's world the emphasis is on winning and money. Quantity not quality. Its a shame.
Anyhow thanks. The reason I quit showing is because I like to win and especially when faced with a paying client...who is expecting more, I will cheat. I will use the methods I know to quickly get the result (and marks) I need. I don't hurt my horses but at the end of the day their opinion is not considered I'm not riding true. I quit because I want to be a Jedi master. I want to take the time and Not take short cuts, Id rather work now on what we did and keep reminding myself to just balance and be quiet. So I can get more input in June from both Walter (Zettle) and hopefully yourself. More then I want to show and win ribbons.
I needed that.
It was nice to have you over for the weekend and I spent some thought on our discussions about showing and the state of the horse world. When you asked me why I quit showing well It took my session with you at the end of the day and another 12 hours of thinking to put my finger on it exactly....although I think I already knew.
Ready (this should almost be a published article).
Riding is Like Star Wars.
When I was talking with you over breakfast and then we were having our session, I felt like young Luke Skywalker. You are Yoda. Balance. Feel the force.
Its so easy to go to the dark side, to bully crank and push our horses, and so much harder to just let go and wait for everything to balance worry about myself let my horse have a say land let great things happen. (moment of brilliance).
I realized at that moment why I quit showing. As a professional I was expected to go in the show ring and win. Often this is rushed by the owner of the horse. (Right now the people who own the Vanner keep asking me WHEN I am going to get on him) Well I just got him Friday he doesn't know me and I don't know him I like to take my time so we have a relationship based on trust. He is 3. I want him to feel confident and happy. It seems that in today's world the emphasis is on winning and money. Quantity not quality. Its a shame.
Anyhow thanks. The reason I quit showing is because I like to win and especially when faced with a paying client...who is expecting more, I will cheat. I will use the methods I know to quickly get the result (and marks) I need. I don't hurt my horses but at the end of the day their opinion is not considered I'm not riding true. I quit because I want to be a Jedi master. I want to take the time and Not take short cuts, Id rather work now on what we did and keep reminding myself to just balance and be quiet. So I can get more input in June from both Walter (Zettle) and hopefully yourself. More then I want to show and win ribbons.
I needed that.
Cheers
Heather
(See it sunk in)
Oh yes and if you have been under a Rock somewhere and not seen Star Wars..Well you should watch it.
Heather
(See it sunk in)
Oh yes and if you have been under a Rock somewhere and not seen Star Wars..Well you should watch it.
This is of course the lovely horse that Heather was riding (though the pic is clearly from the summer).
Big thanks to Heather for allowing me to post her letter on our blog - I found it insirational and hope you do as well.
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