Don’t close your heart to learning…there is always more in you.
The previous 11 chapters have been about learning new skills and attitudes. In this final chapter I help you to see how you can take these things forward, develop them further and integrate them into your life. Make this chapter the beginning of a new chapter in your own life. Even as the most knowledgeable rider on the planet we can still be a learning rider!
Figure 34 A Learning Rider
Being a “learner” has bad connotations in our society. We value achievements now rather than continuous progression and sustainability. We are constantly encouraged to want, and expect, more…now.
We may easily be able to change the way that things appear, but understanding doesn’t work like that. Deeper understanding comes from continuous refinement. There is always more to learn.
In the same way, appearances are never sustainable…they are always decaying…the only sustainable thing is what is created through understanding.
Direct interventions to change appearance are never sustainable. Sustainable change comes from understanding what makes the outside appear the way it does and what makes it better or worse. Work on eliminating the things which make it worse and develop the things that make it better. In this way we fix root causes and the results are sustainable. All quick fixes ultimately fail in the long term because they do not address root causes.
What is a learning rider?
A Learning Rider…
-accepts that the only thing they can truly control is themselves…and constantly works on that basis;
-believes that blaming, frustration and anger are counter-productive and achieve nothing. She works to eliminate them from her life;
-knows that true self control comes from consistency, self forgiveness and a continuous honing of understanding;
-knows that they are the creator of their own future and sees this knowledge as empowering;
-works towards enlightenment and recognises that achievement is often in direct proportion to the impediments blocking the way;
-always starts with the end in mind.
I asked my survey respondents “what are the most important attributes of a good rider?” Here are some selected responses:
“Empathy, patience, common sense and a sense of humour.”
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“To be generous, inquiring and demanding…all 3 are needed.”
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“The attitude that the horse’s welfare is foremost. Good physical conformation, fitness and ability to coordinate. A clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve and the knowledge of how to get there. A lack of ‘achieve at all costs.’”
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“Feel, temperament, right physique (long legs, short back – more a model than a dumpling), fitness.”
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“Feel. An independent seat. Good hands. Dedication to continuous improvement. Long tern commitment.”
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