Horse, Rider, Coach – Common Denominator – Positive Mindset

Check, Yes!!!  You did it!!  Rock ON!!

Being a Performance Coach in the horse industry is fun, very rewarding, challenging, and a lot of work, but at times – hard on the heart! When a potential client approaches you and joins the team with the sole purpose of being competitive – they have no idea what is in front of them and how much determination and positive thinking it will take to move through the enormous challenges.

The first year – they absorb – and know they have a lot to learn – they are smart – they can tell within the first 90 days – there is a lot to this! Then they apply what they’ve learned – sometimes with great accomplishment yet sometimes with great fear, anxiety, confusion, all of which creates an environment within – that seems to create a lack of confidence. Realizing sometimes how much there is to the project, the objective; the goal of being competitive can be overwhelming.

Then – the tears. When a youth client looks at you with big ‘ole tears and says, “I am tired of it!” with much sincerity and sadness – it is hard – very hard. You understand – someone has to be strong in these situations and that someone is ME – the coach – that is why I’m a coach. When I look into those eyes filled with tears – I pull up the strength and the tenacity to say, “Everything you need is right between your ears” and “when you make a decision to change your “I am messages” from I am tired of it – to I am successful, I am doing this, I am capable, I am powerful – things will change!” And, then there is the long quiet pause where eyes are locked – and no more is said. The student regains their composure and goes off to do their thing – and you wonder… You wonder if they’ll continue after all the hard work, you wonder if they were able to hear the message “about changing the I am messages”, you wonder if they will survive this last huge challenge of overcoming and accomplishing their goals & objectives OR if they will quit – not make it. That is hard on the heart – and you pray for them with all the love you have in your heart. You pray for their strength, the tenacity, the fortitude to make it!

Within a week – everything changed! We had been having pretty good pattersn, we were getting close but now placing and then winning money and all is well…that is how it works. Works for all…right when you think you can’t do it any more – you go at it again with a positive mindset, mental attitude, and thought process and everything will turn around in a short amount of time.

There are many common threads among competitive horse people – we are strong willed, competitive, and we act as leaders to our 1200 lb animals and sometimes it’s difficult to think outside the “comfort zone” of where we are – so we can get to the next level. That takes practice and I’m proud to be a part of the push – as a performance coach. However, I do know my limits – and the biggest is – I can’t do it for them. I put the information out there and I stand beside them when they are strong and when they are feeling weak – but the bottom line is – it is up to them. So proud of this young lady – what strength – what tenacity – what drive – what amazing ability – so beautiful – so kind hearted and sweet – and NOW a competitor – getting stronger and more competitive with each passing day. Life is good! Congrats young lady – you did it!!

Ride Right,
With much gratitude,
Theresa
Email: TheresaThompsonTraining@gmail.com
479-633-GROW (4769)