We will be PERSISTENT: We will be willing to try, try again. We know that there will be more rides, more days, and the slow and steady approach always wins the “race”.
We will be OPEN-MINDED: We know there is something to be learned from everyone, even if to see proof of why or how NOT to do something. We will not be discipline racist, and be always aware that good riding is good riding is good riding, regardless of the saddle or style.
We will be PATIENT: We will be willing to wait to reap the rewards. We know that even if something falls apart today, there will be more days to come and small steps even backward are more beneficial than quick fixes or shortcuts.
We will KNOW WHEN TO QUIT: We will quit while we're ahead. We will ride for short periods of time to our highest ability and then call it a day. We will read our horse and ourselves to know when enough is enough.
We will be EFFECTIVE: We will seek maximum effectiveness with minimum harm. We'll make every step count, and resist overriding the horse for the sake of performance.
We will SELF-IMPROVE: We will regularly seek to upgrade our riding skills and general horse education. We will be willing to spend time, money, and humility in the quest for constant self-improvement.
We will SEE THE BIG PICTURE: We will enjoy the “work” and the path as much as we do the goal achievement. We know that each day and each step is as important as the other and is a natural progression in development.
We will HAVE ROLE MODELS: We will try to recognize good riding when we see it and seek to surround ourselves with those who will not only help us improve on a riding level, but also on a more personal and inspirational level as well.
We will PROBLEM-SOLVE: We will try to trouble-shoot through problems to come to gratifying solutions. We will add many tools to our “tool-boxes” and know there is more than one way to approach a situation. We will always be willing to try new things.
We will be HORSE LISTENERS: We will always put our horses first and listen to them through their body language. We will be sensitive to the feedback from our horses and adjust our responses accordingly.
Credit: Horse Listening and Katie Healey
http://frwdnrnd.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/ten-habits-of-competent-riders/
