Gleanings

Denny Emerson..

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/amateurs-us-where-there

Natalie Voss

"I guess it just depends on the meaning of the word ‘there,’” said Emerson. “

’There’ for some Grand Prix dressage rider, or ‘there’ for Beezie Madden or Michael Jung, is a lot different than the ‘there’ of someone who’s trying to get their horse fit enough to do a 15-mile competitive trail ride. 

I think it’s about having a goal that’s realistic within your own physical realities—your physical condition, your age, the horse, your background.”

It sounds so simple, but I’ve realized the key is to set reasonable goals, not just for your career as a rider, but for smaller things like a horse show or a lesson. 

Part of what constitutes a “reasonable” goal, Emerson told me, is what the horse will tolerate—you have to have a horse who won’t be so stressed by the learning process that they revolt. 

You also have to recognize whether you have a trainer who can explain things in a way that they will “click” and allow you to reach those goals. 

And, perhaps most importantly, don’t overdo it.

“Look, who’s going to be a McLain Ward or a Mark Todd?” Emerson asked. 

“We all have to settle somewhere. As long as we’re doing a pretty good job, that’s fine. 

You don’t have to overstress and over-intellectualize. 

Pretty good done most of the time is pretty darn good, you know?”

And so it is.

as Dad used to say .."no hope.. no hurry."..
reality bites..
just love what you do..