Knowledge is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to horses and riding.
There is no doubt that we need to read and watch and comment and form opinions. Thanks to the prevalence of media on the Internet, almost any type of information is now available to us. The horse industry is benefiting from this knowledge surge as much as every other industry.
There is good reason to work at knowing what you're looking at, especially in terms of horse and rider. Knowledge is a significant part of the learning process.
It does take an educated "eye" to be able to see quality - of the horse (conformation and movement), of the rider (aids and effectiveness and attitude) and of knowing that what you think you're seeing is actually what you are seeing.
But it's something else to actually do it.
Once you put some work in, you begin to realize the time and work it takes to develop yourself and your horse. Put yourself into the spotlight in any form (whether at a show, clinic, performance or even trail ride) and you'll understand the difference between knowing and doing.
It is during the doing of something when you understand that each moment of a ride is only that - a moment. Some days can be good days while others can be not so good. Sometimes everything falls together in perfect synchronicity while other times, each good step seems to require great effort.
However, it is only in the doing that we can truly learn and develop as riders and horse people. While knowledge is key, putting that knowledge into action is what horse riders live for - the struggles, mistakes, corrections and the momentary, momentous "feels" that come with achieving your goals.
The best part - while you're out in the ring busily doing, you'll amass even more learning. Because it is in doing that we really know.
So get out there and do something with your horse. And have a great time!
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
