Attitude is Everything

Murphy’s Law, what can go wrong will wrong, the bane of every equestrians life. Being a horse owner, where so much can potentially go wrong in any one day, being pessimistic can come easy. Does that mean that we need to emit of persona of woe is me? No!

It is true that things do not always go as planned, sometimes it seems more often so than not. Days are often long and flat out grueling in the equestrian world. Horses get injured, the barns water pipes freeze, our rides go bad, and this is just scratching the surface. However, the way we project ourselves onto others and onto our horses can have such a deep impact. To be fair to our horses, having the utmost positive outlook it vital in providing a positive learning environment.

Furthermore, so many barns are filled with aspiring equestrians and it is true that one must always be careful what you do, what you say and how you act. There are always other equestrians watching that can hear what you are saying and are observing your actions. Some of those people may be the braider down the ailse at a horse show, who has connections to the job lead you were looking to pursue, or it may be the young equestrian that looks up to you, wanting to be just like you, watching and mimicking your every move.

Ask anyone if they want drama in their barn;I guarantee the answer is no. The barn is our place of solace, our place of joy. So, it is then up to each of us, to promote a positive learning environment for both the horses’ sake, for the peace and happiness of others, and, even more, as you owe it to yourself. Choose optimism and positivity.

Sometimes we do not even realize small gestures we may make that bring about negativity. It can be the little comment such as I hate Mondays. Is it Friday yet!? That ride was terrible! I’m not a morning person. He did this or she said that. People suck. These may seem like trivial comments that are often said by many, but they are prime example of unnecessary negativity; negativity that no trainer wants to have to listen to by their students or in their barn, as they are not traits of a successful equestrian.

For a student looking to gain internships and future employment within the industry, any instructor or trainer will want to see positivity and a strong work ethic to feel comfortable to give a job recommendation. How can one be expected to honestly recommend someone for a job if we know that the applicant will walk around in constant doom and gloom or constantly complain? What does any employer want out of an employee? A strong work ethic, dependability, common sense, a solid foundation and knowledge of the skills needed for the job, trainability, and, you got it, an optimistic can do attitude!

Skills can be taught in the workplace, but there is no substitution for being a team player with an optimistic attitude.

So, next time you are ready to say I hate Mondays, think again. Is that how you want to portray yourself? Are negative comments something you want to hear if it was in your own barn? Heck, do you really even hate Mondays? Perhaps, it is true; some days are hard and not every day is rainbows and unicorns. Does that need to be vocalized though? Are there impressionable ears around you in the barn?

Even on a bad day, for me, any day spent with a horse is a good day. I feel honored every day to be doing what I do and I am grateful. A positive attitude will never let you down. Not only will others notice, but I assure you that you will see a change for the better in your horses if you can let go of negativity. Horses are sensitive, perceptive and a strong judge of character. Be the owner that your horse deserves and be the positive role model in the barn.