I am writing this blog post now, after working or riding or being with horses every day since I have been out of school (that's June 1)... except for maybe two days. Today, I worked our annual non-profit HOOF (Horses Offering Opportunities for the Future) camp, and then I took a lesson today. So. Much. Sweat. I am exhausted.
But, even though I am exhausted, I will do it again and again. Why? Because working at the barn WILL make you a better rider. Here's how.
1. Endurance. If you are able to have a successful ride after working a blugillion hours at the barn, you will be able to handle any weather at a horse show. We can't quit simply because we are tired. We are not guaranteed 100% health on the day we show, so we have to prepare as best as we can. By working, riding, and working some more, we are building muscles in our legs, arms, back, and even our little brains are getting a workout. And guess what? You can use those muscles while riding. The barn is the ultimate workout, people!
2. Patience. Sometimes, lessons don't start on time. Sometimes, you are trying to help a child put away their horse and all you can think about is how you have five horses to get ready and only an hour to do it in. Sometimes, forty people are telling you to do forty different things. You have to be patient. Not only when you work, but when you ride as well. I don't get as frustrated as I used to when I am riding and a horse spooks--in fact, I find it hilarious and I try to be patient and understand that the horse is just trying to be a horse (which means hide from all real and imagined predators at all times).
3. Awareness. One of the coolest things about working is that you get to see other people ride the horse(s) you ride. Often times, I will watch lessons while I water, or as I am carrying tack to a horse's stall. It's nice to see other riders (especially really skilled ones) ride a horse you ride; it helps you see what works and doesn't work and lets you apply that to your own riding. It also lets you see how really dang cute your favorite horse is, which is also pretty nice.
4. Connection. The more time you spend with the horses, the more you get to know them and what makes them "tick". There are horses in the barn that I can tell are extra grumpy without even getting close to the stall. I can tell by the body language, the way they move around the stall, how alert they are, etc. The more we know about a horse, the better we can ride it.
5. Appreciation. Let me tell you, You appreciate a lesson 1000x more when you have to work for one. I think I value every minute that I am in the saddle, because I know how hard I work to be able to ride as much as I do. You do what you have to do for the things you love. I think everyone at some point should have to work to pay for one lesson; it definitely gives you a better perspective.
