Misty Hill Training

05/11/2024

“Choosing to look on the bright side can be very difficult.

👉I’ve gone to shows this year and wondered if I should even bother with the next one. I’ve heard things that made me want to quit because of someone’s opinion.

I show up anyways.

👉It’s not about anyone’s opinion. It’s not about winning. It’s about growing. If you’re struggling to tell yourself this. Just show up anyways.

👉You might be the person that lost your heart horse and you’re struggling to find the right fit, and you’re getting frustrated, tired, and you question yourself.

👉You might be bringing up a young horse, and every time you think he’s ready, you mess up, but you come back again.

👉You might have overheard somebody say something you didn’t want to hear. And you might have taken it like a shot straight to the heart.

👉You might be the person that came out of nowhere and blew everyone away. 👏Little do they know you have been working for YEARS. And you think no one saw you then.👏

You might be all of them.

No ones opinion matters. No buckle, trophy, ribbon, or check matters. Nothing matters if you are not there because you love your horse. Because you have a deep love for the sport. Because you get on your horse every day to grow. To make them better. To make yourself better.

You are there because you love it. People talk bad if you lose, and they talk bad if you win. Those aren’t your people.

When you think no one sees you. They do.

All those scenarios I mentioned. I’ve seen them. And I’ve been a lot of them.

When you think no one sees you. Somebody does. I see you. I see you try. I see you struggle. I see you grow.

Never give it up.

Stay strong for that one person that isn’t sure if they wants to keep going. They’re watching you. They’re counting on you.

But not to win. They’re counting on you to show up anyways. To not lose heart.

If you think I’m talking about you. I am. I’m talking about those people I’ve seen for years. And the one’s just starting out.

Be encouraged because someone keeps going because you kept going. Because of you, I show up anyways. Because of you I can’t give up.

I said it at the start and I’ll say it again. This sport is not for the faint of heart.”

-Author unknown

05/07/2024

Honestly, in the end, it's all about saying "yes" in the right moment.

04/26/2024

Great analogy. It pains me to see a rider pull the horses head in. So put on the breaks but expect the horse to go forward.
Push to the bit 🥰

Imagine the bit being in front of your horse’s mouth. Instead of pulling back, you want to push him forward into the bit for a softer, springier horse. - Phillip Dutton

Thanks to Cosequin Equine for our coverage of the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, including rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more.

04/26/2024

Yes ! It takes time. Set them up to be successful. Not confused they will never have the right answer. Most horses want to please. You just have to be their partner.

04/25/2024

Ride the horse. Enter the class.

04/24/2024

04/21/2024

Couldn’t say this any better…
If you’re only hearing what you want to hear; you’ll never experience true growth.

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak

04/15/2024

Training, Lessons, Evaluations and Sales
All Breeds and Disiplines Welcome
Specializing in Arabians
L

04/05/2024

If you know you know 😂

🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

04/04/2024

Let’s shift our prospective from blame to understanding and provide our horse with that care and support they really need.

Experience has thought me to teach this !

03/23/2024

❤️❤️❤️

03/16/2024

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