Riding Instructor magazine Summer 2021

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Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

Summer 2021

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ARIA Official Suppliers and Sponsors Summer 2021 Published by: American Riding Instructors Association P.O. Box 366 Alton, NH 03809-0366 Tel: 603-605-5275 E-mail: aria@riding-instructor.com Website: www.riding-instructor.com

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Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

3

5 A Tribute to our Mounted Patrol Training

Officers Alan John Jacksonville, Florida

Rick Pelicano Frederick, Maryland

Ric Sutton Chesapeake, Virginia

Sue Zaybal Sandy, Utah

11 Sponsor Spotlight 14 Sport psychology

Ten Steps for Instilling Confidence in Riders While Saving Your Sanity Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach

16 Sport psychology

The Adaptable Equestrian Trainer Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach

18 Legal focus

When the Stable or Professional Parts Company with Their Clients Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

20 Business matters

Hire Slow, Fire Fast 10 tips For Successful Interviewing

By Doug Emerson

22 Business matters

Selling Your Business

By Carol Gordon, CPA

23 Business matters

Imitation is Not Always a Form of Flattery – The Professional Ethics of Using Other People’s Work

By Peggy S. Brown

26 Steady Up There, Little Monkey

By Didi Arias 28 When Quitting Seems Fitting

By Lydia Fairchok 32 What’s new 34 Influenced Behavior

By Christine Olsen

Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

35 Cameo’s Cauldron

YOU ARE UNIQUE

By Cameo Miller

started to use them in the early 1990's. Now they are everywhere and being used in civilian obstacle challenges. The key is to observe something and have the ability to see it as a challenge instead of an obstacle.

The other thing that I would like to express so that people understand what we do is we have to adapt to what we have available. That sounds obvious, but I have trained in Virginia, Wyoming, Utah, Florida, California, Montana and Idaho. I have a lesson plan for basic mounted patrol and another for advanced. Of course, everyone asks for the advanced course. The skills are very similar between the basic and advanced, the difference is that the expectation for success and the distractions introduced are more complex. Every class ends up with its own personality and the location, equipment and skill levels dictate how the class will go.

A Tribute to our Mounted Patrol Training Officers Some of ARIA’s Level III Mounted Patrol Officers tell us about their work.

Alan John Jacksonville, Florida

In Riverton, Wyoming we had the full support of all the emergency services, so we had the firetrucks with water cannons shooting at us for crowd control. (It was almost 100 degrees and this was a good way to cool everyone down in the late afternoon.) In California we had a helicopter available, so everyone got to touch the skids of a hovering chopper. In Wyoming we have had field trips down to a local grade school to get the exposure of the masses of kids petting the horses. If we found a construction site along the way, we relished the additional exposure and the standard line is "We spare no

I have found most mounted instructors have built their skills from a variety of sources. As in leadership and general po-

What I have found from teaching across the

lice work, take the best from each source or

country is that there are many different tac-

discipline and use it where it fits for you. I

tics and protocols used regionally. In some

see some instructors rely heavily on English

states officers can patrol solo, while in oth-

or a dressage background, while others rely

ers they must be in two-officer teams. Some

on a western style. I have been fortunate to

departments use mounted patrol actively to

learn from Ray Hunt and take courses em-

manage crowds and conduct police work,

bedded with the RCMP. I have taken English

others use them as a community policing

dressage lessons and ridden western cutting

tool and officers are relegated to public rela-

horses. I am known to be incredibly unorth-

tions duties. There is no "one right answer",

odox and think out of the box. As far as I

as in everything we do, we have to adapt to

know, I was the first person to use air danc-

the community we serve.

ers as a mounted patrol distraction when I

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

5

Feature foot soldiers gave multiple orders over the loud speaker.

Even more amazing was the aftermath of this event. It made the front page of the paper (of course) and then the letters to the editor came in about how many people were injured and how reckless it was for the police to bring the horses into a situation like that without training, etc. This is where all our years of work and community policing came in to pay us back. We have a robust Citizen's Mounted Unit - 30-45 citizens who volunteer their time to help patrol special events and downtown in the summer. One expense on your training" as if we planned

own mace and the crowd was getting worse.

of those individuals worked at the hospi-

it. In Sheridan, Wyoming we found a train

An officer asked if the horses were still

tal. They reported zero cases being taken

right along our path and several challenging

available. We drove to within two blocks of

to or reported to the emergency room (in

bridges to navigate.

the party - now riot - and rode in. We de-

an unsolicited letter to the editor). The best

veloped a hasty plan with the supervisor to

letter came from the most unlikely source.

All mounted patrol relates back to good

clear the crowd and give them a direction

A former CMU candidate who was a great

horsemanship. If I can teach anyone good

to disperse. Three officers on horseback

volunteer, but whose horse was not suit-

horsemanship and the trust between horse

rode in and cleared about 150 people in the

able, wrote a letter to the editor that had the

and rider is high, then they probably will not

front yard and porch of a small house in

most profound effect. She reported that the

have many problems when they encounter

about 90 seconds. There were people hang-

officers did train for such events and occur-

obstacles or new things. The rest of a class

ing off the porch, music was blaring, and

rences and in fact she had participated in the

is dedicated to exposing the pair to increas-

the crowd had refused to disperse after the

training. She was not on the unit because

ingly more difficult stimuli so that they can

her horse failed to demonstrate the type of

practice their basic horsemanship skills

demeanor necessary for success in those sit-

in control. I ride and train western, so my

uations and did not pass the end of course

words and phrases match my style. The rider must keep the horse between their hands and their feet. If the horse starts to react to a stimuli in one direction, then he needs to be refocused to the task of being straight and centered. The difference between a police horse and a bicycle is that the horse has a heart and he will make up the difference for you if you have shown him that you care.

A horse does not care how much you know until he knows how much you care. A bicycle is just there.

My most unforgettable experience was after a 4th of July fireworks display. We worked through the display and were preparing to go home after midnight. As we

The difference between a police horse and a bicycle is that the horse has a heart and he will make up the difference for you if you have shown him that you care.

A horse does not care how much you know until he knows how much you care.

A bicycle is just there.

test. She was a prominent local citizen and horse person. After that letter was printed, not another word was said and no complaint was ever filed against the officers or the situation. Mounted patrol enrollment increased significantly since then and the civilian unit is still strong after 26 years of service.

In closing, our most important goal in mounted enforcement training is to keep the units and the legacy of mounted police work alive. Everywhere there are budget cuts. Everywhere technology has taken a leap forward and the uneducated are skeptical of the value of the mounted unit. I have given hundreds of hours and still consult with interested civilians, instructors and

loaded the horses in trailers to go home,

administrators to advocate for mounted

a call came about an out-of-control party

units nationwide.

where an officer had been sprayed with his

6

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

What are the requirements to be a mounted officer?

So first and foremost a person must want to be a police officer. Once hired, the officer has to complete and graduate; then the officer has to complete field training, which is at least another 3 months. Once that is over the officer is assigned to a patrol squad, working in a car. Mounted Patrol is a specialty unit. Officers wanting to go there have to wait for a vacancy and then apply for the position. Once accepted, the officer has to complete the basic mounted class, which is ten weeks plus two additional weeks in field training. Officers learn all aspects of horsemanship including: first aid; recognizing and treating medical issues; horse transport/driving truck and trailer; stable duties; and of course riding and cleaning tack. No prior horse experience is necessary. Once they graduate from mounted training, they are assigned a horse suitable to them. That

Rick Pelicano Frederick, Maryland

the pre-crime unit is trying to figure a loca-

means the new officers get assigned a more

tion of a murder when the vision of mounted

veteran, experienced horse.

police near a park was revealed. Hard to believe it took two days to do that one scene.

Officers who want to be a mounted officer have to understand that they might not work

You asked my best and worst day on the job - Any day on a horse is a best day. Being a

The worst day was always the day we had

a regular schedule. Assignments and details

training officer, my best days were always

to put a horse down. Being on the job for

are often at odd times and often require an

teaching new riders and best of that was

36 years, it never was good and one time

early start or working late in the evening.

graduation day. It was always a best day to

is too many times, anywhere from severe

Weekends off are not a given either. Even

see new officers graduate and carry on the

colic to a broken leg. One day was partic-

though we don't work in extreme weather, we

tradition. It made me proud to see that I was

ularly bad. We just picked up a new horse

do work in hot or cold times of the year. Some

able to bring them along.

that we brought in on trial. When we bring

officers simply prefer the comfort of having

a new horse in we always turn him out with

a heated and air-conditioned patrol car. The

Other best days were the opportunity to do

a “babysitter” horse in a small paddock.

job is not for everyone. Cleaning stalls and

other things outside normal patrol. Training

We choose our veteran horse that gets

fixing fence lines is not for everyone.

with other agencies was always on the top of

along well with others. After turnout and

the list. We often supported US Park Police

things seemed to be fine, I went on about

for large demonstrations in Washington,

my business and then came back about

D.C. as well as Presidential Inaugurations. I

an hour later to check on him. He was on

What do you wish the general public understood better about you and/or your horse?

was also fortunate to be in the mounted unit

three legs, and it looked bad. The vet came

I will answer this for the general public who

when we were asked to provide mounted

immediately. The poor thing had a spiral

are not horse savvy. I've seen and heard all

security at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta

fracture. He wasn't on the job for 2 hours.

kinds of preconceived notions that simply

Georgia. That was an unforgettable experi-

Fortunately the owners who donated him

are not accurate. So here is one particularly

ence. However, dealing with the Georgia clay

understood what happens with horses.

crazy incident. I was with my horse at a

on our gray horses was no fun. We also got

large street festival. I was dismounted and

a call to send two mounted officers to play

Retiring a horse was also a bittersweet day.

talking with a group of people when one

a small role in the movie Minority Report.

You hate to see them leave but are happy to

lady asked me why my horse was standing

There is a scene about 15 minutes in where

find them a good home.

on one rear leg with the other relaxed. You

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

7

Feature all know how they stand like that…humans do the same thing. So I pointed out that we humans stand like that too, and the horse was just standing relaxed. That was not acceptable to her however, she asserted that the horse was lame and I should not have him on patrol. So the next day, animal control shows up at the barn because the lady filed a cruelty complaint on me. Fortunately the animal control officer knew it was bogus but had to respond anyway. So please understand our horses are well cared for. For my department, we have plenty of turnout, plenty of hay and a regular schedule with our vet. We don't patrol in extreme weather, and we don't put lame horses on patrol. Our vet is always available for emergencies.

Guess what…horses sleep lying down! This was a recurring incident. Our turnout pas-

trailers were parked in the open, we would

a day especially if we have new ones in for

leave two officers with the trailers to dis-

training.

courage shenanigans by the ne’er-do-wells.

Mounted officers also have to fulfill the

tures are next to a roadway that has heavy

What’s a typical day at work like?

rush hour traffic. So folks often sit in their

Officers have to report to the barn to start

That means annual in-service training and

cars waiting at the light and gazing at our

their day. Whereas our patrol officers (in

firearms training. The mounted unit also

horses. Well, we all know horses lie down, es-

patrol cars) could simply start their day by

has annual in-service training as well as pe-

pecially on a nice spring day in the warm sun-

being in their beat. Depending on the day

riodic training for preparing for a particular

shine. So we would have panicked citizens

the officer may have a specific assignment,

detail or assignment. In addition to train-

coming to the barn to report a dead horse or

sometimes specific patrol areas, or simply

ing requirements, officers have regularly

two. It was humorous but often tedious when

patrol our areas. Mounted officers did not

assigned court dates as well as other court

an officer would have to go out and prove to

have geographic beats. A bike trail may

dates that come up.

the citizen that nothing was wrong.

pass through numerous beats. So areas for

same requirements as any other officer.

mounted were: developed and undevel-

We also have other details and assignments.

So now for our general horse people: We

oped trails; regional parks; downtown city

One of our duties is crowd control. That has

transport our horses tacked, except the bri-

patrol; or specific problem areas known as

required officers to be at the barn as early

dle. That concept is foreign to many horse

directed patrol. We have full-time barn staff

as 3 AM, or working an evening detail they

folks. But we are in and out of the trailer all

who usually would have the officer’s horse

may not return to the barn until 3 AM. Any

day. There is nothing unsafe about it as long

tacked and ready to go. In the event they

anticipated long detail requires bringing

as the girth is reasonably snug. We also put

weren't available, the officer would prepare

adequate feed, hay and water.

the bridle on when we get to our patrol area,

his/her own horse. Then hook up the trailer,

while the horse is on the trailer. That way

load and transport to their assigned area.

when he backs off the trailer, he's ready to

Officers often go to multiple areas during

What are some memorable experiences?

go. For some horses, trying to put a bridle

the day so police horses are on and off the

Mounted policing offers many opportunities

on outside the trailer might lead to a loose

trailer all day. Our horses all self-load! That

that patrol officers are missing. Being used

horse. During one crowd control operation

eliminates the necessity for a lone officer

for crowd control we have had many oppor-

in Washington, D.C. we were assigned to be

walking the horse on the trailer and risking

tunities to interact with other units. We reg-

a reactionary unit and respond to any prob-

the horse backing out after the officer ex-

ularly worked large details in Washington

lem areas quickly. That required the horse

its the trailer. At the end of the day, officers

with mutual aid agreements with US Park

to be fully tacked including bridles and

come back to the barn about an hour before

Police and Metropolitan D.C. as well as with

face shields. When we responded we could

shift ends to care for their horse, clean the

other surrounding jurisdictions. In 1996 we

quickly get unloaded and respond immedi-

trailer, and clean their tack. For training

were requested to provide mounted security

ately. For this type of incident or anywhere

officers, we might be riding several horses

for the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

8

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

odor created by my body wrapped in Kevlar and the sweat dripping from under my helmet. Our horses stood three-legged in the roadway, already too worn out from the evening’s activities to be concerned with

The job of a Mounted Cop or Patrol Horse isn’t all parades and smiles.

It is often quite dangerous.

their surroundings.

Forrest, Joel’s horse, was a veteran mount and was usually unflappable. Jusino, my mount, only had a year on the street but he was steady and reliable. Both had been tested repeatedly already that night and they were done.

I had just dismounted to clean up after Jusino when the dispatcher put out a call for a large fight in the 300 block of 18th Street. Joel answered that we were responding. I swung into the saddle and collected my stirrup as we trotted toward

Ric Sutton

the fight. Immediately, the dispatcher an-

other shooting just two blocks away. We

Chesapeake, Virginia

nounced a possible subject brandishing a

worked back and forth across the street and

firearm at the crowd on the Boardwalk at

sidewalks for the next hour to clear enough

17th Street. Boot-to-boot as we had prac-

space for medics and crime scene person-

It can be dangerous. Mid-April on the

ticed, we turned and headed for the gun

nel to do their jobs.

Virginia Beach resort strip - the heat was

case. As we trotted across Atlantic Avenue,

stifling; there was no wind in the canyon

three rapid gunshots sounded from about

During the remainder of that shift we rode

created by the high rise hotels and build-

15 yards behind us. The crowd screamed

to two more active shootings and twelve

ings on Atlantic Avenue. It was “College

and people started running in every direc-

more fights. Our horses were struck by

Beach Weekend” and the crowds were

tion. The training effort that we had put

people and thrown objects during these

huge, rambunctious, and aggressive. We

into our horses paid off when they both

events. The job of a Mounted Cop or Patrol

had already assisted with several fights and

turned and headed toward the sound of

Horse isn’t all parades and smiles. It is of-

arrests by ground forces and had joined the

the gunshots. We crossed the street and

ten quite dangerous.

rest of the ten rider unit to break up a men-

found the security guard from an ice cream

acing and violent crowd on the Boardwalk.

shop had been shot in the leg. The shooter

The shift was still young.

had disappeared into the crowd. Joel dismounted, grabbed his first aid kit, started

Sue Zaybal

My partner Joel and I had been in the sad-

medical treatment including putting a

dle for almost five straight hours. Our only

tourniquet on the victim, and called for an

breaks had come when we had to dismount

ambulance. I took Forrest’s reins and cre-

to clean up after our horses. The crowds

ated a barrier with the two horses so that

Once upon a time, I had a horseman’s dream

were shoulder to shoulder from curb to

Joel would have a safe place to work. As

job. In 1981, in a twist of being in the right

wall along the sidewalks and spilled over

soon as enough ground officers arrived to

place at the right time, I was offered the job

onto the street. We were posted up in the

manage the crime scene Joel remounted

of caring for the Atlanta Mounted Police

100 block of 18th Street with our backs to

and we headed to Atlantic Avenue to keep

horses & stables. Hard work & dedication

the Boardwalk in the vain hope of an ocean

the crowds back.

commenced. Fast forward to 1986 when

breeze to cool us and our sweaty mounts.

Sandy, Utah

the training officer resigned. The unit was

The aroma of horse sweat mingled with

As we rounded the corner, we were met by

left without a “volunteer”. So I raised my

the car exhaust, stale beer and marijuana

a couple thousand screaming and yelling

hand & said “I’ve taught lessons in the

smoke provided some respite from the

people that were running away from an-

past.” I became the new trainer. I was still

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

9

Feature able to bring a horse from Atlanta, but never to worry. It’s always a real learning experience riding horses you’ve never ridden before, especially in an environment like Mardi Gras! I always learned so much from the group of instructors who led that school.

One year, the Sergeant of the unit asked me if I would like to be one of the instructors. What an honor! Teaming up with some of the other previous instructors, we always tried to offer the best, reallife learning environment for anywhere from 30-60 riders & horses.

There was no other mounted school like it in the country. I loved being able to work with the officers & civilian patrol riders who had come to participate. It was always satisfying to help someone who was having a specific riding issue or who needed to learn something no one had ever taught them to do before. I loved it.

Due to budget constraints in the early 2000’s, mounted policing went away for a few years in Atlanta. I had to give up my dream job, but Mobile continued to ask me to help instruct every spring. I did it Sue Zaybal on a young horse leading a column of two’s with Sgt. Eddie Carr of Mobile Mounted Police. Mardi Gras, c. 2009.

for several more years, always looking forward to working with new or returning students. And I kept catch-riding, going downtown at night for crowd control on various horses that were offered to me.

a civilian employee and would continue to be so throughout my

The teaching & learning always went together, and it was some of

tenure with APD. I saw officers & horses come & go; some were

the most fun I’ve ever had on horseback.

really good at this line of work, and some washed out. And when you teach, you also learn.

In 1991, after a horsewoman friend & mentor of mine told me about ARIA Certification, I decided to attempt the Mounted Patrol L2, along with Hunt Seat L2 exams. In those days, there was an ARICP seminar in the early fall in Cherry Hill, NJ, and part of it involved test-taking for those wishing to challenge the exams. I studied hard, I even got back into taking lessons, to help put me in the position of a student again. It was challenging, but a few weeks later, I got the great news that I passed both exams and was now a certified instructor! A few more years fast forward to 1994, and I decided to attempt the L3 Mounted Patrol exam. Again, studying and getting some pointers from contacts I’d made in the industry, I passed the L3!

I had the privilege over the years of being able to attend several work. One of my favorites was the Mobile Mounted Police Mardi Gras School, held to coincide with Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama.

The 8-day school was set up so that we all trained together with the horses at the Mobile facility during the day; then as each rider/horse team was ready, they were invited to go downtown for mounted crowd control during the parade that night. They were long hours, but the team camaraderie was our focal point, as we had to work together to watch the crowds. For several years, I was the student during the school. I always “catch-rode”, as I wasn’t

10

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

ructor.com www.riding-inst

training sessions and competitions exclusively for mounted patrol ion Official Publicatn Riding of The America Association Instructors

Spring 2021

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Sponsor Spotlight

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11

Sponsor Spotlight

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Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

and find their next saddle at wintec-saddles.com

American Riding Instructor Certification Program

QUICK TEST CENTER APPLICATION P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R LY A N D F I L L I N A L L B L A N K S

Miss Ms. Mrs. Mr. First name:

Middle initial:

Address:

City:

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(evenings):

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State:

Select your Level Circle one of the following. You do not need to start at Level I if you wish to start at a higher level and have the necessary age & teaching experience for that level.

Level I Instructor in Training (18 years old minimum, no teaching experience required).

Last name: Zip: Fax: Age:

Number of years teaching riding:

Apply early! Space is limited!

Test for first time in one or two specialties, at Level 1 or 2: $595.

Add $350. per specialty beyond the first two.

Add $200. per specialty to test at Level 3.

Level II

Re-testing (after first time): $350.

Private testing: Add $250.

Change of Test Center date: $250.

Payments are non-refundable.

Choose your own test date!

Instructor of Beginner through Intermediate (21 years old minimum, 3 years of teaching experience required).

For private or group testing, contact aria@riding-instructor.com

Level III Instructor of Beginner through Advanced (25 years old minimum, 6 years of teaching experience required).

Earning your ARIA Certification is an important step in your career Register online at www.riding-instructor.com

Select your Specialty Check one or two of the following. There is an additional fee of $350 per specialty to test in more than two.

Distance Riding: Endurance & Competitive Dressage

Recreational Riding Reining Riding to Hounds Saddle Seat

Driving

Please note

Advance Registration Required

1. Please register at least 30 days in advance in order to have Call (603) 605-5275, e-mail aria@riding-instructor.com or visit sufficient time to receive your acceptance package and prepare. www.riding-instructor.com to register.

2. Testing at your location may be arranged for six or more Note: Membership in the ARICP requires that you honor and instructors. uphold the integrity of your certification.

Show Jumping

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Register online at www.riding-instructor.com Please contact ARIA at

aria@riding-instructor.com for latest list of test centers.

ARICP—PO Box: 366 Alton, NH 03809 Tel 603-605-5275 • e-mail aria@riding-instructor.com • Web www.riding-instructor.com

Check

Sport psychology

Ten Steps for Instilling Confidence in Riders While Saving Your Sanity Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach The life of a horse (and rider) trainer is your

frustration, you lash out with harsh words

It’s time to remember why you do what

dream come true. It’s what you’ve always

during a lesson. But, with your words, you

you do. It’s time to have compassion and

wanted. But some days, the reality of the

hurt the people who have put their trust

to be adaptable to every student. It’s time

life you’ve chosen is tough. A horse doesn’t

in you to help them realize their dreams.

to be aware that your words can undermine

want to change leads, another one kicked

Scars from cruel words spoken or even

every lesson you have taught your student.

out the boards in her stall, you’re running

kind words withheld hide in the unseen

It’s time to manage each student’s learning

low on hay (again!) and teaching your

places of the heart. Your client also faces

methods and create a solution for each

students is a lesson for YOU in patience.

frustration and hides unseen scars from

horse and rider combination.

life, loss, divorce, broken promises or an Why don’t they do what you have told them

aging body. They harbor scars from being

In my book, “The Power to Win,” I include

to do over and over again? It’s so simple. In

loved only for what they can do.

a chapter titled “Your Expectations: From

14

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

Mistakes to Peak Performance.” In it, I

good enough. Don’t let them wallow in

As the trainer, you have the responsibility

outline steps you can take and ideas for

negative self-talk or, for that matter,

to instill confidence in your riders. Try to

helping your students to excel as you want

negative talk from you. Now is not the

remember that they seek your expertise

them to do.

time to focus on past mistakes.

and they are not pros – they are amateurs with a dream. Help them fulfill that dream

Everyone makes mistakes but it’s crucial to

• Kindly

point

out

self-sabotaging

and your dream to be the trainer with

release the past. Has beating yourself up

patterns. Do you have a rider who looks

ever made you feel better? Has it ever made

down all the time or always rides with

you or your students ride better? If you

her reins too long? Improper muscle

Need help addressing your challenges or

answered no, this article is for you. Check

memory can create improper patterns.

achieving your goals? Sessions available

out the 10 steps below to get you both on a

Bad habits are difficult to change; the

in-person, via Zoom, or by phone.

positive track toward achieving their peak

process involves consciously thinking

performance in the saddle and your peak

about how you are moving and feeling.

performance as an effective trainer.

You have the practiced, keen eye as the

successful students AND a kind heart.

trainer; help them understand that their • Start with not condemning yourself for mistakes made in the past.

• If you’ve been unkind to someone,

learned muscle memory needs a tweak.

Products: www.summitpress.net

I suggest your students practice a new

Sessions: www.summithypnosis.com

skill for 21 days. Anything less will not

email: SummitHypnosis@gmail.com

result in a true learning experience.

phone: 561-841-7603

apologize. If you failed to fulfill the promise you made to your student, take steps to fulfill that promise.

• Focus on their success. Help them remember things they do well and suggest they visualize those positive

• Make sure your students are focused on

experiences. What you think about is

achieving positive results. Rephrase your

what you become. Remind them how far

language. If you tell your student to quit

they have come and that each learning

missing the lead or stopping at a fence,

experience builds their knowledge.

then that’s what they focus on. Instead, explain the steps they need to change the

• Have them repeat positive affirmations

lead or sail confidently over the fence.

aloud. I like this one: I am grateful and

Help them ride with confidence. We all

thankful for every experience of the past,

know horses pick up on nervousness

and for everything connected with those

and your positive words will help your

experiences. I find it easy to let go of my

students calm down, focus and hear your

fears. I forgive myself for every mistake

words.

I have ever made. Life goes on and so do I. I am stronger than anything life can

• Help them understand that stressing

offer.

about what others think of them or worrying about things over which they

• Suggest they mentally rehearse the test

have no control like the weather, an early

or the course. Use all the senses. Does the

morning ride time, someone walking

saddle creak? Hear the sound of a clear

their horse too near the fence or a dog

three-beat canter. Imagine the smell of

that may run into the middle of the ring

the fly spray or the horse’s mane.

does nothing to help the situation.

• Have them imagine a rider they admire.

• Help them focus on the present. If they

Do Laura Graves or Beezie Madden or

obsess on the jump with the liverpool

Isabell Werth instill awe? By imagining the

or the half-pass to the left later in

person whom you want to emulate, you

the pattern, they aren’t riding every

have a vision of the performance you desire

stride. Help them know that they are

and you model that excellence.

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

15

Sport psychology

The Adaptable Equestrian Trainer Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach My how the world has changed. Whatever

You didn’t think about it because it had to

• You saw an opportunity to create some-

your experience since the arrival of Covid

change. What else can you adapt to without

thing new or to pivot in a different direction.

19, the world has changed and we have all

even noticing?

• Your capacity for adaptability is what sep-

changed with it. You see, you are Adaptable.

We all learned together, as a global human-

Adaptability is Crucial to Your Success Last year, you adapted to: 1) A once-in-a-lifetime, seismic shift in the world.

Change happens in every moment. Being

2) Your thinking and behavior chang-

adaptable to change is crucial to your suc-

ing, at least temporarily and maybe

cess as an equestrian trainer.

permanently.

3) An altered sense of timing and travel as

Was your barn closed for a period of time?

nary moments or extraordinary times. You just need the powerful tool of adaptability to

habits. Have you realized how easy it is to change when change is required?

Meeting a moment with openness and creativity is what leads to success during ordi-

ity, to wear masks, stand apart, wash our hands more often. We all changed our daily

arates you from the others.

everyone’s schedule shifted.

Did you completely redo your schedule and

keep you open to change.

Life Was Always Uncertain People talk about uncertainty these days as if it’s new—as if it came on the scene with the novel coronavirus. The reality is that life has always been uncertain. Uncertainty is

stay in one location? Things you adapted to

And Bonus points for you when:

quickly included tightened barn protocol,

• You found ways to continue to move for-

redoing your scheduling, no shows. Maybe

ward with what needed to get done.

We never can say what the day will bring, so

you learned to do remote training, it all just

• You realized you needed to do something

we need to be prepared for anything. We’ve

happened.

differently.

already established that you have some de-

16

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

the opportunity for greatness.

gree of adaptability, so let’s continue your

negative self-talk. What you say to yourself

Once you have achieved relief again, you can

preparation for anything-can-happen by

matters. What you think in the privacy of

revisit the upset and breathe through it.

building on your adaptability tool.

your own mind matters too.

You may need to do this several times de-

Pendulation

When you need to change, try this….

pending on how focused you are and the re-

Pendulation is something you can do at any

Pendulation

ality of the upset.

thing from minor disappointment to phys-

Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable

Breathe.

ical pain. It’s a practice that reminds you of

position with your eyes closed.

time to increase our capacity to handle every-

Now use your inner voice to bring yourself

your inner resources and uses them to help decrease your own suffering. It’s a resilience

Choose a neutral point in your experience—

back to your surroundings with relaxation,

practice and resilience is part of adaptability.

maybe your hands or your breath - and focus

and focus on being your personal best.

on it. We call this your anchor point. Keep The practice of pendulation reminds you

your attention on it.

That’s pendulation. Moving back and forth, from discomfort to calm, until the ebb and

that whatever is uncomfortable in any given Now review your body to locate any tension

flow is integrated into a better calm. A better

or discomfort. Notice it. Release it.

outcome.

fortable in this given moment is not my en-

Breathe.

We all have a relationship to change. Maybe

tire experience.

Return to your anchor point.

yours needs . . . changing. If discomfort arises

Feel your anchor point.

at the mere thought of change, there’s some-

moment is not your entire experience.

Please read out loud – Whatever is uncom-

thing you can do about that — Pendulation.

Every experience consists of multiples of how you see, hear, taste, smell, feel and

When something disruptive or upsetting oc-

think. When your focus is drawn to one

curs, or you become anxious or worried, or

Everything changes, but not everything

thing only, everything shifts.

you feel pain or discomfort, go to your an-

changes at once. There’s always something

chor point.

neutral in your experience to remind you of your stability and your inner strength to be

Yes, you may have a headache and the program ahead is challenging. Which should

Focus your attention on your anchor point.

ing program?

adaptable. Adaptability is a wonderful tool to be the best trainer – use it daily.

you focus on? The headache? The challengFocusing on the anchor point, in this moment, ignites your ability to decrease your

Need help addressing your challenges or

What you give attention is what gets at-

own suffering by intentionally moving away

achieving your goals? Sessions available

tention. I would suggest that you forget the

from it.

in-person, via Zoom, or by phone.

gram with the thought that you will do your

Here’s the pendulation part.

Products: www.summitpress.net

personal best today, in this moment.

You are focused on your anchor point. When

Sessions: www.summithypnosis.com

headache and focus on the challenging pro-

you feel relief, take your attention to what-

email: SummitHypnosis@gmail.com

Any part of your experience, from sound to

ever upset you--the physical, emotional or

phone: 561-841-7603

thoughts to sensations of your body, is sim-

mental discomfort.

ply one part of your experience. We tend to not see it that way. Instead, we identify with

See if you can sit with it for a bit. Perhaps

whatever the negative is by saying things

remember the upset in slow motion. See if

like: “I have a terrible headache,” or “It is too

you can stay in the calm while you revisit the

challenging.”

wound.

Self-talk often paints a bleak picture. You

If it continues to upset you or cause you dis-

can shift that talk by remembering your per-

comfort, move your attention back to your

sonal best. Relaxing and breathing into the

anchor point.

moment. There are many positive parts to the experience that you can use to shift that

Breathe.

About the author: Laura King is the Director and Founder of Summit Hypnosis and Wellness and is a Certified Hypnotist, NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, and Sports Performance Coach. Laura has written and published several books and workbooks, including ”Power To Win” for equestrians and “Perfect Enough,” a guide to help you evaluate your perceptions and experiences around vital areas of your life.

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

17

Legal focus

When the Stable or Professional Parts Company with Their Clients Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net Laws Impacting Termination of the Arrangement

Stables and equine professionals know it is

to leave immediately and want refunds of

inevitable – clients move on or lose inter-

overpaid fees. Stables and trainers want

est in horses, and the business relationship

advance notice to fill the empty stall, and

terminates. Often, but not always, these

they want all debts settled before the horse

Stablemen’s Lien Laws

relationships end on excellent terms. Over

leaves the stable.

Stablemen’s Lien Laws (sometimes called

the years, disputes and lawsuits have oc-

“Agister’s Lien Laws”) are found within most

curred between horse owners and equine

This article addresses some of these dis-

states. These laws address the situation of a

professionals involving termination of the

putes and offers suggestions for avoiding

stable’s rights, including the right to sell off

relationship. Horse owners want the right

them.

a horse, when boarding and certain related

18

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

fees have not been paid. This author has

Disputes have occurred when boarders and

stables and trainers send monthly invoices

written in the past about these laws. Some

training clients seek to remove their horses

that itemize all fees and charges incurred

allow stables to retain possession of a horse

before accounts with the stable have been

within the prior month, while others require

when board fees are past due. For example,

settled. These disputes can find their way

payment of the same monthly sum. Horse

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 570.185,

in court, when a judge is asked to determine

owners who prefer itemized billing can learn

states in part:

whether the stable’s charges are legally justi-

about the stable’s billing arrangements and

fied and whether the horse can be removed.

practices before the contract is signed.

Whenever any person shall deliver to any ...

All cases differ based on the facts and the ap-

person any horse ... to be kept or cared for,

plicable state law.

such ... person shall have a lien thereon for

• Attorney fee clause. Boarding or training contracts can also address whether one

the just value of ... the keeping and care of

Maximum Interest Rates

such animals, and may retain possession of

Stables sometimes try to collect interest on

the same until such charges are paid.

unpaid balances. Equine industry contracts

As another example, Nevada Statutes, title 9, Chapter 108.540, states, in part:

party pays the other’s attorney fees if a legal dispute arises.

have been known to apply illegally high

This article does not constitute legal advice.

rates of interest.

When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

Notice and Refund Disputes

Any person furnishing feed, pasture or oth-

Disputes have involved the issue of how

erwise boarding any animal or animals, at

much advance notice either party – owner

the request or with the consent of the owner

and stable – must give the other before the

or his representative, has a lien upon the

business arrangement can end. Disputes

animal or animals, and may retain posses-

have also occurred when the horse owner,

sion thereof until the sum due for the feed,

after leaving the stable, wants a refund of

pasture or board has been paid.

fees. Detailed contracts can help avoid disputes or narrow them considerably.

Based on laws like these, the stable or equine professional might be legally justified in

Risk Management

keeping possession of boarded horses until

Here are a few ideas to control liability risks

they have been fully paid. (Keep in mind that

and limit disputes:

not all state laws give stables these rights.)

• Address Termination in the Contract.

Boarding and training contracts can include clauses on termination, such as how much notice each party must give the other.

• Payment Details. Boarding and training contracts can address whether refunds are allowed and payment obligations, such as when board payments are due.

• Lawful Interest Rate. Stables that seek to charge interest on unpaid balances can make sure their contracts provide a lawful rate of interest. What qualifies as a legal interest rate varies from state to state. When in doubt, contracts can specify a rate of interest but add: “… or the highest rate allowed [to the stable] under applicable law.”

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

• Communication of balance owed.

Some

About the author: Julie Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners, is a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan. She has successfully litigated equine cases in 18 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried cases in 4 states. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and received the American Bar Association (ABA) “Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award.” Her speaking engagements span 29 states. The ABA recently published her new 372-page book called “Equine Law & Horse Sense,” and it is available for purchase on Amazon and through the ABA. For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

19

Business matters

Hire Slow, Fire Fast 10 tips For Successful Interviewing

By Doug Emerson If you are like many professional horsemen

on time, or late for the interview? Late

her to work, or you go through the day run-

and horsewomen, finding the right people

arrivals are often backed by good excuses:

ning on one less cylinder.

to help you in your business is one of your

“heavy traffic, difficulty finding the place,

biggest challenges. That’s partly because

drop children off, etc.” These are the same

4. Look for life in the eyes - good eye

candidates with horse experience are lim-

excuses you’ll probably hear every day from

contact, enthusiasm and energy. And while

ited, the rate of pay in the equine industry

the applicant once hired. If you expect

the following is not absolute, it’s worthy of

is low in comparison to other industries and

punctuality every day, lack of it at the in-

your careful observation. Research suggests

much of the work is unsupervised requiring

terview may be a deal breaker.

when a right handed person is remembering details, their eyes move up and to their left.

employees with good work habits.

2. Is the applicant dressed in a way that

When someone is making something up,

A resume, job application and a short inter-

is acceptable to you for your business im-

their eyes move to the right and down. It’s

view will tell you only part of the story

age? If unconventional body piercings-of-

usually opposite for left handers. There is

about an employee candidate.

fensive tattoos and sloppy general appear-

research available on the internet describ-

ance don’t bother you or your customers, no

ing eye movement and body language asso-

You know what I mean if you’ve ever had

need to worry. If they do, keep in mind you

ciated with lying and telling the truth that

your promising new hire show up for work

are probably seeing the best image of the

may be helpful to you.

on Monday morning and you find out that

candidate at the interview.

not only did the name on the job application

5. Bad mouthing and negative com-

and the face from the interview show up, a

ments - past employers, industry, rela-

whole person came along as well with a life

tionships, family, excessive bad luck. If you

history of good and bad habits.

hear too much of it in the candidate interview, you’ll be forever hearing it from the employee.

There are many books and articles written every year on the subject of hiring. Read

6. How many days off, benefits, what’s

one, or skim several to expand your skills.

the pay? If too many questions like these But, like most things, experience is the

come early in the interview, you know that

best teacher on the practice of hiring good

Johnny is all about his Paycheck.

people.

7. Lack of enthusiasm for horses and or Experience has taught me that the follow-

animals in general. Captain Obvious says

ing points are important to consider in your

this could be a problem.

interview process. They’re in random order 8. Messy car - no science or research backs

and may seem blatantly obvious. But, like a horse with her ears pinned flat on her neck,

3. Does the candidate have reliable

this up, but I got in the habit of walking a

the obvious is still worthy of your attention.

transportation? You know what happens

candidate to their vehicle to have a peek at

when a worker is a no-show. You either find

the car. Back seats littered with adult bever-

a way to pick up the employee to get him or

age cans and fast food wrappers, duct taped

1. Does the applicant show up early,

20

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

door handles and turn signal lenses and out

Your E-Mail Address

of date inspection stickers tell part of a story.

is important - for us and for you!

9. Poor listener - Even though you will

ARIA communicates primarily by e-mail with its members.

only be doing twenty percent of the talking

Please make sure we have a working e-mail address for you.

at an interview, the candidate should show signs of coherence and listening carefully to

If you’re not sure, write to us at aria@riding-instructor.com and let us know your current e-mail address.

what you say. After all, carrying out your di-

Thanks!

rections is a key job requirement.

10. Lacking good manners - you’ll never

Com p Onl lete Se y $2 t 95

be happy apologizing for your employee’s crude behavior and impolite habits. Even though it’s not you being rude, their reflection tarnishes your silver.

There is no perfect employee. But, as a profitable business owner, screening for bad habits and attitudes makes good sense.

Good attitude trumps work experience.

Revolutionary Coach to Rider Communication

Job candidates with good attitudes, but weak on work experience and skills can always be trained for business.

Job candidates with bad attitudes, while having work experience and skills, can become difficult employees to manage. You will hear comments like: “This is the way I was taught to do this, in my last job we always did it another way, this isn’t my first rodeo” are examples of lack of ability to accept change.

“But I can fix the bad habits of this employee” some think. Time will prove you can’t.

Let the bad employees go quickly and find a job where they will be happy.

Hire slow, fire fast is a business philosophy with merit!

About the author: Doug Emerson writes, speaks and consults about the business half of the horse business. Find out more at www.ProfitableHorseman.com

 Communicate at whisper levels.  Cyber headset fits comfortably under helmet..  Superior comfort for instructor.

www.eartec.com 800.399.5994

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

21

Business matters and determine a market value. The best resource for this would be a specialized real estate agent. The real estate agent can explain the best way to prep your property for potential buyers.

2. Find an attorney who specializes in business sales – preferably equine businesses.

You have some choices to make as to whether you want to sell the property, the actual business or both. You may just want to dispose of the property but now want to work for someone else and take the customers with you. Or you may want

Selling Your Business

to continue to live on the property but sell

By Carol Gordon, CPA

so select an attorney who can help you

your customer list, horses and tack. There are plusses and minuses to either choice make the best decision.

It could have been your life’s work or something that you started a few years ago and decided that it wasn’t for you. It’s your business. And now, you’ve decided that it’s time to sell. However long you’ve owned it, it’s personal. It’s a reflection of you and your family.

3. Prepare to speak with potential buyers.

Be aware that while you may cater to adult amateurs, someone else might be looking to buy a riding school for children. You may do a lot of the maintenance

Typical initial questions for a potential

The first and most important part of pre-

yourself, but the new owner may have to

seller are:

paring to sell your business is making sure

hire extra help. Be ready to discuss mul-

“What’s my business worth?”

that you understand your business inside

tiple options for various features of your

“How long does it take to sell a business?”

and out so that you can address a potential

business – e.g. that extra barn that now

My answer to both of those questions would

buyer’s question before they even ask it.

houses school horses could be used for

be “It depends.”

Not just understanding who the best lesson

DIY boarders, leased to another instruc-

horse for walk-trot students is and how to Preparing your business for sale in many

fix the frozen hydrant – but EVERY aspect

ways is similar to preparing a horse for sale.

of your business.

tor or offer quarantine services.

4. Take your business to market.

Just like selling a horse, taking the time to

It takes time, thought and effort. You will be wearing multiple hats (nothing new there!).

The five key areas for your focus should be:

prepare for the sale is the most important part

You’re still the owner of the business but

1. Legal – contracts (boarding, lessons,

of the process. But taking the time will make

you also need to shift your mindset and start thinking like a potential buyer.

leasing, etc.) and risk management.

2. Finance/Accounting – financials and possible sources of funding.

What kind of questions would a buyer ask?

“How will I fund the purchase of this business?”

“What is my business plan?”

“What are the potential target markets for this business?”

“What are typical monthly expenses?”

3. Human Capital – employees, vendors,

security (credit card processing, etc.)

5. Sales and Marketing – target markets, advertising, customer retention, etc.

To be able to address these questions and ef-

understand each of these areas, it’s time to

fectively prepare your business for sale, you

implement a plan.

need to take time to develop and implement

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

cades working at this business every day. You owe it to yourself to finish the job right.

customers.

Once you feel confident that you know and

22

painful. You’ve spent years or perhaps de-

4. Information Technology – data and data

…… and so much more.

a comprehensive plan.

the rest of the process much simpler and less

1. Assess the salability of your business

About the author: Carol Gordon is a CPA with an MBA from Boston College and the owner of Carol Gordon, CPA, which provides consulting services to equine-based businesses. You can contact her at cgordoncpa@gmail.com. If you have any questions that you’d like covered here, please email her with your suggestions.

and, outside of breakthroughs in scientific discoveries and technology, are usually not all that new.

This means that presenters, clinicians, website owners, riding instructors and trainers should be mindful and take care with what they teach and how they teach it. In this Facebook, internet world it is far too easy to click a few keys and copy other people’s work and then casually pass it off on your own website or as your own idea. Using someone else’s work, copying their ideas, their words, their illustrations, their exercises, and even in some cases their trademarked or copyrighted materials and passing it off as ones’ own work is stealing.

I was recently involved with an individual who had produced a video, which they fully intended to sell for profit. The video

Imitation is Not Always a Form of Flattery

was presenting and teaching the princi-

– The Professional Ethics of Using Other People’s Work

own rather crude drawings and tracings

ples of an already well-known training and teaching technique. This person had the audacity to actually copy the illustrations from a book on the subject, making their and then trying to pass the information and ideas off as their own work. This was a young instructor, not very experienced, and shocked to discover that what they had

By Peggy S. Brown

done was illegal and a distinct copyright violation. They thought that redrawing the

Training and working with horses is an age-

horses, and if you think about it not much

illustrations and changing the words in the

old pursuit going back even before the ear-

information is really brand new.

book around a little bit made it ok to do.

Wrong!

liest horse book, On Horsemanship, written

by Xenophon in 355 BC. Xenophon taught

Most everything we are as horse peo-

about horse care, bitting and training and

ple comes from things we have learned,

How about an instructor who wants to be-

much of his advice and wisdom applies

whether from personal experience, from

come a clinician or presenter at horse ex-

to methods still in use today. Many other

instructors, perhaps clinics or expo pre-

pos? Perhaps they see someone else do a

books of horse instruction have been writ-

sentations, or from other educational me-

presentation that they really like and then

ten throughout history and even today the

dia we have experienced throughout our

they decide to copy it, with a few minor

publishers of horse books are still very ac-

lifetime. In the modern horse-world we

changes of course, and then perhaps they

tive. Nowadays besides books, we also have

often see trainers and coaches teaching

go on even further perhaps to use someone

videos, YouTube, the internet, educational

techniques that may be new and different

else’s ideas to write a book, shoot a video,

horse expos, horse clinics and more and

or techniques that may well have been

or to do expo presentations on their own.

more avenues that teach us about train-

copied from someone else’s work. Keep in

Where are this person’s professional ethics

ing, caring for, and riding horses; there’s

mind however that most things dealing

here? Transparent and weak individuals,

so much information available and yet the

with horses have been around, perhaps in

aren’t they?

horse world is a small world and horses are

slightly different ways, for a very long time

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

23

Business matters take a statement or illustration off the in-

About the author:

ternet, you must ask for written permission

Peggy Brown is a

from the author and/or the publisher!

Level IV Advanced Centered Riding and

A professional knows and understands that the correct thing to do is to give credit where credit is due and to take care not to take other people’s work and pass it off as ones’ own.

This is not as difficult as it seems - drop the

Driving

author or publisher a business type letter or

from Toledo, Ohio.

Clinician

email, inform them of what you would like

She is classified as

to use, why you would like to use it, where

an Expert Instructor

you would like to use it, and ask if you could

and Instructor Educator by the American

have their permission to use it. Then when

Riding Instructor Association and was hon-

you do use that photo, or exercise or illus-

ored to be named the 2005 Instructor of

tration make sure to write “used with the

the Year. Peggy generously shares her years

kind permission of ____”. This is the proper

of experience in competing, handling and

thing to do, the polite thing to do, and most

training horses and riders in all disciplines

importantly, the legal thing to do.

including hunter, jumper, dressage, western, games and speed events, combined

What about trademarked ideas or presenta-

and pleasure driving, and trail competition.

tions? Be careful here as usually someone

Peggy and her Haflinger mare Ulie were

who has taken the time to trademark some-

North American Champions in Versatility

thing may really decide to step up to defend

and also in Games Events; they were also

A professional knows and understands

their product or idea – and it may well be in

long listed for the United States Equestrian

that the correct thing to do is to give credit

court. And even if they don’t follow through

Team in Advanced Single Pony Combined

where credit is due and to take care not

and contact their attorney consider what

Driving. A firm believer in solid foundation

to take other people’s work and pass it off

you have done with this organization’s or

training for horse and rider, Peggy helps

as ones’ own. For example, when I teach a

person’s idea, you’ve copied it or even sto-

riders learn to use their bodies wisely to

clinic, I try to give credit to the person or

len it. What does that say about your in-

prevent injury and to communicate clearly,

source where I got the information. For in-

tegrity as a professional? When in doubt

in balance and harmony with their horse.

stance, I might say “I learned this wonder-

always ask permission, this is certainly not

Working domestically and internationally,

ful breathing technique directly from Sally

an instance where imitation is considered a

Peggy as the Visible Rider™ wears a bone

Swift” or “I found this new jumping pattern

form of flattery.

suit that helps riders learn more about their own bodies and how the rider’s position af-

in Jim Wofford’s book Modern Gymnastics” or “Here’s a great illustration of haunches

A professional should stand tall enough in

fects the horse’s body. She has taught rid-

in from Susan Harris’s poster series on

their boots to be able to credit those other

ing and driving in North America, Australia,

lateral work”. Please understand that of

instructors, judges, authors and illustrators

Iceland, Scandinavia, Japan, Egypt, Israel,

course there are many things we learn that

who have had an impact upon their lives

Europe, and the United Kingdom. In 2011

are out there in the great common pond

and who have taught them important

The Japanese Racing Association spon-

of horse wisdom, but professionals know

lessons. You probably won’t of course

sored Anatomy In Motion™ to present at

that when we use another professional’s

remember to credit every single idea over

two of their Jockey training schools. Peggy

work, we should try very hard to give credit

the years that has crossed your path but

also performed with Susan Harris in Vienna,

where credit is due.

please do your best to give credit where

Austria for the first European Centered

credit is due. Ask permission to use the

Riding Symposium. Peggy’s goals are to

A professional must understand and be

ideas and works of others and remember

help horses improve performance and com-

clear on copyright laws and trademark re-

even if you think you have gotten away

fort levels by helping their riders and driv-

strictions. Publishers and authors take these

with using the work and ideas of others,

ers establish sensitive, balanced, indepen-

things very seriously and have not put the

there may well be other knowledgeable

dent seat and hands. Peggy lives with her

time, money, and work into creating a book

professionals and horse people quietly

husband and animal friends at Walnut Hill

or video to then have it be stolen and passed

watching what you do. You will never make

Farm in Maumee, Ohio. ™

off by others as their own work. When you

a mistake by following correct professional

wish to use a quote from another’s work or

ethics and honest practices – teach fairly,

borrow a photo or illustration from a book,

teach honestly, teach well.

24

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

www.anatomyinmotion.com

Schools, Colleges and Universities with Equine Programs Name of school: Averett University

What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Bachelor of Science Degree in Equestrian Studies.

There are 5 concentrations to choose from within the degree. All majors take a core of about 30 hours in ES courses and then specialize afterwards.

1 Dressage Instruction: students develop skills and a base of classical theory for eventing, training, competing, teaching, and writing about Dressage.

2 Eventing Instruction: teaches classical theory and practice for competing, training, and teaching eventing.

Students can earn their ARIA certification while in school through an instructor certification course. They also have the opportunity to go through USDF and USEA instructor training programs.

3 Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Students take courses in

psychology as well as participate in practicums learning EAP equine specialist skills.

4 Equine Science: Students take a variety of science course to prepare them for graduate studies in veterinary medicine, nutrition, equine reproduction and more.

5 Equine Management: Students take additional courses in the business department to compliment the equine courses, and prepare students for a variety of business and marketing careers in the equine sector.

What riding disciplines are available?

Classes in dressage, hunt seat and eventing are offered at a variety of skill levels.

Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

The horses are all owned by or leased to the University.

What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

We participate in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (hunt seat), compete regionally in eventing and combined training shows, work with a local thoroughbred rescue, and have a pre-vet club.

Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

There are no pre-qualifications for our program. Because our

WORLD-CLASS EQUINE AT CAZENOVIA COLLEGE

• Nationally ranked team competing in Hunter Seat,Western Horsemanship, Reining and Dressage • Nationally recognized equine business management program • Ranked one of America’s Best Colleges and a top Best Value in the north by U.S. News

OUR 240-ACRE EQUINE EDUCATION CENTER

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, N.Y. 13035 www.cazenovia.edu 1.800.654.3210 16

Fall 2019

|

Riding Instructor

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

25

Steady Up There, Little Monkey

By Didi Arias Illustration by author The first time I heard my wise and enlightened mentor mention the “monkey in the head” I knew exactly what she was referring to. What a perfect description for that inner “voice” that incessantly chatters on in the mind. Knowing that I had at least one monkey firmly established in my head I wanted to learn more about this monkey business, and most especially, how to rein it in. On went the kettle and we sat down for a long and informative chat.

In Buddhist teaching, she explained, “monkey mind” is an expression for having unsettled, confused and/or indecisive thoughts; basically, a metaphor for a chaotic mind. That sounded so familiar and gives a simian face to one´s inner critic. The Buddha described the monkeys as being “intoxicated”, carrying on excitedly and noisily (as monkeys tend to do when they get excited). Science also recognizes the existence of this mental chatter and cites it as a normal function of the brain, which I guess is reassuring to know.

So how does one know when you have an inhabitant monkey? Basically, the monkey resides there under the guise of your mind´s continuous mental “noise”, and It isn´t necessarily bad. That little monk helps keep us on top of things, gives us good hunches and instincts, so it’s a useful little guy to have around. It only becomes a problem when it takes on the role of sole DJ of your mental playlist of fears, worries and guilt, keeping

to have a moment of meditation but find

talk start up. When you are trying to fall to

that list set to “repeat”. When you do manage

your thoughts drifting to “why didn´t I buy

sleep, the monkey is either running through

to convince the monkey to play something

those breeches in khaki and I forgot to pick

tomorrow´s To-Do list or saying “Hey, are

else, it bangs out re-runs of the past, anxiety

up carrots”. Likewise, blame the monkey

you kidding? You´re relaxing when we have

about the future and self-doubting notions.

as you talk yourself out of riding today be-

a big show tomorrow?” All this mind chatter

As DJs go, when the monkey in this groove

cause the weather might get windy and the

keeps our brain cells in a state of over-activ-

it won´t win any prizes for positive uplifting

horse may spook and you may fall off, go to

ity, wearing us out physically and mentally

the spirit.

the hospital, get laid off from work and, and,

– it doesn´t seem content to just let us “be”.

and… If my coach has to remind me “not to The monkey is at work when you are trying

26

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

over-think it”, I know that I let the doubt

I asked my friend how one could deal with

an annoying imp and better still, how to get

and had no idea how to teach” would you?

rid of it. “You need to learn to live in balance

Of course not, so put yourself in to non-ac-

with your monkey -it´s not like you can call in

ceptance mode should those thoughts in-

an exterminator.” she pointed out, “But as it

vade your mind space, firmly telling that

is your own mind, you can control the mon-

monkey “no way, we´re not going there”.

key; it isn´t the other way around”. In short,

Curb those nasty thoughts by replacing them

accept your monkey, make friends with it, but

with counter thoughts (“I´m looking great”,

don´t permanently hand over the reins.

She then laid out her suggestions for “reining in” the monkey which I have put in to my own words as memory serves.

Meditate – The Buddhist belief is that the chatter can only be silenced through meditation, but I feel one has to be very trained and dedicated to be able to rewire their brain enough to completely block out all unwanted noise. Personally, some micro moments of meditative silence would suffice as trying to sit still and totally clear my mind is very challenging. I do think that some of us can find some meditative benefit in the performing of mindless tasks. My husband swears that mucking out is his daily meditation (great news for me!) and I do find that a specific art ritual I practice is very quietening and centering.

To be mindful just turn the brain over to being more aware of your surroundings through your senses, whether by concentrating on your breath, chewing slowly, the sensation of your hands on your horse´s body.

“losing twenty pounds was no easy feat”, and “my trainer thinks I´m an awesome pairing with my new jump prospect”). Substitute the negativity by envisioning positive outcomes (your student winning his class).

Physical Activity – It is no news that exercise comes up here as a recommendation. The endorphin rush from exertion puts a silencer on mental noise, so go ahead, saddle up!

Strange as it may seem, my personal monkey goes by the name “Mr. Jiggs” after the roller skating chimpanzee that gave a show at our school when I was a kid. I still remember him after all these years, so felt that it seemed right to posthumously honor his name (even though chimpanzees are not actually monkeys). Plus, if I am to live in harmony with my resident monkey, naming it seemed a good step in the right direction.

Engage in focused tasks – Our ability to

With our most interesting conversation com-

multi-task is an asset of having a little mon-

ing to an end, I gained a feeling of clarity and

key on hand as it allows switching on to au-

normalcy. I have been reminded that I am my

topilot to tackle a variety of things at once.

own DJ, selecting my own music and when to

But we also need to switch out of that mode

play it; I decide on the speed and the volume.

and be able to put deep focus on single tasks,

Quite simply, I am the one holding the reins.

otherwise we end up just coasting along.

I was then gifted with the most beauti-

When we can concentrate our focus on specific jobs or actions it gives the monkey some

on your horse´s body. This awareness holds

ful Japanese ink painting of, guess what? A

down time. Speaking of “down time”, if there

you in the present and the monkey gets an-

monkey. This now has a special place on the

was ever an invention made to keep one dis-

other siesta. If the mind wanders, catch it

wall by my desk, the friendly face a reminder

tracted it is the cell phone, so make an effort

and gently guide it back. To practice being in

of its importance to me as part of who I am.

to wean yourself off its constant use.

the present, do it when it comes most naturally to you; for me, it is when I am in nature

Be mindful – Being mindful means “focus-

or quietly with my animals.

ing on the present” and one does not have

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

to meditate to be mindful. To be mindful

Hear No Evil – There may be times when

Didi Arias is a Level 3 ARIA

just turn the brain over to being more aware

your monkey mind loses its helpfulness

Certified Instructor and na-

of your surroundings through your senses,

and goes ape on you. You wouldn´t tolerate

tional dressage judge and

whether by concentrating on your breath,

someone running up to you and saying that

teacher, who resides in

chewing slowly, the sensation of your hands

you were “ugly, overweight, a lousy rider,

Almeria, Spain.

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

27

When Quitting Seems Fitting

By Lydia Fairchok Some young police officers were talking

it would look with horses grazing blissfully

roam. Well-kept careers must be nurtured,

about the pros and cons of working for dif-

on those verdant, rolling hills? (Sorry, golf

protected from overuse, regularly purged

ferent agencies in the area. “Hey, Sarge!”

enthusiasts – perhaps you have thought my

of negative influences, and kept in check.

said one. “What would you tell someone

pastures would look better as a fairway.)

When these caretaking measures are in place, pastures and careers alike experience

who is looking to change jobs?” The sergeant looked thoughtful for a moment, then

Grass is also a fragile resource. Even if you

replied, “The grass is exactly the same.”

are blessed with more acres than horses,

steady growth and yield a fruitful harvest.

you undoubtedly have to practice some

Sometimes, though, no matter how much

Grass is important to horse professionals. It

type of rotational grazing, manure removal,

care you give your professional pasture, you

means our horses can have healthier joints,

over-seeding, weed control, and mowing.

cannot help but notice things that seem a

lower feed bills, and happier digestive sys-

Neglected pastures are easy to spot because

little greener on the other side of the fence.

tems, and we can have the satisfaction of

they quickly devolve into mud, stubble, and

Sometimes it is because our students have

seeing horses do what horses are meant to

waste. In short, good grass takes work.

gone before us. When clients walk out, we inevitably wonder if we are offering a worth-

do. In our line of work, we can’t imagine a more proper use for grassy expanses than

Our professional lives are very much like

while product, or if someone else really does

pastureland. Haven’t we all driven past a

the pastures that we rely on to provide our

have something that much better. “If only”

golf course and thought how much better

four-legged partners with food and room to

thoughts begin to creep in: If only my barn

28

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

was newer or fancier. If only my arena were

heard them from my friend JR, who works

tion will tell you why. Did you reach this

bigger, or I had an indoor. If only my horses

in the competitive world of auto sales. He

point because you struggle with managing

were better-bred or more talented.

was tired of changes at his dealership that

demands on your time, relational boundar-

had given rise to poor leadership, organiza-

ies with others, separating work and home

Sometimes the work itself weighs us down.

tional flaws, and negative coworker dynam-

life, or allowing destructive vices to drag

We question the return on our efforts: Why

ics. He was weary of showing up to the same

you down? Remember that you are the sole

am I doing this? Who really benefits from all

unwinnable battle every morning, but he

common denominator of all your experi-

these hours I’m putting in? Does anyone be-

wasn’t willing to quit on a bad day.

ences, and your personal baggage is portable. Resigning from a position (or even

sides me really care?

With admirable tenacity, JR guarded his pos-

liquidating a business) is elementary com-

Sometimes the days are never-ending, the

itive attitude and stuck it out until things

pared to resigning from an attitude. The

wheelbarrows are overflowing with ma-

got better. Nothing was perfect—many of

work of ending a negative mindset begins

nure and have flat tires; the horses are

the issues persisted to varying degrees—but

now so you can make a rational decision

lame or unwilling; the students are dull or

eventually there were times where he could

about whether or not you should go, and

contentious or needy; another piece of the

point to specific accomplishments and say

so you can bring your best self to any new

barn just fell off; another piece of you just

“That went well.” As those days developed,

ventures.

started to ache, and another bill just arrived.

so did an opportunity to work elsewhere.

Sometimes the farm across town seems

He took the new position and walked away

Don’t leave unfinished work.

like they have it all together while you are

without having to wonder if he gave up too

The overarching work of teaching is a con-

splitting at the seams. Sometimes, Monday

soon or if he made a knee-jerk reaction.

tinual journey with no definitive end. Your

through Friday, nine-to-five with paid time

JR quit on a good day. Short of an urgently

task will never be “finished” in the tradi-

off, benefits, and a 401K doesn’t sound so

toxic or morally compromising situation, so

tional sense because there will always be

bad, does it?

should you.

more students and horses that could benefit from your time and expertise. However,

Stop. It’s not bad to think about moving,

Don’t quit just to get away.

changing, or doing something else entirely.

When I downsized my instruction program

less like walking out a door than it is like

It’s not bad to take an honest look at the

in 2014, I wasn’t escaping from teaching. A

taking an exit ramp off the interstate. You

scope and sustainability of your horse busi-

career in public safety was an exciting and

wouldn’t crash through the guardrail along

ness. It’s not even bad if you come to the

welcome change, but it wasn’t because I

a highway just to get onto an adjoining

conclusion that you can’t, don’t want to, or

couldn’t stand one more day in the arena;

road; you would wait for an exit even if it

shouldn’t do this anymore. But if you are

it was because I had a new purpose in a dif-

meant travelling a little farther out of your

thinking about throwing in the towel, make

ferent field.

way.

Sometimes our calling changes, and that’s

Likewise, leaving an instruction program

there is a right way to leave, and it’s a lot

sure you are actually thinking. Don’t simply react to frustrations and feelings.

okay. Leaving to go to something else is

should be a sensible sequence wherein

The grass on both sides of the fence is exactly

a positive and empowering experience.

stepping back does not result in damage

the same. If you quit—totally or partially—be-

Perhaps you are ready to change gears

to you or your stakeholders. People rely

cause you are worn out, discouraged, or feel-

to raise a family, move to a new state, or

on you to provide a degree of transition,

ing insufficient and defeated, then you are

jump into a completely different industry.

whether through referrals or providing the

running the substantial risk of throwing away

Congratulations! Teaching will always be a

knowledge and tools for them to find their

something that should have been salvaged.

part of who you are, and you will carry the

own alternatives. Horses count on you for

You have an obligation, therefore, to weigh

benefits of your equine career into all your

careful placement in new homes. As you

the choice of quitting with the same thor-

future endeavors.

contemplate quitting, are you able to wrap

oughness and professionalism that should

up your loose ends, or would you be leaving

drive all your decisions. So how do you con-

Other times, our calling remains the same,

unresolved messes for someone else? If it’s

sider the possibility of quitting the right way?

and it is our attitude about the calling that

time to go, ways to go properly will begin to

has shifted. Are you overworked, resentful,

present themselves.

Never quit on a bad day.

and passionless about teaching? The nov-

Google is inconclusive on the matter of

elty of a new path is unlikely to last very

I recently experienced this when a client

who first uttered these important words. I

long. Relentless and honest self-examina-

and I made the difficult decision to give up

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

29

on her gelding, who clearly didn’t enjoy the

able and can develop deeper relationships.)

of my own struggle with the desire to give up. The grass of my career was getting over-

job we had in mind for him. After months of frustration, quitting became a real option.

While not all of your inner circle has to have

grazed and underfed in a hurry, and many

Our main concern was finding a home that

a strong sense of rightness about every one

nights found me begging God to take some-

would be able to manage his quirks, some

of your decisions, you should find affirma-

thing off my plate, and for that something

of which required experienced handling. We

tion or at least a general lack of opposition

to be instruction. The other side of the fence

cautiously and reluctantly spread the word

among your “abundance of counselors”

looked awfully green compared to where I

that he was for sale. Within a week, his daily

when you air your thoughts about quitting.

was standing, and the work of restoring my

caretaker at the boarding stable approached

If you do encounter differing opinions, lis-

own pasture felt insurmountable.

my client to say that she wanted him. We

ten closely to the reasons why, and don’t

already knew that they had an established

discount the contributions of those who

My calling isn’t over, though. When I con-

bond and she was familiar with his handling

are not inside the horse industry with you.

sider the needs of my horses and students,

needs, so it was an easy decision and a rea-

People who know you well do not have to

I’m not on an exit ramp. When I talk to my

son to rejoice as the question “Should we

know your field well in order to have hon-

inner circle of people who are positioned to

quit?” was answered almost immediately.

est and valuable input. Oftentimes the

speak into my life, they affirm me in my re-

outside perspective is the most unbiased

sponsibility to keep teaching. When I look

perspective.

closely at myself, I see that the areas that

You don’t need everything to be spelled out up front, and often you will wait much lon-

need to change are not within instruction

have!), but there should be some degree

Don’t make up your heart before you make up your mind.

of external confirmation that your work is

Have you heard the tongue-in-cheek re-

adapt. Someday these factors may be differ-

coming to a natural close or someone else is

sponse, “My mind is made up; don’t confuse

ent, and stepping back might be the right

ready to step up and continue the mission.

me with facts”? Walking away from a role

call at that time. For now, whether it’s a

as an instructor is rarely just a professional

good day or a bad day, quitting isn’t on the

move. Instruction is built on relationships—

table.

ger than a week for the answer (I certainly

Don’t make the decision in a vacuum.

itself; it is the way I manage my time and obligations outside the arena that needs to

In the words of King Solomon, whose reign

with clients, with peers, with horses—which

over ancient Israel was characterized by

means that any contemplation of quitting is

I hope it isn’t on the table for you, either,

wisdom and peaceful prosperity, “Where

bound to be an emotionally charged line of

because we need instructors who are com-

there is no guidance, a people falls, but in

thought.

mitted to professionalism and the good of the horse. Our industry needs you; your stu-

an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Wise kings didn’t make their decisions—

These emotions help us to consider options

dents need you; your horses need you. But if

which would have affected the entire civili-

outside our comfort zone, develop strong

the time truly has come to bow out, the rest

zation in their care—in isolation. They had

convictions about our courses of action,

of us will take it from here. Only let your de-

advisors who were qualified contributors to

and provide fuel to follow through, which is

cision be made out of careful consideration

the decision-making process, and the king

a good thing...as long as we make our ac-

and wisdom, not bitter resentment and the

didn’t move forward without first weighing

tual decisions based on facts, not feelings.

errant belief that some other pasture holds

the words of their counsel.

It is human nature to seek out only those

better promises.

pieces of information and opinions that If you are a leader (hint: if you are an in-

tend to agree with the answer we want, but

Hang in there, my friend, through this roller

structor, you are a leader), you need a group

“follow your heart” is a Disney myth. While

coaster of decision-making. You are a skilled

of people close enough to you that they can

our feelings provide valuable impetus, our

and competent individual who will bring

speak honestly and directly into your life.

brains are meant to ultimately reign over

value to everything you do no matter where

This might be comprised of a spouse, profes-

our hearts. Get outside the emotional bub-

you go. If you stay, stay because there is still

sional peers, mentors, close friends, or other

ble, get honest with yourself, and get wise

good work to be done, and you are meant to

family members—but it needs to be people

counsel. Whether you quit or keep on keep-

do it. If you quit, do it with excellence be-

who are not afraid to tell you when you are

ing on, you won’t regret how you got there.

cause in doing so, you will leave the grass on this side of the fence a little greener for the

going off course. (If you don’t have anyone who can address you honestly this way, you

May I be painfully honest? I write these

rest of us, and we will thank you for it as we

probably have some work to do on your

things to you because this year, I wanted to

wish you well in your next calling.

character so that you are more approach-

quit teaching. Every point above is a piece

30

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

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31

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ons

➢ Cameo’s Cauldron cont’d from page 30 into your curriculum. Trail rides are one way you can do this as well as being great learning experiences, but there are many others activities too. Are there people in your area that do yoga or meditation classes, who are very knowledgeable herbalists or gardeners?

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Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psychologist and a Level IV ARIA Certified Instructor based in Michigan. She is a member of the ARIA Evaluation Panel and National Riding Instructors Convention Staff.

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33

ber growing up in the time where we all said, “I want to be like Mike.” Athletic superstars have a way of becoming superhuman in our minds; if we wear the shoes, wear the clothes, and adapt the same attitude we can do it, too. Of course, we all learn at some point it takes a lot more to achieve athletic greatness.

When I look at the riding pros that cover the magazines and dominate social media, I examine what habits they will be setting for the kids that I currently teach. Do they wear helmets? Are they kind to their horses?

What kind of message are they sending?

I will admit that I have seen examples of

Influenced Behavior

By Christine Olsen

riders emulating their idols by purchasing a certain saddle, wearing a certain brand of clothing, or suddenly changing their position because ‘so-and-so’ rides that way.

It is good to be reminded from time to time

I am a baseball fan. I grew up around the

the helmet on as they walked out, or keep it

that as an instructor or coach you are al-

sport. Not only was my father a coach for

on as they approached the dugout. Even with

ways setting an example as part of your job

our local baseball and softball teams, but

the reminders, the kids continued to forget.

description. Reflect on the example you are

my siblings and I played the sport as soon

This behavior became so frequent the referee

setting today.

as we could hold a bat. The majority of my

had to come to the dugout twice to explain

time now as an adult is spent in the sand of

the rule, and give the team a warning.

You don’t have to be an Olympic rider to set a good example. Every trainer, instructor,

the riding arena, rather than a baseball diamond. When I can get away, there’s nothing

I couldn’t help but wonder what was hap-

coach and working student should be set-

I like more than filling the hours with a good

pening. I did not keep track of how many

ting an example at all times. Even the attire

ball game.

times this rule was repeated, but it was more

of the barn staff helps identify the culture of

than enough that it was no longer a forgot-

a stable and can help your clients pick up the

A while back I remember attending one of

ten mistake, but rather a clear objection

habits you want them to possess.

my nephew’s baseball games. It was near the

to the rule. If they are instructed to keep

end of summer, and there is no better feeling

their helmets on, I wondered who is teach-

Ask your students who their riding icons are.

than a hot day melting into a cool evening.

ing them to take their helmets off? When

Ask them what qualities they look up to, and

While I was watching this game and trying

watching the pros on TV, it is clear to see

why. This could lead to some very interesting

to allow my mind to unwind and relax, there

who the influence is.

discussions. This will not only help you further mentor your rider, but continue devel-

were observations that couldn’t go unnoticed. Particularly it was about the boys’ be-

In this situation, kids are looking up to their

havior on wearing their batting helmets.

idols and ignoring their coaches’ instructions. As a coach myself, I found this dis-

During the entirety of the game, I was truly

play extremely alarming. I was concerned

amazed at how many times the boys would

for my nephew, his safety, and how he took

take off their helmets while they were out-

instruction.

side of the dugout. Anyone who has ever played the sport on any level knows that a

Having a sports idol is important for every

batter must wear a helmet at all times. The

athlete. It is a physical manifestation of a

coach would both remind their players to put

goal to continue working toward. I remem-

34

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

oping a great relationship with your client.

About the author: Christine Olsen has 15 years of experience in the industry as a rider, trainer, clinician and instructor. She provides mobile coaching services through Northern Illinois and enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her students.

Cameo’s cauldron … in which Cameo Miller stirs her thoughts and ideas to see what rises to the top.

argue forcefully that they are ‘right’. But you

profession. But, as noted before, your skills,

can talk to the next person and their ‘right’

abilities, circumstances, and everything else

way is sometimes diametrically opposed to

about you and your life is unique. There is

the first person’s ‘right’ way. And we’ve all

no one else in the world exactly like you. If

heard all the shadings of ‘right’ in between

you pay attention to what you do very well,

the two opposite ones. So those of us who

and what you do less well, you can tailor what

pay attention have learned that there is no

you offer to be exactly what some people

‘right’ way. We again look to those who seem

need, and you will be VERY GOOD at it.

to be doing the best in whatever discipline we

Your reputation will grow, and so will your

have chosen—adopting their methods and

business.

techniques.

Where many of us fail, is that we then try to But if you’re really paying attention, you

expand beyond what we are so good at into

will also notice that you have to tweak even

what we are only so-so at. Always continuing

the best advice to fit your own totally unique

to improve what we know is desirable and

situation. Sometimes people feel badly about

important, but we do not need to immediately

this—“I would love to be able to xyz, but…”

incorporate that into what we are currently

Sometimes people give up on something

teaching if this compromises our reputation

that would partially work very well for them

as “expert” at what we do know well.

because they can’t do it all the way. What a

example, you may have learned a great deal

shame! Pay even more attention. There is no

about saddle fit recently, but to then begin

‘right’ way to do anything. There wouldn’t

“teaching” that to your students may not be

be “new math” if there was only one way to

your best bet. It may be better to have the

YOU ARE UNIQUE

do math, there wouldn’t be new procedures

real expert come in so you and your students

if there was only one ‘right’ way to do surgery.

all learn more.

For

There is no “only one right way” to do anything that I can think of. So where does

We are all coming back from a very difficult

that leave us? With discovering the very best

year. As I’ve said in previous articles, this is

way to do things for each of us. Each one of

a really good time to reassess and change

us has different resources and circumstances,

how you operate as you reopen. You really

By Cameo Miller

different strengths and weaknesses, different

shouldn’t balance yourself on a scale using

Illustration by Bethany Caskey

everything. Each one of us is totally unique

anyone else on the other side, or try to follow

as is our situation.

their path. There is already someone ahead of you there. Be so great at what you do that

We all have those in our profession whom we look up to and try to emulate. We learn

We all know that the person who can train at

others consider balancing against you. Learn

as much as we can from them so that we can

the highest level may not have the patience

from others, don’t try to be them. They are

work towards being as good as they are. We go

or desire to work with the rank beginner.

unique too, you can never be better at being

to clinics, watch videos, and read voraciously

While there are those who are equally expert

them than they can. You are unique, you

(no, I’m not kidding—have you seen the

at working with the beginners. We know that

are special, no one else in the world can do

number of how-to books there are on riding).

the person who has an innate feel for what to

exactly what you do in exactly the way you do

We debate with each other over different

shift or change to create what they want from

it. This is a great gift for you to use if you pay

and varied methods—sometimes to try to

the horse may make the very best trainer,

attention to it. Let’s go into this new chapter

get others to embrace our favorite methods,

but may not be able to explain what they are

fully reopened, fully aware of our strengths,

sometimes to refine what we are doing by

doing to be able to teach students. For every

and fully utilizing them.

adding in new techniques. And we are all

tiny bit of our profession, different skills and

well aware of the myriad variety of ways there

abilities are needed to be the best at it.

are to work with and be around our equine partners. This can sometimes be daunting—

So what are YOUR strengths and weaknesses?

there is no RIGHT way to do anything. Lots of

No one can be all things to all people, and no

people will tell you what the ‘right’ way is and

one can be the very best at every part of our

About the author: Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psychologist and a Level IV ARIA Certified Instructor based in Michigan. She is a member of the ARIA Evaluation Panel and an ARIA National Test Center Administrator.

Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor

35

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