Guest Blog post # 24: "Ten Things..." by MMC Eventing

Ten Things...

You ever do a ten list? Ten things you wish you could do, ten things you wish you had done different, ten things you have done right? How bout ten dumbest things you have ever done, or most embaressing. Ten best friends. Ten best lessons. Ten best books?

Here are ten things I tell all my students, from 40 plus years of riding.

1. Lateral exercises, transitions, and counter-bending are the three tools in the tool box that will get you almost anywhere.

2. Don’t ride to a jump, looking for a spot. You don’t jump a spot, you jump a jump. Ride with a rhythm, let the horse learn, and you will more often than not hit a perfect spot.

3. There is no such thing as a perfect spot.

4. Don’t get angry. When you do, get off. Because every moment you stay on, is taking a step backward with your horse.

5. Don’t jump 3 year olds. IF you really want that horse to last, wait till they are four. All the money in the world won’t be as satisfying as having a horse last till they are into thier late teens.

6. Don’t pull your horse into a frame, push push push. It takes a bit longer, but the sky is the limit if you learn right from the beginning.

7. Don’t force the horse to do something he normaly does with a giving heart. Chances are, he knows something you don’t. And is keeping you safe.

8. Always praise the horse louder then you get mad at them. They will die for you if you treat them right. They remember when you don’t….and that ditch, is pretty ugly from a snails view.

9. Love your horse. Really love them. They are more then just a vehicle, they can be your best friend, but you have to be open to it.