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What It Takes

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The most important thing for any rider is interest. In order to succeed in anything, you have to really want to.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the rider is tall, thin, and athletic. If you are graced with the ideal body type, count your blessings. As for talent, hand-eye coordination, depth perception and so on—all these are important attributes. But, none of them outweigh interest.

Competitive riding can be very challenging, especially as you move up within the ranks of your discipline or division. To ride well requires a long-term commitment. It is ultimately very satisfying, but you have to be interested in making the most of your abilities.

In any case, realistic expectations are essential. In the case of my older student, her dream of consistency was as unrealistic as riding in the Olympic games. I had to tell her that she was being completely unreasonable. She will never be consistently in the ribbons. She will never be a great rider. And that’s fine.

After thinking about her situation overnight, my student came back to me and said that for her, studying equitation was like going to college and never being smart enough to pass, but enjoying the parties anyway.

This student knows that if she studies very hard, once in a while, everything will come together. When that happens at a show, she will ride well, she will receive high scores, and do well in the placings. If it happens at home, she will still have great personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

I believe every rider needs a certain amount of competitiveness to survive. A good rider will want to be able to push and give everything he has when it counts. But, you only set yourself up for failure if you ask yourself to do something that is completely beyond your ability. Realize that everybody has limitations. Just relax and enjoy the parties along the way.


4.2 Riding at the front of the field is a coveted position— an “Ultimate Goal”—in foxhunting. If you hone your skills and keep an eye on your goals, you will someday be in a position to realize them.

Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation

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