Succeeding at a goal brings wonderful feelings of accomplishment. Celebrate! Enjoy the moment! Success can also create an opportunity for us to recognize that the skills and qualities that got us to our goal will not take us to the next level.
This is something I have faced head-on this year in my riding and training in dressage. If you haven’t met us previously, know that my horse Usache and I compete (Adult Amateurs) at local competitions in a sport called Dressage.
Until June of this year, we had shown fairly steady, forward progress. Consistency left a little to be desired but we were proud of our top 10 finish at regional competition in 2010 and looked forward to competing at a higher level for 2011.
All was on track as we met our scoring goals for the new level in late April. Following that show and after reviewing the performance videos, our trainer began preparing us for the next step – changing my sitting position in the saddle.
If you are unfamiliar with horseback riding, this is akin to changing your golf swing or your approach to free throws in basketball. You go from having an okay to good skill level to complete newbie. Add the complicating factor of introducing this new arrangement to your horse that has no idea or comprehension of why such a change should be made.
Why the change? Just as in many other areas of our life, what had gotten us to the level we were at was not going to take us to the next level. The connection between horse and rider must be strong at any level, but the upper levels of dressage absolutely require it. Any weakness or area not fully addressed is magnified and the outcome disappointing.
So we have spent the summer and fall rebuilding and getting back on track. We are not yet back to where we were one year ago. That is hard to swallow. But the glimpses and glimmers of true connection that come through provide the encouragement to continue on our journey.