It is time to get positive as winter approaches, this month I am going to give readers and followers ten ideas to create some positive thinking and optimism in these difficult times as we face up to the oncoming winter and the terrible threat of a resurgent Covid 19.
It is all too easy to get down and defeatist but we must all do what we can to lift ourselves and our fellow equestrians and family members.. here are my ten tips for the winter to get things going on a positive footing for all equestrians and hopefully allow you to find some reasons to smile..
1. Remember we are equestrians we don’t give up easily, we are up first and often last to get home in the evening most days, if not sometimes up all night, seeing to our horses every need, our horses need us and if you have a horse you have got the best friend anybody could ever have, never forget that. I know as much as anyone how horses can lift us up and carry us forward to better places. In order to believe in our horses we have to believe in ourselves and show them we can lead the way with positive energy, it really does work if you think positively it will rub off not just on your horses but also the people around you.
2. Check on your friends, the ones who might not be appearing as often as they usually do, they might be fed up and losing the drive to get to the yard, so bear it in mind and take the first step, give somebody a call, it will also help your own sense of well being too, I know it will. I think an awful lot of us have big challenges this year and a thoughtful call can be a very effective way of lifting both the caller and the receiver, just give it run.
3. Have a sit down and make a list of your favourite times with your horse, actually write them down, include how you felt and what it was that made you feel so happy and proud it really should help you get a sense of happiness and a sense of wellbeing, I find this one worked very well for me personally as it is sometimes too easy to forget the good times if we get a bit down.
4. Write a horsey bucket list, include three things, maybe those which you could fairly easily achieve, then maybe some that would be a stretch and finish off with the really wonderful things that might happen, one day… maybe riding a very young horse, riding a clear round, whatever it is will be personal to you and does not have to be extravagant. This will undoubtedly raise your self esteem as that is what achievement does in my opinion.
5. If you have nobody to talk to about how you are feeling, about horses or anything write your feelings and thoughts down, this should help you get things off your chest a little bit and is a good way of feeling less alone if that is something you are having to struggle with in these difficult times.
6. If you have the money treat yourself or your horse, or both to something nice, maybe clothes, it could be the show jacket you always wanted or a bridle for your horse that you never got around to buying, splash out and do not feel guilty about it, again if you are god to yourself you will be stronger and better able to be good to others too.
7. Make a donation to a good cause, maybe an equine charity, it could be tack or equipment, it doesn’t matter what it is but it is often very satisfying to give and spreading a bit of joy and kindness around is a very positive way to generate a sense of warmth and togetherness with people, this can be wonderfully uplifting. Try not to be secretive about it, be proud of your kindness it is good for us all to be appreciated and anyone who is kind deserves to be appreciated.
8. I know it is very difficult just now but as soon as you can plan a nice trip, just a change of scenery, it does not have to be exotic, just plan it and if possible do it, the whole experience of planning and thinking good positive thoughts should make you feel better, even if it just a hack on maybe a different route, but take time to plan it and maybe share the experience with a friend too it should be fun.
9. One of my favourite things to do with horses is to just be around them, no lesson plans, no riding tricky horses or dealing with other peoples’ issues just me and a horse or horses doing absolutely nothing but being in the same space and mirroring our thoughts and feelings, I have often found this a very positive thing to do and I always feel better for some quiet time reflecting in the company of a horse, they are the masters of quiet support in my opinion.
10. Well to make sure those who read the full list of ten things get the chance of a reward I am going to lead by example and I am offering the first five people a free remote training session for them or their horse. Just email me Brian@equinesolutions.co.uk and I will reply asap. Basically the way it works is people send me a video of themselves riding and I make a voiced over audio recording making some suggestions and pointers to hopefully improve things…. That is my contribution and I feel better already... it works. Good luck everybody and enjoy supporting your fellow equestrians and family and friends, we are all in this together.