1. Understanding the Commitment
2. Choosing the Right Discipline
3. Finding the Right Horse
4. Training and Lessons
5. Horse Care Knowledge
6. Equipment and Safety Gear
7. Physical Fitness
8. Understanding the Risks
9. Community and Networking
10. Mental Preparedness

Horse Show Experience Survey

Hello and welcome to get better with horses.

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I'm your host, Will, whether you want

to ride to experience horses, develop

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yourself to the next level as a horseman

or ride to improve your physical and

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mental health, we are committed to

helping you get better with horses.

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Join us as we explore the nuance

of equine management and sports,

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as well as interview industry

professionals to provide you with the

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knowledge necessary to be a better

partner for your equine friends.'

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---

Today, we're talking about something every aspiring equestrian needs to know.

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10 considerations before getting

into equestrian sports...

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equestrian sports can be incredibly

rewarding, but they require dedication

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knowledge and a lot of preparation.

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So if you're considering jumping into

world of equestrian sports, Here's

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10 crucial points to keep in mind.

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Consideration number one,

understanding the commitment.

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First and foremost, let's talk

about the commitment involved

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in a questionnaire in sports.

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It's not just a weekend hobby demands,

significant time and financial investment.

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You'll need to dedicate time for

training, caring for your horse,

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and attending competitions.

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Financially be prepared for costs like the

purchase cost the least cost of a horse.

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Boarding fees.

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Cost for equipment veterinary

care lessons, competitions.

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And when it comes to competitions,

travel, things like that.

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For example, a good quality saddle

can cost anywhere from a serviceable

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end $500 to well over $5,000.

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And monthly boarding fees can often

range from $300 to well over a thousand

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dollars, depending on the facilities.

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The amenities and the type of

board that you are receiving.

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And that's just the beginning.

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There's cost for feed farrier services.

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Hoof care.

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Uh, ideally every six to

eight weeks at a minimum.

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Regular vaccinations,

potential emergency vet visits.

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The time commitment is equally as

large as the financial commitment.

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Daily feeding and grooming regular

exercise training sessions.

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That all easily takes

up several hours a day.

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Not to mention attending competitions

often means travel sometimes over

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long distances in several days.

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It's not cheap, but for many, the joy

and fulfillment make it all worth it.

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Consideration number two,

choosing the right discipline.

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Wow.

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Equestrian sports are very diverse

from dressage and show jumping

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to inventing and barrel racing.

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Each has its own unique

requirements and skillsets.

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Do your research to find

out what resonates with you.

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Consider your physical abilities.

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Your individual interests and the type

of bond you want to have with your horse.

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Go to different local events,

watch competitions online to

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see what sparks your interest.

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Talk to trainers and other

riders about their experiences

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in different disciplines.

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Notice I said trainers

and riders, both plural.

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Make sure you get a diverse perspective

as you embark on this journey.

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Sometimes the discipline you least expect

might turn out to be your favorite.

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Consideration number three,

finding the right horse.

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Now, this might be consideration

number three on this list, but it

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shouldn't be the, the third thing

that you automatically jumped to.

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Finding the right horse is critical.

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Compatibility is key.

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Make sure your horse's temperament size,

training level are all a good match

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for your skill level and your goals.

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Spend time writing different

courses before making your

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final purchase decision.

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This is where horse leases come in handy.

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You get to lease horse,

you don't fully own it.

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So at the end of that lease period,

you can send it back or you can

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continue to lease that horse.

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Sometimes there's a lease with option

to buy, which is a great option as well.

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Just don't rush the process.

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Take your time.

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And if possible, having knowledgeable

trainer or friend with you to provide

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second opinion on what you're looking at.

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It's also a good idea to get a

pre-purchase veterinary exam, to check

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for any underlying health issues that

may not be readily apparent to you.

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The right horse can make all the

difference in your equestrian journey.

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So make this choice very carefully.

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Consideration number four,

training and lessons.

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Regular lessons with a qualified

trainer are essential to help

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you improve your skills and

ensure that you're riding safely.

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Equestrian sports are all about

continuous learning so stay updated on

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training techniques, horse care, latest

developments in your chosen discipline.

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Consider joining local riding clubs

or attending workshops to expand your

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knowledge and network with other writers.

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Many clubs, offer clinics

with top trainers that can

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provide invaluable insights.

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You might also find online resources,

such as video tutorials and webinars

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useful for learning new techniques and

staying informed about best practices.

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It's important to set clear

achievable goals with your trainer.

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Whether it's improving your posture,

mastering a specific technique

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or preparing for a competition.

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Having goals can keep you

motivated and focused.

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Celebrate your progress,

no matter how small.

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And remember everyone

learns at their own pace.

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You should be competing with yourselves.

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Not so much.

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Everybody else that's in the ring.

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Keep that in mind because your journey.

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May be.

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Uh, much more impressive than the person

that won the class, but they were on

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a horse that was fully made for them.

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Consideration number five

horse care knowledge.

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And often surprisingly often overlooked

aspect is horse care knowledge.

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You need to understand the

basics of daily care feeding,

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grooming, exercise, health needs.

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Knowing basic first aid.

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Having a plan for veterinary

emergencies are all crucial.

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Your horse's wellbeing should

always be your top priority.

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For example, ensuring your horse gets

regular dental checkups can prevent

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many health issues down the line.

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Horse's teeth continue to grow

throughout their lives and can

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develop sharp points that need to

be filed down by a veterinarian.

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Additionally, regular grooming not only

keeps you horse clean, but also helps you

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check for any injuries or abnormalities.

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It's extremely important

to know your horse.

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This way you will know

when something is off.

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Understand the dietary

needs of your horse.

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Horses require a balanced diet, hay

grains, and sometimes supplements.

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Quality and type of feed

depends on factors like horses,

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age, weight, activity, level.

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Overall health condition.

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These are things that you

are going to learn over time.

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As you bond with your horse.

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It's also essential to provide

clean, fresh water at all times.

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We definitely don't want

them getting dehydrated.

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Consideration number six.

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Equipment and safety gear.

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Proper equipment and safety

gear cannot be overstated.

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Invest in well-fitting helmet, appropriate

footwear and other safety gear.

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Regularly inspect and maintain your

saddles, bridles, and other tack to

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ensure they're in good condition.

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Safety first.

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Always.

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Don't forget to keep a first aid kit

on hand, both for you and your horse.

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You should include items like

bandages, antiseptic, ointment.

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A thermometer.

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Consider safety measures such

as using reflective gear.

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If you're riding in low light conditions

and ensuring your horse's tack is

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properly adjusted to avoid accidents.

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A well-fitting helmet is non-negotiable.

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It's your first line of

defense against head injuries.

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Make sure it meets safety

standards and fits snugly.

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Riding boots with a small heel help

prevent your foot from slipping through

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the stirrup gloves can improve your

grip on the reins, especially in wet

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conditions and protect your hands

should your horse get away from you.

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Consideration number

seven, physical fitness.

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Both rider and horse need to

be in good physical condition.

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As a rider, maintaining your fitness

is crucial for effective riding.

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Equally important is keeping

your horse in good physical shape

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through balanced exercise and diet.

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Fit horse is a happy horse and a

fit rider can ride more effectively.

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Incorporate exercises that improve

your core strength and balance.

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Pilates and yoga are excellent

for building the muscles

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needed for stable riding.

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Cardio workouts like running or

swimming can enhance your stamina.

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For your horse, a mix of

different activities, such as

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trail rides, flat work jumping.

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Or simply walking up and down

Hills can keep their workouts

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interesting and comprehensive.

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Regular veterinary checkups

are also vital to monitor your

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horses, health, and fitness.

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Just as with human athletes, horses

can develop issues like muscle

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strains, joint problems, and early

detection can make a big difference in

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treatment and recovery, Not to mention

limiting the impact on your wallet.

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Prevention is key.

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Consideration number eight,

understanding the risks.

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Understanding the risk is

another important factor.

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Always prioritize safety to minimize the

risk of injury to both you and your horse.

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Consider getting equine insurance

to cover potential veterinary

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expenses and liability.

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It's better to be prepared and secure than

to face unexpected challenges unprotected.

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Be aware of the specific risks

associated with your chosen discipline

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and take appropriate precautions.

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For example and show jumping.

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I'm sure your horse is trained to navigate

obstacle safely and always walk the course

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beforehand and spot any potential hazards.

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In cross country familiarize yourself

with terrain and practice with your

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horse to build confidence and skill.

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Also understand environmental risks.

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Riding extreme weather conditions can be

dangerous for both you and your horse.

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Heat stroke, dehydration in icy

conditions, or just a few examples

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of weather related risks, always

check weather forecast, and

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adjust your plans accordingly.

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Consideration number nine,

community and networking.

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Joining the in questioning community

and networking with fellow enthusiasts

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can provide invaluable support.

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Consider joining local or

national equestrian organizations.

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These groups, offer resources, support,

opportunities for competition clinics,

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and other things of that nature.

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Finding a mentor can also

be incredibly beneficial.

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They can offer guidance and

advice based on their experiences.

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Don't hesitate to attend local events

and meetups to build connections,

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volunteering at events, joining online

forums and social media groups can also

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help you meet like-minded individuals.

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These connections can provide moral

support, practical advice, and even

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opportunities for sharing resources like

equipment or transportation to events.

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For example, joining a local

riding club, not only gives you

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access to training and facilities.

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But also creates a network of

people who share your passion.

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It's a great way to make friends

and learn from others' experiences.

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Consideration number 10.

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Mental preparedness.

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Lastly, let's talk about mental

preparedness progress in the questioning.

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Sports can be slow and

setbacks are common.

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Maintaining a positive and

patient attitude is key.

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Set clear, achievable goals to stay

motivated and track your progress.

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Remember the journey is just as

important as the destination.

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Share your goals with your trainer and

celebrate small victories along the way.

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For instance, mastering a new

technique or improving your horse's

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performance in a specific area.

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Even if it's just a small

improvement, deserves recognition.

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Keeping a training journal can

be very helpful in this regard.

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Documenting your progress, challenges

and achievements can provide

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motivation and help you identify

patterns or areas needing more focus.

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It's also important to manage stress

and maintain a healthy mindset.

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Practices like mindfulness and meditation

can help you stay calm and focused.

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Don't hesitate to seek professional help.

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If you're struggling with anxiety

or other mental health issues.

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Your mental wellbeing is just

as important as your physical

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health in your equestrian journey.

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And that wraps up today's episode

of get better with horses.

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I hope you found these tips

helpful as you consider your

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journey into equestrian sports.

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Remember the path might be challenging,

but the rewards are worth every effort.

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We are in the process of conducting our

own research on everyone's experience

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with various horse shows that they

have attended over the past year or so.

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Please consider taking a look at the

survey, found in the show notes below.

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Our hope is to be able to gather

industry best practices so that

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they could be shared with various

event management companies.

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In an effort to improve the show

experience by providing a safe welcoming

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environment for all equestrian athletes.

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Thanks for tuning in until next time.

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Happy riding.