I used to work at a Guest Ranch many years ago, a vacation destination that offered an immersive Western experience. It was a place where you could go and participate in activities from horseback riding, cattle drives, and fishing to archery, shooting, and hiking. With three meals a day and amenities like a pool and lodging, it offered quite an experience.
Not Your Typical Office Job (A Humorous Aside)
Working at a guest ranch is far from your typical office job. One morning, not long after I arrived at the facility, a ranch hand walked in and casually mentioned that she’d just been kicked by a horse. Naturally, we asked if she was okay. “Yep,” she said, “just caught me in the shoulder.” I glanced at my watch—it wasn’t even 9 AM yet.
When I’m getting ready in the morning, I like to think that I’m preparing for anything my day throws my way. That said, I can assure you one of those things is not getting kicked by a horse!
The Breakfast Ride
As an employee of the facility, I once participated in an experience known as “The Breakfast Ride”. On horseback, a group of us would mount up and ride a trail to a mountain top where we enjoy a fireside breakfast, each other’s company, and million-dollar views.
I should point out that I lacked any previous horseback riding experience, so while there was plenty of excitement for the journey ahead, I was also very nervous. These fears would be calmed when I learned that matching riders to horses isn’t random.
Horses, like humans, have distinct personalities and skill levels. Some horses are calm and steady, perfect for beginners or those who prefer a leisurely ride. Others are spirited and require a more experienced hand. The ideal match ensures safety, enjoyment, and harmony between horse and rider.
Our horseback riding coordinator was skilled at matching each rider based on these characteristics. For this ride, I was paired with a horse suited to my skill level and personality.
The ride was a powerful feeling of freedom and empowerment, blending control with surrender, a journey of connection and self-discovery that transcended the physical act and became an emotional, spiritual, and even transformative experience.
This concept provides a fascinating metaphor for personal development: strive to embody the qualities of the horse you want to ride. Just as you wouldn’t want to ride a horse that startles easily or stops frequently, you wouldn’t want to embody those traits in your personal or professional life.
In this article, we’ll explore why adopting the traits of a strong, disciplined, and experienced horse can lead to personal growth and success.
The Traits of an Ideal Horse
Let’s examine some key traits of an ideal horse:
Strength and Endurance
A strong horse is capable of carrying its rider over long distances without tiring.
Discipline
A disciplined horse responds well to commands and maintains focus on the path ahead.
Experience
An experienced horse has “seen a few things” and knows how to handle unexpected situations.
Calmness Under Pressure
A good riding horse remains calm even when faced with potential stressors.
Applying These Traits in Life
Now that we understand the traits of an ideal horse, let’s explore how adopting these qualities can enhance your personal development:
Strengthening Your Core
Just as a strong horse requires physical conditioning, building your physical health is foundational for overall well-being. Regular exercise not only boosts physical strength but also enhances mental clarity and emotional stability. Additionally, cultivating mental strength through mindfulness practices or cognitive exercises can improve focus and resilience.
Cultivating Discipline
Discipline is about creating habits that align with your goals. Start by setting clear objectives and breaking them down into manageable steps. Use tools like planners or digital apps to track progress and hold yourself accountable. Remember that discipline isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent effort over time.
Gaining Experience
Seek out opportunities for growth by stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on new responsibilities at work, traveling to unfamiliar places, or learning new skills, each experience adds to your repertoire of knowledge and adaptability. Embrace failures as learning opportunities; they are stepping stones toward mastery.
Maintaining Calmness
Developing techniques for stress management can help you remain calm under pressure. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. By staying calm, you can approach problems with a clear mind and find solutions more effectively.
The Wrap Up
The metaphor of being the horse you want to ride serves as a powerful reminder of the qualities we should strive for in our own lives. By embodying strength, discipline, experience, and calmness under pressure, we position ourselves for success in both personal and professional arenas.
Just as riders are matched with horses that reflect their abilities and temperament at a dude ranch, we should aim to cultivate traits that align with our aspirations. In doing so, we not only enhance our own lives but also inspire those around us to pursue their highest potential.
So next time you find yourself at a crossroads or facing a challenge, ask yourself: Are you being the horse you’d want to ride?
