10 Considerations When Starting Out In Equestrian Sports

Speaker: 00:00:00

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.