How Do I Know If I Am A Gritty Rider?

At a horse show a few weeks ago a rider came up to me and said, "Chevy, I love your work, but how do I become a gritty rider? I'm not confident. I don't feel like I am skilled enough as a horsewoman, so I don't feel like I can be a gritty rider. What does being a gritty rider really mean?"

I swiftly reassured this rider that they are in fact a Gritty Rider! Being a Gritty Rider isn't about skill level. It isn't about show pen accomplishments. 


Being a Gritty Rider is about how you approach your horsemanship (and your life). It is about learning and growing and improving as a rider (and as a person). It is about how you treat your horse, other people, and yourself. 


Being a Gritty Rider isn't a one time thing. You don't simply get a certificate one day, and are forever afterwards a Gritty Rider. Being a Gritty Rider requires continued work, continued effort, continued passion and perseverance for long term goals. It requires grit! 


So how can you know if you are a Gritty Rider?


You are a Gritty Rider if you:


Follow your heart, letting your love and passion for horses direct your choices. You value the connection and partnership with your horse.


Understand that anything worth doing requires effort, and that effort trumps talent every time. You put emphasis on the journey and the rider you are becoming along the way, and let the result take care of itself.


Challenge yourself to be the best that you can be. You are willing to practice and work hard to develop your skills. You are humble and kind, and let you actions speak for you.


Accept that there will be obstacles along your horsemanship journey. Instead of seeing problems, you see opportunities. You find the blessings in the burdens. You keep on riding, even when the trail gets rough.


Value courage and trying new things. You learn from your mistakes. You accept the things you cannot change, and take action on things you can change. You do you best each day, and know that you are enough.


Strive to be a loyal and empathetic friend, ready to lend a hand or be a listening ear. You know the power of a positive mindset, and spread positive energy and encouragement everywhere you go. You believe that horsemanship journeys are better when shared with others.


Trust yourself and your horse. You believe that horses are a part of your life's purpose, a piece of your identity. You have a clear vision for your horsemanship journey, and you live it everyday.


If this sounds like you, then yes, you are a Gritty Rider!


Get Gritty,

Chevy