Stairwell to Success

This is going to be a bit different flavour on our blog but I have a few things I want to cover.  

1. Every body’s path to success is different. 

2. Every ones definition of success is different. 

3. Do not judge other people’s journeys. 

4. Stay grounded. Be humble. 

I have seen, what feels like “it all” but even with that being said, new things happen that still surprise me. 

When anyone goes to a competition you want to be successful, sometimes that success is simply getting around 3 barrels. Sometimes you place pressure on yourself to win. Sometimes the success is simply showing up and entering. 

When you are forunate enough to win. Be humble. If dealing with a barrel horse isn’t enough of a daily reminder, just remember how you felt before that win as well. We are allowed to have confidence, but we must also remember that our equine partners can be taken from us in a breath. It honestly happens that fast.

One of my favourite pieces of advice comes from Sherry Cervi (the living legend herself), and that was  “A true champion, you can never tell if they have won or lost after a run, because they present themselves the same in either circumstance” 

And that’s why we all love Sherry Cervi. She not only teaches us grace, but shows it every single day. 

Unfortunately there is no short cuts to success. As a veteran, you know the schedule and where you feel your horse will perform it’s best. But there are no guarantees. When you are bringing a new project on, whether it be to the futurities, derbies, jackpots, or rodeos, that horse needs the experience in order to grow. 

Now, on the entering game. This is where I get to say “I’ve seen it”. One run does not determine your value.

Another great quote that multiple professionals live by “Your only as good as your last run”. 

I find that quote  SO motivating. I’ve been asked multiple times how I stayed motivated. I repeat that saying multiple times per week, because I have a few things on my side. First off, preparation. I may not have had a very good last run, but I can work my butt off inbetween to make my  “next last run” better. It helps keep me current, and focused on the next move.

And now I want to touch on something, I was asked during a clinic, do you ever pack it up and go home? The short reply is YES.

The long answer is more complicated... basically you need to stay hooked to a certain degree BECAUSE I have watched, witnessed and been a participant of contestants not winning a DIME until July, and then qualifying for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and/or the National Finals Rodeo. 

One run, can change your momentum. The highest Season earning standings I had going into the Canadian Finals, I hadn’t won a single thing until the long weekend in July, where I managed to wrangle in a $157 cheque.

I watched girls down south have a long cold dry winter and spring..... and in July hit off and qualify for the NFR.

Lesson:  it’s not over until it’s over. 

The season, the rodeo, the jackpot. The beauty with this sport, is ANYTHING can happen at ANYTIME. Never count yourself, or anyone out for that matter. 

I feel so fortunate to have competed with the best, and been able to learn things from them they probably didn’t even realize they were teaching me. And with that I must share two of my all time favourite conversational quotes from Lisa Lockhart. (I must add, I love Lisa. These conversational advices came when she was helping me rewire my trailer plug at a rodeo.)

“When it’s your turn to win, you will win”

“The cream always rises to the top”. 

I think we can leave it right there. Have a good week!