Your high-school years are a busy time of life for you and for your family.
To top it off, you also have to balance a busy show schedule and an increased
level of competition. Perhaps you just moved into the division, after being a
pretty good hand in the 13 & Under bracket—now you’re thrown into the mix with
some of the best and most-seasoned Youth 14–18 competitors on the show circuit.
Your trainer is trying to bring you and your horse to a whole new level of
readiness, your show parents are checking point standings, trying to keep you in
show clothes that fit, getting you to the next “must do” event, all the while
dividing their attention between you and the needs of your siblings. Then there
is the prep for college entrance exams, a Chemistry final and maybe the prom!
The best thing you can do with this time is to use it as a learning experience
that will serve you throughout your life. Only a small percentage of teenagers
have the opportunity to ride on a national level. In addition to the technical
riding skills you’re honing, the life-skill development opportunities are
priceless: time-management, multi-tasking, goal-setting, work ethic, sacrifice,
teamwork, sportsmanship, attention to detail, poise and etiquette. |