I have been in a reflective mood recently. Not really brooding reflection as I am sometimes prone to do but simply curious. I am like the little kid who repeatedly asks the question, “But why?,” over and over again.
One thing that has puzzled me is why we think about health and wellness in such fractured way. We will all have our own examples. We look for answers in different corners of our worlds when the “answer” is likely to be multifaceted.
The other thing that has made my puzzler sore is why we so often invest our energies in fixing problems that arise rather than focusing on creating overall wellness; wellness in our world, industry, communities, relationships, and in ourselves and our endeavors. How is it that wellness gets so easily lost?
One of the things I love about being a horseman in today’s world is the focus on equine wellness. Whether it is in shifting our training to more relational methods, implementing new understanding from the study equine neurology and biomechanics, or shifting our approaches to how we care for our equine partners outside of the time we are riding, competing or training.
More and more I am convinced that this is a crucial shift. Shifting our mindset towards prioritizing overall wellness. Not just wellness in our horses but wellness in ourselves… an EQUAL investment. Our sport naturally involves a deep connection between us and our horses, highlighting the importance of mutual well-being. By focusing on wellness, we can boost our performance, strengthen our bonds with our horses, bolster our joy, and set an example for the broader community.
What if we committed to caring for ourselves and our horses in equal measure? What would it take to make sure we and our horses get proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest?. Could we invest equally in injury prevention and management—whether it’s booking that physio appointment or ensuring you and your horse gets regular check-ups and treatments. By making physical wellness a priority, we can stay at the top of our game.
I don’t think I will ever really understand why our mental and emotional wellness gets so easily overlook. So much attention is paid to how our emotional state affects our horses. And, an enormous amount of time, energy and money is spent trying to help our horses find peace. We talk a lot about the pressures of competition and training, but I know that life by its nature is difficult. It is full of stressors. Investment in a healthy mind and heart helps with focus, decision-making, and overall enjoyment of the sport and life (for you and your horse). Investing in mental and emotional wellbeing and nurturing a positive mindset can enhance our performance and make the journey more enjoyable for both us and our horses.
Finally, we can’t forget our relationships. Our equestrian community is a vital part of our wellness. Building strong, supportive relationships with fellow riders, trainers, as well with our family and friends fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Participating in community activities, sharing knowledge, and helping each other through challenges can create a nurturing environment that benefits everyone.
I know some might find this funny to hear this but the same is true for our equine partners. Our horses are social creatures as well. They benefit from many of the same community supports. While they have little say in how we manage their care, yet our approach to caring for them can have a huge impact. It only makes sense to invest in fostering strong, consistent, positive relationships with and between our horses.
So before I stop puzzling I have one more question for you. What would it take for you to make investment in overall wellness your default setting? I really want to know. ~ Paul
I have been in a reflective mood recently. Not really brooding reflection as I am sometimes prone to do but simply curious. I am like the little kid who repeatedly asks the question, “But why?,” over and over again.
One thing that has puzzled me is why we think about health and wellness in such fractured way. We will all have our own examples. We look for answers in different corners of our worlds when the “answer” is likely to be multifaceted.
The other thing that has made my puzzler sore is why we so often invest our energies in fixing problems that arise rather than focusing on creating overall wellness; wellness in our world, industry, communities, relationships, and in ourselves and our endeavors. How is it that wellness gets so easily lost?
One of the things I love about being a horseman in today’s world is the focus on equine wellness. Whether it is in shifting our training to more relational methods, implementing new understanding from the study equine neurology and biomechanics, or shifting our approaches to how we care for our equine partners outside of the time we are riding, competing or training.
More and more I am convinced that this is a crucial shift. Shifting our mindset towards prioritizing overall wellness. Not just wellness in our horses but wellness in ourselves… an EQUAL investment. Our sport naturally involves a deep connection between us and our horses, highlighting the importance of mutual well-being. By focusing on wellness, we can boost our performance, strengthen our bonds with our horses, bolster our joy, and set an example for the broader community.
What if we committed to caring for ourselves and our horses in equal measure? What would it take to make sure we and our horses get proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest?. Could we invest equally in injury prevention and management—whether it’s booking that physio appointment or ensuring you and your horse gets regular check-ups and treatments. By making physical wellness a priority, we can stay at the top of our game.
I don’t think I will ever really understand why our mental and emotional wellness gets so easily overlook. So much attention is paid to how our emotional state affects our horses. And, an enormous amount of time, energy and money is spent trying to help our horses find peace. We talk a lot about the pressures of competition and training, but I know that life by its nature is difficult. It is full of stressors. Investment in a healthy mind and heart helps with focus, decision-making, and overall enjoyment of the sport and life (for you and your horse). Investing in mental and emotional wellbeing and nurturing a positive mindset can enhance our performance and make the journey more enjoyable for both us and our horses.
Finally, we can’t forget our relationships. Our equestrian community is a vital part of our wellness. Building strong, supportive relationships with fellow riders, trainers, as well with our family and friends fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Participating in community activities, sharing knowledge, and helping each other through challenges can create a nurturing environment that benefits everyone.
I know some might find this funny to hear this but the same is true for our equine partners. Our horses are social creatures as well. They benefit from many of the same community supports. While they have little say in how we manage their care, yet our approach to caring for them can have a huge impact. It only makes sense to invest in fostering strong, consistent, positive relationships with and between our horses.
So before I stop puzzling I have one more question for you. What would it take for you to make investment in overall wellness your default setting? I really want to know. ~ Paul
