Uploaded January 2011 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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[Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.]
(HD or die)
Being a "good rider" does NOT mean you have the most money, the fanciest ponies, the best equitation. It doesnt mean that you have won the most ribbons or being the most famous.

Being a "good rider" is so much more.

To me, a good rider is one that inspires others. One that, when doing the "walk of shame" out of the ring after a fall, puts on a big smile and says, "I want to try again."
One when, even if their horse is bad, that they still have a smile on their face and thankful that they are in that saddle.
One that, even if their horse bucks or acts naughty, just laughs instead of beating them.

But mainly, I believe a good rider is someone who NEVER gives up. They take whatever the hell is thrown at them, and keep on going.
Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Sometimes your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else.

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart,
That's true strength.