Living Outside The Box!!!

  Standardized tests are useful, but they only scratch the surface on what is possible and only give one view of a given situation. In life we are given many standardized tests and these test are used to measure our abilities against others in a given situation. This method is a useful beginning, but not an end. I do not think it should be abandoned, but put in perspective. Life is anything but standard. No matter how well you plan it will give you something that could not be foreseen or anticipated and your ability to adapt, change, and face these challenges is important. If we are to get the most out of ourselves, and those we work with. We must be creative and teach problem solving skills to foster independence and confidence.
We are all born with certain strengths and weakness's. So I am going to let you in on one of mine. When I was born I had very poor vision and my parents had no idea what I would be able to see or do. My mother either ate , drank, or breathed in something that stooped the development of the back of my eyes. I won't bore you with all the medical details but there is no known cure or surgery they thought would improve my sight. Well over the years my vision has gotten some what better. Either my brain learned to use the information it had better or something similar. My eyes are not like most peoples, but I manage just fine. In fact it has made me a far better rider and instructor than I would have ever been otherwise. It forced me to focus on feeling more, on knowing not only flat work better regardless of the discipline but each horse better. I learned to be able to quickly evaluate situations and how to build trust and confidence in my horses. I learned that what some people see as impossible is totally possible if you have faith, and work hard, and realize there is more than one way to do almost anything. Do we all have limits yes and no.There are certain things each of us can not do in a traditional manner, but we can find a way to do  more than we ever thought and be a part of things in amazing ways, if we keep an open mind.
  I have ridden some of the worlds best horses for some of the worlds best riders. I have jumped 2 meters, done one tempi's, piaffe , passage and pirouettes. More importantly I have trained horses how to enjoy the bit, to stretch, to  engage their mussels in a healthy way , and to jump with confidence. I have thought students who have ridden at a variety of levels in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, and Eventing. I believe the most important things in riding are confidence, understanding of what you and your horse are trying to achieve( which includes all of horsemanship from proper care to the finer points of competition).  It should be entertaining and enjoyable! Which is why we do it in this day and age, otherwise we would play golf, tennis , or whatever you like.
 I was able to do this for  three simple reasons I was willing to try, my parents allowed me to try and supported my efforts to the best of their abilities and I had some amazing teachers who were willing to think outside the box and believe in me and themselves.
  I am not special, and I have made mistakes along the way, but hopefully I have helped others see that the impossible is possible sometimes.Over time I will share more of my story. Ups and downs in hopes to inspire you and keep you from making some of my mistakes.I hope this helps you in some small way.
Sincerely, John