For the last 30 years, I have been an avid equestrian. I love horses and I love the outdoors; I love what I do and who I’m becoming as a result of my avocation. My avocation is making me a better person.
Horses have allowed for me to develop many roles and with each role, a set of skills. Among these roles are:
- Student
- Trainer
- Teacher
- Care Giver
- Volunteer
- Advocate
As a student, I am remaining humble and teachable, learning to listen and apply knowledge to form new more effective ways of communicating and building trust and teamwork.
As a trainer, I am becoming a more consistent and articulate communicator, building trust and teamwork, negotiating through conflict, and providing dependable leadership.
As a teacher, I am empathizing, listening, discerning, and observing students so that I can provide meaningful and effective feedback. I am building rapport with others of different generations, backgrounds, abilities, life experiences, and cultures.
As a volunteer, I am becoming more selfless and generous with my time and resources. I enjoy sharing the gifts I have with others, especially those who usually go without.
As a care giver, I am providing a safe haven for people and horses and am meeting daily needs.
As an advocate, I am educating and informing others about humane and natural training methods and promoting the smooth ride of a gaited horse on my blog Naturally Gaited. I have also been a volunteer trainer for the MN Hooved Animal Rescue and participated in the 2010 Trainer’s Challenge of the Unwanted Horse.
Because of avocation, I am becoming a better person: more grateful, generous, compassionate, selfless, articulate, and present to people and my environment. Through avocation I am helping others care for and work with horses in a more humane way which is safer for the rider.
