Everyone has the desire to win, that’s nothing special; but do you have the will to work hard? In my experience, that is answered without true thought. Sure, everyone is willing to “Work Hard”, but when it starts getting real, the daily grind is hard, you have to push yourself every minute, every day and get through the tough days, are you dedicated enough to do it? Forget about every bad day and look forward to the next day. Very few realize the work and dedication it takes to train a great horse or become a great rider.

Cold days, hot days, days where nothing is going the way you want; this is a small part in working hard to accomplish your goal of becoming great. Allow yourself to think outside of the box, try new things, and accept encouragement from others. I never know where I get my inspiration.

Will it come from trying something new to conquer a hurdle to make my horse or myself better? It could be from watching a fellow competitor, giving a lesson or talking to someone outside of my discipline. 

Be willing to have an open mind. We can all learn something new. None of the greats have all the answers!

This quote motivates me and tells me that hard work will make me great… Whenever I find myself wanting to sleep in, skip a day of riding, or get frustrated from a bad day with my horse, I try and think of this quote – because I don’t want to be just ok, I want to be great and it pushes me forward and through.I know that the level I want to compete at, and not everyone can get there. So what does it take to get there… It’s simple, work harder than the competition.

The next time you feel lazy, tired, unmotivated and discourage...know that the competition and great horsemen have already finished their workouts and training, plus more...That's right plus more! They started eating healthier to get their own body in shape to be a better rider. Maybe they are watching film of their horses work. Every free minute you can bet the great horsemen are dedicated, focused and willing to work hard.How hard do you work and are you willing/dedicated enough to achieve your goals? Be honest with yourself… Now, look at what you can do to become great!