Well, I know what my next article topic will be: How to become a better instructor. Every trainer/instructor should put ego aside and seek lessons from, well, from everywhere. Learn from horses, learn from your students, and take some lessons from pros in a field other than your own. Personally, I have always enjoyed learning and have greatly appreciated the opportunities to learn from some very talented horse professionals. I have learned the finer points of Arabian Western pleasure from AHA judge Kari Abiol-Johnson. She showed me that the view from my horses back wasn’t the same as the view from the judges perspective. Pete Bowling, an icon of the AQHA, reminded me to let the horse choose his discipline, and started me on the path to reining. And, most recently, Steve Wright explained that there are some big differences between reining and cutting (who knew?) and that adding a cow into the mix can make you forget how to ride! Oh yeah, note to any instructors reading this: let your clients go with you and see you get a lesson. I guarantee they will enjoy seeing you on the hot seat and it reminds both of you that you are human!
I had a blast learning cutting, a totally new experience. At the end of two and 1/2 hours, I sat my exhausted body and mind down in the truck seat and asked Pam if this is how my students felt after a lesson. With a knowing smile she assured me that they did indeed!
And try something totally new sometime. For me it was kayaking last year. Thats a whole ‘nother story, but suffice it to say that I have no salvagable skill whatsoever on the river. At the time, I thought it was just a disasterous birthday adventure. On retrospect, it was a valuable lesson in humility that made me a better teacher. Now thats a true birthday gift.
I can’t wait for my next lesson! Maybe this time I’ll be slightly more successful outsmarting a cow.