Not too long ago, there were a number of conversations about recruiting and retaining endurance riders. Since then, some of the comments have continued to eat at me. Some of the comments I took the most issue with generally started with when I go started in endurance... or said something along the lines that we cant hold peoples hands, both justified by the idea that its very possible for people to tough up and if people needed their hands held, how could they possibly succeed in this sport? While my professional title is a teacher, I see myself more as a saleswoman. If I took the above sort of attitude with my students, none of them would ever discover a passion for my subject, education, or even learning altogether. Most would develop an aversion to at least my class if not the broader concepts of education in general. How many teachers turned you off to a subject merely because they were less than encouraging or helpful? Though it does happen, the student who enters my classroom determined to learn no matter what seemingly-impossible task I throw at them is a rare exception. Even my best students need some encouragement and hand-holding every now and then. However, I live by the philosophy that nothing is more motivating than success. If I can get my students to feel successful, they are more determined than ever to work harder and succeed again, usually with less hand holding because they now know they can do it! And it feels great!! Endurance is no different. At first, it seems impossible to new endurance riders - even if theyve been riding for years. 25 miles? Thats a long ride. 50 miles? Wow, I could never do that. 100 miles? WHAT?? Even those like me who love a challenge can feel like its impossible - they dont have the right horse, the right knowledge, the right gear... The list is endless. But yet, some still explore just to see if they could at least do an LD. The biggest barrier is knowledge - knowing that this IS something they can do and HOW they can do it. They might need a little hand-holding and spoon-feeding, but I personally think thats perfectly fine. Its available in every other discipline - what else would you call taking lessons or the assistance provided via online forums and other publications? We dont exactly have lessons due to the nature of our sport, but that doesnt mean theres nothing we can do. We need to make it as easy as possible to get the information and support they need and want - thats simply the world we live in - and then be patient with them and trust that they will take that information and work hard to make their dreams a possibility. We can assist in so many ways through 101 clinics and mentoring (both in person, online, and with books), so why would we hold anything back? Todays culture is all consumer-based and were competing with other equine disciplines for a relatively limited population. People ARE interested and we need them to keep this sport alive, even if it takes a little hand holding to get them to their first ride - Then, if theyre true endurance riders, theyll get to feel the success that keeps them working harder and coming back for more.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:28:14 +0000
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