“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” - Zig Ziglar
Sharon: In my 20s (not that long ago really…lol) there was an expression that became very popular where I lived: often shortened to PMA, it was: Positive. Mental. Attitude.
PMA is defined as the philosophy of maintaining an optimistic disposition in every situation, which is believed to attract positive changes and increase success.
Like most things in life, sounds easy, until it comes time for you to do it.
Specifically here, we are talking about how you show up for your lesson with your coach on your good bud horse, Neddy.
As most people know if they’ve been around riding and showing horses for long enough, they are humbling creatures, always reminding us not to get too cocky.
Horses are sentient beings and can be defined as creatures who do not follow scripts.
And when we are having a lesson with our coach, much as we may want Neddy to do this one thing we’ve been working on, Neddy, being a sentient being, has his own mind and he is likely to change it.
It’s what happens next that’s crucial.
You, as the rider, you’re the CEO of the partnership; you’re the cruise director, the person in charge of all choices for today, can make or break the lesson based on your attitude.
Attitude is an outward demonstration of your inner thinking. If you arrive at the barn rushed because you set off late, Neddy is hard to catch and one of your stirrups has fallen off, it’s highly likely you’ll had a bad attitude when you walk in the arena.
Can your coach tell? Oh yes. We’ll ask Jen in a minute what she thinks. Can Neddy tell? Also, oh yes.
How do you think Neddy is going to feel – he can pick up your vibe, that’s what horses are good at. He could be worried because he feels you move faster in your seat, your aids are clumsier than usual and maybe you pull or kick a bit too hard when it doesn’t require it, and then, when Neddy does not do the thing you want him to, your attitude shows up and man is it not nice, for anyone.
It’s important I think, to check your attitude at the barn door – what are you going into the arena with – an open, learning mindset or a closed, frustrated one?
Jen, as a coach, what are your thoughts about people’s attitudes when talking a lesson?
Jen: “Just like the horse, I know the rider’s attitude the minute I set eyes on them. I can tell whether the lesson is going to be worth it – if the student is enthusiastic; they want to learn, they have an open mind and a willing attitude - willing to try – wanting to excel.
But there are some days I look at a student… and this has included you Sharon… I see all the lights are on but there’s no one home!
If your mind is elsewhere; you have the wrong attitude. If you think your horse just ‘should’ be able to do it, you have the wrong attitude. If you’re short of time and want to get it done, you have the wrong attitude.
You’re not going to learn much. It’s as frustrating for me as it is for the horse, and likely – you as the student.”
Sharon: Thanks for that reminder Jen! Here’s a quote I now use to help me check in and adjust my attitude before a lesson: ‘A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t get anywhere until you change it’
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'From the Trainer's Eye articles written by Jen Jonas of Jonas Performance Horses and one of her students, Sharon Jones of Be A Better You Inc. Both Jen and Sharon are believers in continuous learning - if you're not learning you are not growing'