Six Ideas for Role Models

Go to shows and competitions, watch the best riders, and keep their image foremost in your mind – use them
as your role models.

1 Steady. This is about being careful, disciplined and persistent. The image of a banker works well as a role model. Alternatively, a competitor from a sport like long-distance running, rowing or mountain climbing may be the right role model for you.

2 Simple. This is about being rational and analytical. Imagining that you are a professor searching for answers and learning from mistakes, or a competitor from a precision sport like gymnastics, can help you to think like this.

3 Positive. This is about having a constructive outlook on life. An army general is an ideal character to imagine here, because this role requires working together with other people in order to become stronger.

4 Flexible. This is about being ready to adapt your ideas or approach in order to get the maximum  result from the minimum effort. Imagine you are a wizard: finding a better idea can result in a magical performance.

5 Prepared. This is about being able to deal with all eventualities and make effective decisions. A circus ringmaster could be your imagined character and role model for this.

6 Human. This is about being able to empathise with others and keep problems in perspective. The image of a spirited and wise grandmother can help you with this attitude, or a famous role model, such as South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, could also be effective.

To read more from this edition, buy a copy of Horse&Rider August 2012 here

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