| Over the years I have noticed a situation | | | | some real measured level of success. These |
| that develops much to often. That is the | | | | are simply the cold hard facts.What I am |
| problem of burn out on the part of the rider. | | | | advocating is a return to those things that |
| How often have we known someone who started | | | | first held our interest. I do not feel it is |
| riding, and at some point decided to pursue a | | | | necessary to abandon the interest in a |
| particular discipline to the exclusion of any | | | | particular discipline. Instead, think of it |
| other activity involving horses. I am sure | | | | as adding to, expanding, or enhancing your |
| you have encountered this just as I have.The | | | | fundamental interest in horses and riding. |
| sad part is that it doesn't need to happen. | | | | Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed by |
| Think back to when you first began to ride. | | | | something to the exclusion of everything |
| You, just like I, enjoyed doing almost | | | | else. We must protect ourselves from becoming |
| anything you could imagine on horseback. | | | | burned out by overkill.Enjoy to the fullest |
| Remember the trail rides, those days at the | | | | those aspects of riding that really hold your |
| barn that never seem to have enough hours in | | | | interest, but maintain a balance. That |
| them, all the new friends, and what about the | | | | balance is the key. Remember, the more you |
| different shows you were so excited to | | | | limit yourself, the sooner the decline will |
| attend. It didn't matter what kind of show it | | | | begin. I don't mean to suggest that we are |
| was. It had horses and that was all that | | | | all domed, I am merely trying to bring your |
| mattered.Somehow a lot of riders got side | | | | attention to a possibility which could arise |
| tracked. By that I mean they reached a point | | | | for some, if we as a group do not address |
| where they became enthralled with a | | | | it.I would suggest that we look for |
| particular discipline. Now I m not saying | | | | opportunities to expand our activities rather |
| that there is anything wrong with having a | | | | than limit them. Suggest that trail ride, get |
| real desire to excel in any of these | | | | a group together and go watch a show in a |
| specialties. What I am trying to highlight is | | | | completely different discipline, not to |
| the total exclusion of the vary things that | | | | criticize but to learn, find one of those |
| attracted us all to riding in the first | | | | stable tours. I think you get the idea. Start |
| place. Now I know there are those who really | | | | expanding your exposure and take along some |
| enjoy being completely immersed in one aspect | | | | friends and most of all relax, learn, and |
| of riding. However, I do believe they are not | | | | enjoy.You have permission to copy and reuse |
| the majority of those owning and riding | | | | this article provided there are no changes |
| horses. Far to many times I have heard | | | | made to the article and credit is given to |
| someone say, " I'm bored with horses, and | | | | the author and the link to his website |
| selling out and taking up golf". Others are | | | | remains in place. Please notify him by email |
| going skiing or traveling or a myriad of | | | | if you are going to use this article. You may |
| other activities. Why is it that these | | | | contact Bill Dunigan through his website: |
| individuals are losing interest in riding | | | | Dunigan has been teaching and competing in |
| while others are almost fanatical about it?I | | | | excess of 40 years, to include many riding |
| have been riding, competing and teaching for | | | | disciplines. Over the years he has taught and |
| over forty years. During that time I have had | | | | competed in Barrel Racing, Hunter/Jumper, |
| the opportunity to observe and listen to many | | | | Eventing and Dressage and served as President |
| comments from a wide variety of horse | | | | of a local Dressage Association. |
| enthusiast. That's why I am so concerned | | | | Additionally, during this time, he Fox Hunted |
| about what I am seeing. At a time when Expos | | | | four days a week with two different Hunt |
| are packing in the spectators by the | | | | clubs, one of which he served as Joint |
| thousands, how can any of this be true.As I | | | | Master. Bill qualified six years in a row for |
| see it, the real problem is in the limitation | | | | the World Championships with the National |
| of our activities involving horses. Once we | | | | Barrel Horse Association. |
| embark on a path to focus on one discipline, | | | | |
| unless we garner an enormous amount of | | | | Most of his time is now spent teaching |
| success, it's only a question of time before | | | | others to enjoy what they are doing with |
| the discouragement sets in. While I do firmly | | | | their horses, by understanding how and why |
| believe that people are the happiest when | | | | the riding methods and skills they use work |
| they are learning and progressing in some | | | | the way that they do, and specifically why |
| endeavor, few can sustain interest | | | | their horses act and/or react the way they |
| indefinitely without some obvious | | | | do.When you have finished one of his clinics, |
| success.Once an individual starts competing, | | | | you will have learned much more than you |
| things change. At that moment you are thrust | | | | thought possible in just two days. You will |
| into a world of professionalism. It's tough | | | | also realize how important it is to keep your |
| out there. Then the real costs kick in. It's | | | | horse relaxed, along with the undeniable |
| very difficult for someone to justify the | | | | value of slow work.You may contact him |
| enormous expenses incurred by showing without | | | | through his web site at: BarrelRacingClinic. |