The Top Ten Things I Learned at Cowboy Dressage Worlds 2016 (not completely related to horses)

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Shanna, our intern, took initiative to write these thoughts out…on our way home from CDW-Rancho Murieta.

The Top Ten Things I Learned at Cowboy Dressage Worlds 2016 (not completely related to horses)

I learned many things this year at Cowboy Dressage Worlds 2016, from how to critique a ride, to making the most of the blessing of humor.

  1. I learned that to keep positivity, motivation, and laughter in your life, you must surround yourself with people who share a common interest, and have a similar outlook on life, but are not exactly the same person you are.
  2. I learned to treasure the wisdom and stories of the elderly; to slow down your own spinning teenage world, and soak in as much wisdom as you possibly can. You have to stop, listen, and learn from their life experiences.
  3. I learned preparation and organization will make every thing you do more relaxing in the long haul.
  4. Life is too short to take it seriously. Laugh whenever you get the chance.
  5. I learned you will only ever be as good as your leader, so choose them wisely. Think to yourself ” Who do I want to be like?”
  6. I learned not everyone is exactly like you. You must learn in life to balance your personality with others, and bring out the positive in both to create a team.
  7. To do something and be passionate about it, it must line up with what you believe, no exceptions.
  8. Soft feel, release, and connection takes more than thirty days to develop; it takes partnership, dedication, and time.
  9. “Good tack”, also known as expensive tack, does not make a good rider. Also, good food always improves the morale of a team.
  10. You must use the restroom when you stop for gas.