Summer around here is in full swing, complete with the happenings of the 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. I myself have always been a big fan of the Olympics in general. Whether it be summer or winter games I can't help but be drawn in by the excitement of such a high level of competition. I have always been a very athletic person and have looked up to Olympic competitors. The drive and level of commitment required to compete at such an intense level is astounding.

In watching athletes who have dedicated their lives to sport I, myself, am inspired. Greatness can most certainly be achieved if we set ourselves out to accomplish it no matter the cost. The athletes that compete in the Olympic games all have the commonality of a dedication to practice. A commitment to a sport that they love.

One other similarity of the Olympic athletes is that none of them have achieved what they have without help. From coaches and trainers to a strong support system including family and friends. Those that have helped them immediately as well as those that have helped through inspiration alone. We may see athletes competing solely but behind the scenes there resides a whole team.

The same is true with horsemanship. Without practice and outside influence we will never achieve the greatness that we are capable of. Without support we will reach a plateau. Without coaches or mentors we will eventually find ourselves tapering out and stagnating. Without the inspiration from others ,currently or past, we will not know what is possible.

Passion and commitment stem from inspiration.

I myself, would not ride at the level that I do today were it not for others. The first time that I saw Buck Brannaman ride I was in awe. I was not sure if it would ever be possible for me to ride like him. He emanated such beauty and grace in his riding that I was inspired. Since then I have been striving to reach a comparable level in my own riding.

I saw what was possible and took it upon myself to work towards such a high level of riding. I began working with Buck and other top riders. My level of commitment skyrocketed. I began riding more and more. These days I am working around horses more than I do anything else. I am riding in my mind even when I am not in the saddle.

I continue to practice. I ride, when the footing is good, until it is dark. I seek out others who are passionate in their own riding. A fire was lit inside of me and still burns strong.

Having a mentor or someone to ask questions to, has helped me to keep improving. Riding with others is so important in continuing to grow.

The ability to bounce ideas off another is huge. The feedback that can be given from others is also helpful. There is so much wonderful information out there. Others before us have achieved great things. Studying with, or from them, is a sure way to keep rising.

Through this journey I have come to realize that I will never ride like Buck. Only Buck can ride like Buck. I may draw inspiration from him but I will only achieve my highest level of greatness through riding like me. I can only be my best self by following my own star. Highlighting my own talents and using my own style.

It is through being myself that the love of riding will not fade. That passionate fire that resides inside me will continue to burn strongly and keep me striving for greatness.

So I ask you, my readers, to follow that which you love. Use that outside inspiration to be your best self. Whatever it is that you strive towards, keep after it. Never give up. We may not become Olympic athletes but we will become our best selves out there. That, is surely, something to celebrate.

Happy Trails!

Eric

Easton Horsemanship