11/10/2023
A Good Ride Is Not Easy
I have heard people say they get into the Ranch discipline because it's easy. The Ranch discipline is accessible to newcomers because it's not about how much your horse costs, the clothes you wear, or who made your saddle; it's about the quality of your ride. While it may be relatively simple to get involved with this discipline, it's far from easy.
In 2015, when I was first introduced to the Ranch discipline, I was that kid who showed up with a wade saddle, hackamore, and attire that made me look like I had just stepped out of a John Wayne movie set. I had some good rides, but it became evident that the gear did not define the horse's performance. While my perspective is rooted in the Ranch discipline, the essence of a good ride applies to any discipline, whether you're in your work jeans, a t-shirt, or your everyday ball cap.
Your choice of attire and tack undoubtedly contributes to the overall presentation, but it's crucial to focus on the core of your ride and develop your horsemanship. Think back to the best ride you've ever witnessed. Was your initial thought, 'Wow, what a cool hat!' or 'Wow, look at how effortless that maneuver looks'? As spectators in the show pen, we often witness numerous exceptional rides, pushing the judges to make tough decisions. This is a result of the hard work and dedication put in by everyone to showcase their skills. Some remarkable rides, however, remain hidden from the public eye and are known only to the rider.
I can recall a few of those outstanding rides that I believed couldn't get any better. But I was mistaken because since then, we've elevated our level of performance and will continue to surpass our previous best rides until one of us rides into the sunset.
A good ride is not easy, and it certainly isn't achieved in a single day. The journey of mastering the art of riding, regardless of the discipline, teaches us that it's not about the superficial aspects like expensive gear or flashy attire. It's about the profound connection between rider and horse, the skill, and the passion that make for a truly remarkable ride. Just as a beautiful painting is not defined by its frame, a good ride is not measured by the outer accessories, but by the soulful connection and the skill of the rider. So, let us continue to nurture our horsemanship, push the boundaries of what we thought possible, and strive for the perfect ride, knowing that the path to excellence is neither quick nor easy, but it's a journey worth embarking on.
A good ride is not easy, and a good ride is not made in a day. Develop your horsemanship, the heart of it all, and let your attire just be the cherry on top that finishes the picture.
Inspired by Bud Lyons championship ride on Double Tapn at the 2023 AQHA world show.
Stache Ranch Laurie Doman Jennifer Sawyer
