Article 4
E is for Evaluation
WISE Riders Formula
By our age, hopefully, we have uncovered the elements we need to work on in life to help us be our happiest and healthiest. But we all are works in progress.
One of the traits I must navigate is how I run at a million miles an hour throughout my life.
There are just so many things to create, words to write, lessons to share, water to swim in, horses to play with, family emergencies to solve, admin to do, friends to visit, health hiccups, hills to climb, sunsets to watch and so the list goes on into infinity. I love to take life head on, wringing every last ounce out of it, but often I forget to STOP. Correction, I rarely stop!
Stopping is an art form I am yet to master; it is now on my to do list every day because it just doesn’t come naturally to me.
Recently, Callie (founder of HorseClass and one of my best friends) and I just spent 5 weeks together creating and adventuring, it was a month-long laughter filled, creative work adrenaline high.
Back home, separated by an ocean, we both admitted whilst it was incredibly fun, and productive, we were both exhausted! As my husband pointed out, we should only be together for a good time not a long time as we live life WAY too wide open!
What we all need at times is to stop and reflect. I am not a massive advocate for looking back. I love the saying “Don’t trip over what’s behind you” but equally how do you know if you want to repeat something in your life if you don’t mull it over.
This leads us to the last letter in the WISE formula.
E is for Evaluation.
This understated section at the end of all the excitement is probably the most vital.
How was it for you? Did you enjoy yourself? Did you ride your horse straight out of your comfort zone? Did your emotions get the better of you? Can you rethink and plan a different approach? Did you have the time of your life and can’t wait to do it again? Did your horse enjoy it? Did it align with your core values? Did you feel Safe?
Gather all this intel and make an informed decision, what is your evaluation? Was it a hell yes or a hell no?
I want you to try this now, grab your pen. Think about the last time you interacted with your horse, whether it was ridden or in hand. How did you feel? Break it down and evaluate. What felt great, which bit needed work? Then decide… were you comfortable and did you have fun?
The beauty is there is an approach to any answer. The YES is obvious – do it again! But don’t forget, once you are totally comfortable doing something with your horse, maybe try to aim for some progress, and gently widen your comfort zone.
If it was a resounding NO, ok well let’s dig in. What didn’t work? What did work?
Here is where you can use what I call the 1% rule. Maybe riding felt like too much on that particular day and your confidence has taken a big knock. It’s OK, you are not alone in this. Many of our WISE rider members have shared confidence issues, and the 1% rule proved to be a game changer. It is a vital part of our WISE ethos.
How does it work?
Let’s say something didn’t go to plan and you are now feeling nervous. Let’s find what you can do and how you can apply the 1% rule.
Did you ride and you felt nervous? Ok, no problem. Let’s approach it a different way, instead of climbing back on and white knuckling through it.
Can you just climb on the mounting block, sit on your horse and feel, ok? YES! Great, now GET OFF, seriously. GET OFF. Don’t bust through your comfort zone by riding out through the gate, get off.
Bank the good feeling and let yourself feel a sense of accomplishment. Then try again tomorrow.
Take time to let your confidence build. This way your foundation will be strong. Not like riding on a crème brule topping. One tap with the spoon and the whole lot cracks!
If you got on your horse, sat there and didn’t feel ok, break it down more. Can you just sit on the mounting block and relax without feeling fear? YES? Great, bank it, then tomorrow try the getting on piece.
Break the task down into smaller bite size pieces, bank the feel goods and build on it.
The 1% is the final piece in the WISE formula that can really help you reach your goals.
Now you have the WISE formula.
W = Why
I = Intuition
S = Safety
E = Evaluation
Use the 1% rule for comfort and expansion.
It has been my utmost pleasure to share with you the WISE formula that continues to help me ride through the years.
If you have enjoyed the lessons, the fun, and the camaraderie we are opening the WISE riders club to the public on May 29. If it feels like a good fit for you, we would love to welcome you in!
The club is a yearlong program of monthly 90 min webinars sharing the world’s finest educators, plus monthly meetups where we share our challenges and triumphs and enjoy a true sense community and camaraderie.
You can ask the questions you have always wanted answers to. Learn and be inspired. Our aim is to keep you and your horse on track and achieve your goals whatever your age.
I have brought together some of the greatest minds in the equestrian world to share with you their knowledge and personal experiences of learning and how to thrive with horses in later life.
The best part… they are all of a certain age!
Don’t worry if you can’t make a webinar live, they are always recorded.
In the coming months we will be learning from David Lichman, Letitia Glen, Jim Masterson, and many more.
Learning, community, and camaraderie awaits you in the WISE Riders Club.
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
Ride Safe and Smart
with Expert Guidance in our unique riding, training and horse care club for the over 50’s.
- Expand your riding and training knowledge with personalized learning pathways.
- Feel supported by an inspiring community that understands the unique strengths of older riders.