Time to Disconnect in Order to Connect

Overcoming the Uncontrollable Barriers

Nothing in this world can be totally controlled. Things happen because they happen - just like the equine herpes virus outbreak that suddenly appeared in the United States, right before many of the season’s final events, including the NRHA Futurity, which I’m attending. EHV reshuffled the deck. 

For 24 hours, we were all out of focus, waiting for someone else to decide our near future. It created this strange feeling of uneasiness, impatience, and discomfort. It took everybody out of their game, including myself.

But now the NRHA Futurity show is on, and many others with revised recommendations, and it’s all good. So the real question becomes: what will it take from us?

The truth is, we’ve been here before, facing situations that are completely out of our hands. The question isn’t how to control the uncontrollable. The question is how to disconnect in order to connect.

Commit to the Controllable

The game is still the same game. The rules haven’t changed, even though it feels like everything has shifted. If we want to succeed, we have to dig deep.

Fortunately, the horse has no idea what’s going on with us. He’s a reactive animal, responding directly to our behavior. So, the more we stay connected to the noise: social media, gossip, endless conversations about the “situation” - the more we disconnect from ourselves and from our horse.

When that happens, we lose sight of the purpose. Motivation fades. Time feels distorted. We either rush or collapse.

What we actually need is a steady tempo. Let go of what’s irrelevant, stay committed to what matters. We cannot control what happens, but we can dominate the energy within us. That’s where awareness and control come in.

Ways to Reconnect to Yourself and Your Purpose

Disconnect in order to connect: Step away from the noise. Less talking, less scrolling, more doing what actually matters today.

Make today your first day: I tell my riders after tough situations, “Let’s make today the first day.”And if it’s your first day, what should you be doing? That’s how you build strategy and purpose.

Choose one go-to person: Someone who knows you, sees you, and gives you an honest reflection throughout the preparation and all the way to the performance.

Remember that we’re all in it: Everyone around you is dealing with their own challenges. Focus on you.

This week reminded us that control is an illusion - but self-connection is not. When we quiet the noise and return to ourselves and our horses, clarity comes back. Purpose comes back. The energy becomes ours again.

Wishing all exhibitors at the NRHA Futurity good luck. 

Stay aware, stay in control, and let your preparation speak for you. Good luck to all of you - ride smart, ride present, and ride with purpose.