Riding horses on a team seems a little weird. How can you compete on horseback and still be considered a team? After all, many people think the horse does all the work, but that's a different discussion. The thing about riding is, no matter who your human teammates are, you must also work with your non-human teammates, who are well over 10 times your size.
The fact of the matter is that when you are on a collegiate riding team, every single ride counts, from EVERY SINGLE person. Even if it isn't the winning ride, those few points can make the difference.
When I showed as a junior rider, I was in the sport for myself and my horse — I didn't care about others. It seemed like my horse was my only teammate. Winning was the most important aspect of my life.
Of course, I wanted my friends to do well, but I always desired to be on top, just like any competitive athlete. I craved to be the best. It was an addiction and also a downfall. It is human nature to want to win whether it be individually or in a group, but it can also cause someone to become too competitive and fanatic about solely wanting to win, rather than doing something that you love.
Yet, something changes as you enter with a team, especially at the collegiate level. You begin to realize the importance of teamwork, friendship, and passion.
Your self-perception changes, it's no longer just about you. You want to win as a whole. You want your teammates to be by your side, helping to make that win possible on every end. The truth is, you cannot achieve your goals without your teammates, and it's not fun without their support and friendship.
Riding horses in college taught me the most important lesson: it's all about MY team. This team comes first, and in order to achieve our goals as a group, we all must put in the work, build friendships, and be fired up with passion. After all, "teamwork makes the dream work."
