I'm not sure that I can actually believe that I am sat here writing this in week 6 of Lockdown!! In my last blog I was talking about how I was looking forward to the season ahead - how wrong was I!? I think its fair to say that none of us really saw this coming! I mean, who plans for a world wide pandemic in their 'What if' strategies!?
I can honestly say it has been a whirlwind of a lockdown!! Coaching is something that sadly has had to go by the wayside and of course for good reasons. It is so important that we all follow the government's advice and stay home as much as possible, and I'm not sure that the subject of 'To ride or not to ride' has even been discussed so much!!
I cannot believe the things that people have said to each other on social media, and how in the situation we find ourselves, people can be so rude and disrespectful of each other. I totally understand that lockdown has affected people in ways they never thought, but we must all stick by each other and respect peoples decisions.
I have made the decision to continue to ride, for 2 main reasons:
1) I have 1 horse who is very prone to colic, and it is important that he continues to move , and stay in his normal routine.
2)I have another horse, who is half way through a rehab programme, who if I take her out of work will become very Sharpe to handle and I have no back up rider now social distancing is in place.
I have of course taken certain steps to minimise the risk - I am not hacking out, as I hadn't made it back to that yet from my accident and I am only riding them 3 times a week so they are not too fit. I have supplemented their work with in hand pole work which has had massive benefits!
These 6 weeks have seen me massively step out of my comfort zone with LIVE Q and As on Social Media, as well training videos for my supporting companies, podcasts, and putting together a couple of online courses for people to access now, which in turn will supplement their lessons. www.horseycourses.com
I am very thankful to my supportive circle who have helped me completely pivot my business to provide online support for my clients and beyond.
There are now clinic groups and a Loyalty Club, which provide support with 12 weeks worth of unmounted content in as well as exclusive discounts on my online services.
I am also very grateful for the support of Jenni from Flying Changes Coaching who has also helped me future proof my business! https://www.flyingchangescoaching.co.uk
I have always known that I love helping people, but I have learnt in lockdown that doesn't have to be limited to physical lessons, and with a new set remote packages about to launch I feel excited for the support that I am going to be able to provide riders with! Watch this space...
So I'm going to leave you with my 5 Top Tips for thriving during lockdown:
1) Practice Gratitude - find one thing you are truly grateful for every day, I for one am very grateful for my health right now!
2)See this as an opportunity - be that to rest, learn or improve make the most of it.
3)Do something you love every day- I'm currently Sat in the sun, writing a blog for the people I love to help!
4) Find a routine that works for you - get up the same time, go to bed at the same time and schedule your day - even if that's scheduling time to relax, read, or even set some goals.
5) And Finally give yourself 3 tiny little tasks for the day, it doesn't matter how small, but make them achievable so you can tick them off and still feel like you are moving forwards!
