Before I started competing on my horse, I thought I was a good rider. After my first competition, I questioned my ability to ever compete again.  To say I was humbled would be an understatement. I was 33 years old at the time and felt like there were 8-year-olds that knew more than me.  Fast forward to now, I now understand the importance of continuing my education and realize how much I did not know. I teach lessons, clinics, and help others in their equine journey to increase safety and improve their relationship between them and their mules and horses. 

An instructor is in the business of helping others by improving their skills, confidence, and safety.  It is of the utmost importance that your instructor continues to improve and hear different approaches. As a leader, the best way to lead is through example.

Professional development can come in a variety of forms. What most people are going to consider professional development is attending a clinic or lesson, but it does not necessarily have to be in person.  Many instructors like myself offer online courses.  There are also books, manuals, and articles by other instructors, trainers, and clinicians.

If a trainer has an issue with looking “lesser” or unknowledgeable for taking on the role of a student, then this is the trainer you need to run away from.  When someone is not willing to humble themself, you must ask yourself what piece of vital information is missing from their lesson to their students.  When a trainer assumes the role of a student it is important for them to not go into the training with the mentality that they are there to gain the teaching skills of that instructor.  Rather, it is to reach a new understanding by combining what they previously knew with what they learned to reach a new level of training ability.  Taking two approaches, merging them, and producing something even greater is not weak, it is innovative. 

A lot of trainers have issues with scheduling time off to train with others.  With my trail riding facility, I have found myself struggling with leaving.  I schedule my primary trainer, Lee Hart, twice a year for a three-day clinic.  It amazes me how much his instruction changes every year because of his professional development. Lee has won over 15 national and/or international titles in multiple different equestrian disciplines, but still finds the importance to take a clinic from another clinician each year. 

A few years ago, my facility, Von Holten Ranch, booked 13 different clinicians.  I can tell you firsthand that the cost of the clinic does not equate to the quality.  A humble instructor that is a life-long learner is your best bet. 

If you are not learning and growing, then you risk becoming stagnant. We all know that stagnant water is not healthy and will eventually stink.  Being an effective teacher requires the teacher to be ever evolving. 

By Brandy Von Holten