In compiling the results of the 2011 EN Census, we found many supportive parents of eventers. Which made us think: we would love to hear from you! We certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without our wonderful moms and dads. It would be great to share the Parent’s Perspective here on Eventing Nation. If you have thoughts or experiences to share, please send them to [email protected] with “Parent” in the title.
Thanks to Howard Moore for submitting his entry:
From Howard Moore:
The following is excerpted from a presentation I made to the Indiana Training 3-day, May, 2009. We’re coming up on our 20th year of eventing and my two daughters have (finally) trained me, at least to the Starter level. I can’t say it’s been easy, and the lessons are sometimes hard to accept – but, just like my Dad’s old mule, I can learn.
Lessons Learned as an Eventing Parent
1. Help provide the opportunity, but you can’t do it for them.
2. Give them the chance to fail, safely, and be their safety net.
3. Get help; expert coaching is a gift and a necessity.
4. Don’t give advice unless it’s requested.
5. When they’ve got their game face on, shut up.
6. Avoid the “Little League” phenomena – it’s not about you or me.
7. Don’t expect or ask about ribbons or placing, ask about the ride.
8. Always be positive, never say “can’t.”
9. We almost always disagree about horses, and so far she’s always been right.
10. Be mentally prepared for the tough times; they’ll always come and with any luck they’ll go away again.
11. College vs. riding – it’s a tough choice, and it must be individual.
12. If you’re serious about riding, a good working student program is worth its weight in gold.
And the #1 requirement for any eventing parent:
13. BRING DONUTS!!!
