fbpx

All change!

by | Jul 5, 2019 | Equestrian Coach, Horse Riding | 0 comments

Where do I even begin to start? The last few months have been an absolute whirlwind of madness & emotion. I have struggled to keep on top of things, and there are many gaps that I want to fill you all in on.

At the end of May 2019, I left my job as Senior Lecturer in Equine Science and Programme Leader for the BSc(Hons) in Equine Science, Management and Training, which I had spent 3 years writing & delivering. I had been employed as an equine lecturer at Derby College for over 10 years, and while I have had some of the very best times there over the years, I was feeling that I was no longer in love with the job. For any of you who have been or are currently in the teaching profession, the demands of the job are enormous; the pressure to do more and more with fewer resources (and no prospect of a pay rise) is relentless, and the role was really going nowhere in terms of my own professional development. I had no desire to go down the management route, and in all honesty I was getting bored, frustrated & fed up.

For two years I have developed The Everyday Equestrian, teaching & coaching on the days when I was not at work, so Ive been working 7 days a week for most of that time. I began to realise that my heart belonged to coaching horses & riders to achieve their goals, whatever their level of skill or expertise. I simply love seeing them make progress and do/feel things they never thought that they could. I also knew that I had to get the business to a financial point where I could leave employmentand still be able to pay the bills. Part of my brain was telling me that I was mad to leave a secure job for the unknown, but I also knew that if I didn’t make a change now, then I never would.

Scary? You bet.

So here I am, having got my brave pants on and taken on the challenge of running my own business. 5 weeks on (following a week’s holiday to Lanzarote to help us make a fresh start), and so far, so good. However, I’m realising that I really need to get more organized and start managing myself. It has felt like a ridiculously busy few weeks, with freelance lessons, clinics, having a horse in for schooling, developing resources for The Everyday Equestrian Academy, launching the Rider Development Programme, alongside a whole heap of admin and strategy work. But I haven’t looked back; do I miss my old job? No. Do I miss my dear friends and colleagues that I worked with? Yes absolutely.

It has felt like a rather epic life change, and it is taking some time to adjust and figure out the best systems. I’m a creature of routine and habit, and I really don’t think I’m anywhere near working as efficiently and effectively as I could be. In an effort to please everybody and to make the most of the busy summer period, I’m cramming in as much teaching as I can, and doing my best to accommodate everyone, but I’m realising that there has to be some sort of balance in my life, alongside my 3-year-old daughter, hubby and 2 ridiculous horses on DIY livery!

I guess this is a work in progress and that I’m learning as I go, but what I do know is that it’s so exciting to be able to do what I love. I have all sorts of ideas and projects that I want to implement, so over the next few months I hope you’ll watch this space…

Alison x

Ready to learn more?

FREE Rider Confidence Guide

I’ve created a FREE downloadable guide, packed with some of my most effective techniques, to help YOU become more positive and excited about riding again.

Everything you need to become a confident rider

  • Overcome your nerves, anxiety and those pesky ‘what ifs’ around riding your horse
  • Manage your mindset and your emotions, so you can be the rider your horse needs and wants
  • Follow a step-by-step proven framework to grow your confidence, whatever your starting point
  • Tailor your learning experience to meet your specific needs in your situation
  • Join an incredible community of riders who build each other up and share our successes along the way

The Rider's Guide to Managing Your Inner Voice

🐴 Are you really hard on yourself as a rider? Beat yourself up for every mistake? Hold yourself to unrealistic standards and struggle with perfectionism?

➡️ Break free from your ‘Negative Nelly’ inner voice and discover a more enjoyable way to ride with confidence! 

Dive into our exclusive Ebook, “Rider’s Guide to Managing Your Inner Voice,” and reignite your love for riding. 

✅ Conquer those nagging thoughts of ‘shoulds’ and self-sabotage

✅ Let go of perfectionism and avoidance tactics

✅ Transform your mindset and start making the best memories together with your horse

👉 Don’t let excuses hold you back any longer. Grab your copy now and start riding with confidence! 🚀🐎

 

Related Articles: