NYB: DNMS: Taking Winning and Losing in Stride
By John P. Filer
Growing up deeply involved in Pony Club I’ve always had the goal of achieving my A. Every young kid hungry for opportunity knows the feeling of pushing for some far out goal. The trouble is that most don’t push past the point of failure. Nobody wants to fail, but sometimes failing is the best way to succeed.
In 2017 I moved up to intermediate with my horse Glitteratti, he was a more than capable partner and we had a successful move up. The following winter it only seemed logical that the time had come to grab that intangible gold medal of an A certificate. As most Pony Club members know, the preparation for a national certification is long and grueling, but the hope is always that you come out a better horseman than before. That’s the ticket isn’t it? The preparation for achieving a goal you’ve set is the gold medal. Sometimes you have to learn that the hard way.
I knew within the first 20 meter circle that I was going to fail. I grappled with the feeling of failure through the whole testing and it continued to affect my performance. I had the same breakdown and self doubt that I think most riders experience, however, life moves on. I was reminded that it was an achievement in itself to even be there, at that level, and on my own horse. I earned my gold, not the one I wanted, and certainly not the last, but I did what I had dreamt of.
That switch is in my opinion the defining factor of athletes who have continued success over their career. I finished the test knowing I had failed and went home. Not with my tail tucked between my legs, but with a hunger to push harder and continue to improve my skills. I set my sights on the B dressage specialty knowing that if I could improve my skills in dressage, I could return to the A and own every section of the test.
Pony Club has a unique structure that fosters sportsmanship and the enjoyment of the game well played, most take for granted the skills Pony Club teaches us but regardless of if we are in the saddle or not the lesson of taking winning and losing in stride lasts a lifetime. When you hit a wall keep pushing until you’ve reached the otherside.
The National Youth Board (NYB) serves as a liaison between Pony Club’s youth members and the Board of Governors by communicating the needs, ideas, and concerns of USPC youth. NYB members also work with the national office on projects related to marketing, leadership development, and service for the benefit of the organization and all Pony Club members. Delegates of the NYB are between 18 – 23 years of age, highly motivated and dedicated, and have strong leadership and communication skills. To learn more, log in and visit the National Youth Board page.
USPC National Office
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is the largest equestrian educational organization in North America. Started in 1954, the organization has developed curriculum that teaches safe riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime. Many members apply what they have learned in the USPC program successfully in their careers, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other life pursuits.
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