It has taken me five years to decide what I want to do with my life. That decision is to become a certified Parelli Professional and Horse Development Specialist, with psychology on the side. Growing up and all throughout school, I never ever considered becoming a teacher, I never particularly enjoyed children, or the thought of being the person to give guidance to someone, maybe I just did not have the confidence.
When I realized what I wanted to do, I started teaching more, just easy lessons here and there, getting experience and making sure it was really wanted I wanted to do. In 2010 I moved to Texas to work at an equestrian center, and did lots of different kind of teaching. For three weeks there was a all girls riding camp, for girls aged 9-18. I met lots of different girls with different backgrounds and skill levels. Most wanted to be there, but some, were forced by parents. Each girl got private lessons with the instructors, and I was able to work with almost all of them. I think those girls taught me more than I taught them. There was one girl in particular who stands out to be the most. She did NOT want to be there. The owner of the center owed this girls father a favor and said she could come to camp at a discount. Well, this girl did not like horses, the outdoors, the sun, dust, or anything to do with the camp, she was miserable and she was sure to let everyone know. She was a bump on log.... or a horse. She literally just sat on the horse and did care. I did everything I could think of to help her, to get her motivated or to even smile. Nothing. I was so frustrated, and really started to doubt myself. Aside from that girl, I got to work with some girls who LOVED horses and what they were doing. Every time I asked them for something more, they did it with energy and enthusiasm, they were so much fun to teach, and they really reenforced why I wanted to do this. Some girls did not progress much, but still had a wonderful time, others were excelling and it was almost moving to see what they were capable of.
That has been over a year, and since then I have been lucky enough to teach all types of people. I have learned that there is a thing called TEACHABILITY: the ability to be taught. The definition is simple, but the factors are enormous. For example, everyone has teachability, but what makes someone teachable? First ingredient: WANT. The desire to better oneself. The want of knowing more, of becoming something better, and or bigger. Another ingredient. Humble. To know that you need to be taught, to know that you are a student in all things, not just what you are learning at that particular moment, but in life itself. Everyday I am humbled by our world, what I see, feel, hear and experience in life. This ingredient is so important in a student. I could probably go on and on about what makes a person "teachable" but really, I feel that what makes you most teachable is that first ingredient, WANT. When you want something bad enough, you will work for it, do what it takes, and appreciate the outcome because you worked for it.
It is hard being a student, the future is so unknown and even scary, I know for me, I am terrified and delighted with knowing that my path is long, hilly and probably pretty rocky, but everyday I will learn and grow and accept everything as a lesson. I want grow to become someone who changes lives, who builds futures and helps accomplish dreams. I want to do this with horses. With people who love horses like I do. Parelli has given me a chance, an opportunity to grown and learn, become the ultimate student and teacher. I am going to do my best to be a teachable as possible, and pass on my love and knowledge to those who want it, who seek it, and who thrive in it!
"Be as true to the horse, as the horse is true to you".
Emily Larramore
