| In the current issue of the British Horse Society's | | | | difference to how he/she is treated, unless in the case |
| Magazine there is a double page spread covered in | | | | of extremes (weight or surroundings). People with |
| furious letters from some seriously upset readers. | | | | open minds form their opinions based on sound |
| The cause of all these ruffled feathers is a | | | | evidence. They reflect on what they have discovered |
| controversial letter that was published in a previous | | | | and work towards reaching a decision or conclusion |
| issue. The letter writer was of the firm conviction that | | | | that is based on fact, not feeling. |
| overweight riders should not be allowed anywhere in | | | | An open mind allows one to magnetize opportunities. A |
| the vicinity a horse's back. She stated categorically | | | | receptive mind is open to all possibilities, big or small. A |
| that this could do immense physical harm to the horse. | | | | closed mind is a stubborn mind, wanting immediate |
| Further more, the writer claims, overweight riders who | | | | gratification and wanting it as exactly as what the mind |
| get injured in remote areas put a heavy load on the | | | | perceived it to be, not willing to accept or try |
| emergency services as it would be impossible for | | | | alternatives. |
| them to be rescued without spending a lot of money. | | | | Whatever the mind can envision, the mind can create. |
| She implied that an air-ambulance might be needed | | | | What the mind sees, believes, feels and thinks is all |
| etc. etc. | | | | conveyed to the subconscious. Your subconscious |
| It is true that one should always have one's horse's | | | | then establishes your reality based on the filtered |
| best interest at heart, in the first instance. A 22 stone | | | | information from the conscious mind. |
| rider on a 13 Hh pony would be absurd and such a | | | | Bear in mind though, that it is not sufficient to merely |
| situation could be dangerous to both horse and rider. | | | | imagine and hope your dreams materialize. |
| But a 22 stone rider on a Percheron - I doubt very | | | | You can achieve any thing you want when you open |
| much that the Percheron would notice specifically or | | | | up your mind to success and get rid of limiting thoughts. |
| that he would mind, considering this breed used to | | | | Even losing all the extra weight should you desire to do |
| carry knights in full armour to the Holy Land and back. | | | | so. When you decide to change your attitudes and |
| If you are an overweight rider who loves horses and | | | | thoughts, and begin to think without notable limitations, |
| loves riding, the only thing you need to make sure of is | | | | your life's direction will begin to change. Whatever your |
| that you do not weigh more than 20%(17% is even | | | | dreams are, whether it is losing weight, riding in a |
| better) of your horse's total weight. Choose your horse | | | | dressage competition, buying you own horse...you can |
| wisely, use your common sense and pay attention to | | | | make them come true if you enlist the power of your |
| your horse's physical reaction and condition. As for the | | | | own conscious and subconscious mind. Under no |
| rest, pay no attention. And keep an open mind. | | | | circumstances pay any attention whatsoever to the |
| People with closed minds, like the original letter writer, | | | | opinions of people with closed minds. |
| grasp a concept without much concern for practical | | | | Focus on possibilities, rather than limitations and expand |
| evidence. Even when they are presented with | | | | your thoughts to what you believe you and your horse |
| evidence that is totally contradictory to their ingrained | | | | are capable of. And should you need any help, rest |
| belief, they refuse to reassess their opinion and | | | | assured that access to the internet now also provides |
| immediately dismiss the evidence, without giving it a | | | | you with access to e-courses, online coaching and |
| second thought. | | | | several e-books created especially for equestrians, |
| People with open minds weigh all the evidence before | | | | and not just for thin ones either. |
| reaching a conclusion, approving or disapproving the | | | | Thoughts hold great power; yours as well as those of |
| many interpretations of the behind the belief. Another | | | | other people. Be conscious of the thoughts that comes |
| reader picked up the phone and rang her local | | | | into your mind; let the positive in, never entertain the |
| ambulance service to ask if all this was true. They | | | | negative. Open up your mind to possibilities and |
| reassured her that a person's weight makes no | | | | opportunities and never be afraid to try. |