| One of the best things that horsemanship has taught | | | | played. But, since I was a complete novice when it |
| me is how to be comfortable with being | | | | came to horses, everything was new and every |
| uncomfortable. Since I took up the study of | | | | situation was outside my comfort zone. |
| horsemanship as an adult, I have found myself in | | | | As I accomplished new tasks and survived what |
| many situations where I am not comfortable. These | | | | seemed like scary situations, my comfort zone grew. |
| moments of discomfort have been anywhere from | | | | I became more comfortable in, around, and on |
| learning how to put on a halter to cinching up a | | | | horses. I realized that the only way for me to grow |
| saddle. From riding a mechanical bull to learning how | | | | was by pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. |
| to pick up a left lead on a canter. And, I have to say | | | | The best part is that I have grown to the point |
| that I was pretty frightened the first time I swung a | | | | where I look for situations that put me outside my |
| leg over the back of the first colt I started. | | | | comfort zone. I want to learn more, and I know it |
| In each one of these situations, I was either | | | | requires that I put myself in uncomfortable situations. |
| embarrassed, confused, frustrated, afraid, or a | | | | When I realize I am getting tense or afraid in a new |
| combination of all of them. But, I had intentionally | | | | situation, I find myself saying. "Cool. Let's go. I know |
| stepped outside my comfort zone, even though it | | | | I am about to learn something." |
| was often with an instructor offering me a little push. | | | | More than being comfortable with being |
| Before I started learning about horses, I had carved | | | | uncomfortable, I find I like being in that zone, |
| out a life in which I was pretty comfortable most of | | | | because I know the payoff will be worth it. |
| the time in my work, in my home life, in the way I | | | | |