“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” – Randy Pausch

All of us ambitious types set goals for ourselves. We plan and work hard to achieve the things we desire; and oftentimes we do achieve them. But what about when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t work out the way we want them to. What do we do?

Sometimes goals need adjusting. Sometimes we must change them completely. Or perhaps we just need to wait a little longer, work a little harder, and refuse to give up. I have found that horses can work on a completely different timeline than me, as can life. That is just the way it is. But just because a goal or dream has not come to fruition yet, doesn’t mean that it never will. I also find that sometimes when things do not work out the way I had hoped, it is because there is something even better in store for me.

It seems that many people give up when it is taking “too long” to accomplish what they want. People give up on their horses, and on themselves.

The hard truth is this. Riding is not easy. Training horses is not easy. But is that any reason to stop trying?

I originally bought Chance as a sale horse. My plan was to work with him for six months then sell him. Four and a half years later… I still own him, and have no plans to sell him; the main reason being that I have grown very attached to him after owning him for so long. Due to soundness and behavioral issues, my original plan just did not work out. And that’s okay. The issues seem to be resolved (for the most part), so now I am simply enjoying him. I have learned so much from him, and I don’t regret a thing. He is pretty much part of the family these days. I am also still hopeful that he will be a show horse someday! That is my new goal for him.

Even though things may not always work out the way we plan, we should not give up. It can be discouraging, but if we adjust our goals and stubbornly move forward (however slowly) sometimes things work out even better.