Sometimes You Win, Mostly You Lose

I am no stranger to failure. Patrick and I have lost more classes than we can count. I showed Patrick for six whole years at our state fair before we won a blue ribbon. There have been plenty of times where we, and other horses, were unfairly looked over for the sake of politics in the show ring. Of course it makes everyone angry, especially when they spend so much time preparing, driving all the way to a show, and paying extravagant entry fees. Unfortunately, there isn't much anyone can do about it. Then, of course, there are always other who will be better and more experienced. The most important thing you can do is learn from it. When Patrick and I first started showing, the only ribbons we ever got were in leadline (where they almost always give everyone a first place ribbon) and costume. Even in the costume class, which we were most famous for, we often came in last. When I was little, it didn't matter how cute you were, the BEST costume won! Losing teaches you to be humble. It also teaches you to work hard- work harder than everyone else spend more time than everyone else. Patrick wasn't born to be a world champion with flashy coloring and a fiery temperament. So we had to work to get him in shape and make him more of a competitor. This meant hours of training on end, for both of us. Losing shouldn't crush your hopes and dreams, it should fuel them. Every time you fail, you learn something and it makes you even more passionate. Failing and losing are the most important things you will ever do. Being a good loser is the most important skill you will ever have. Patrick still isn't a fiery champion. We didn't win a SINGLE blue ribbon last year (granted we only got to go to the 3 shows that are left), but he is a passionate competitor who puts his heart into what he does. It still hurts to hear your name called last, or not at all. It's even worse when a judge doesn't even look at you. But we never stop learning, and we never stop improving. That's why losing is so important. 
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