Who am I? Embracing My New Path as an Elite Equestrian Mindset Coach
I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a horse lover, a dog owner, and a friend. I have been a riding instructor, a dressage judge, and a groom for nearly 30 years. Now, I proudly call myself an Elite Equestrian Mind Coach.
At a Centre 10 CPD day in October 2022, we were challenged to answer five key questions in only 50 words:
Who am I?
What do I do?
Where do I do it?
How do I do it?
Why do I do it?
This exercise was no easy feat, but here’s what I came up with:
"I am Ros, a BD Dressage Judge and Equestrian Coach. I help clients develop a harmonious partnership with their horses, working together to improve their horses' way of going. I do this for my love of the horse."
Unfortunately, I am also a Multiple Sclerosis warrior. I refuse to see myself as a sufferer or a patient. It’s due to my MS that I’ve had to cut back on my work as a groom, something I find difficult to admit. The disease has impacted my life significantly, and I’ve been fighting to overcome its challenges since my diagnosis.
As I currently do not have my own horse, I stay active by participating in Aquafit classes. Some weeks, I manage five sessions; other weeks, it's four. I feel the stiffness if I skip a workout. I’m also planning to work with someone to help me lose weight and regain mobility.
I know there are people in my life who want to help but often don't know how. While I appreciate the support, I prefer to maintain my independence. Having patient people around me, like the wonderful staff at Talland, is invaluable. They understand I often need assistance after dismounting, particularly if my leg gets stuck on the saddle.
Over the past few years, I've faced setbacks and endured some dark times, like many before me. If I can make progress with my weight loss, I plan to start working on a simulator to regain fitness without the fear of losing control on a horse, and eventually return to riding school horses. I hope to find another equine partner in the future while I continue to enhance my skills for my clients.
Thanks to Sandie Robertson, I have found my new path and gained the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. I truly enjoyed studying with her last year and am proud to be one of her Certified Equestrian Mindset Coaches.
With great support, I’ve shifted my focus but haven’t turned my back on the last 30 years. I possess extensive experience and knowledge about horses that is only valuable when shared, so I’m committed to doing just that while continuing to learn and grow—there's always something a horse can teach you.
I’m working on upgrading from British Dressage list 5 to list 4. Additionally, I continue my development with Centre 10 in the area of rider psychology and mindset. To ensure my knowledge remains current and applicable, I help clients work towards their Challenge Awards and BHS Assessments.
So, who am I?
I am Ros Dobson, and I am passionate about my mission to help people connect with their horses and enjoy them with confidence. Riding should be fun, not just expensive, and I aim to bring joy back to the experience wherever possible.
I offer individual lessons and coaching at your yard. If others at your facility wish to work with me, I can arrange morning, afternoon, or evening sessions (when light permits) at potentially discounted rates. I also conduct training sessions for the Saxon Dressage group and plan to run clinics in the spring and summer.
Please don’t worry about my crutches; they are there to support me, not hinder my knowledge or passion for sharing it.
I’ve always wanted to be a horse riding instructor, and gaining a degree didn’t change that dream. I love coaching both the horse and its rider, a passion that I had forgotten for a while. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have attended clinics or training with me; you have helped me rekindle my passion and confirmed my purpose.
I’m excited to announce the launch of my Stable Minds Coaching service on 1st November 2024! I hope to see you there!
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