Five Lessons in Life: Horse Style
I am very excited to be a part of the community here at Horse Racing Nation. As we leave the starting gate, I want to share how much horse racing means to me. We can talk for days and weeks about picks and analysis (and we will!), but at the end of the day I always feel like a winner, no matter the outcome of the race. These animals and this sport can teach us so much if we allow them to.
I always think of that line from Secretariat, "Run your Race". It has become a sort of motto for me. Racing is the ultimate metaphor of my life. If you think about it both have a start and finish, but what really matters is what we do in between. Here are five life lessons that can be applied to our lives both on and off the track:
1. You need a team!
Horses can run, but can they win without a team? It takes a team to prepare them for the challenges ahead. A team to support them during injury or weakness. In our lives, we all too often overlook how important those around us are. Whether it be our family or friends, we need a strong team in our corner! Sometimes you need a little voice in your ear (or on your back) to wake up and make the right choice.
2. Never give up! Ever!
Take a moment to think back to the thrilling finishes of Zenyatta. How many times did it appear she would never be able get around all that traffic in front of her? The finish line was too close! She didn't care, she just ran her race. She didn't quit or panic, she pressed on with a full head of steam and the rest as they say is history. Life constantly throws us obstacles, but we must fight on and find a way around.
3. Defying the odds!
Dreamers are real human longshots. The odds are stacked against them and everyone counts them out. They don't pay attention to what others think, they pin their ears back and find a way to get the job done. That sloppy day Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby at 50-1, we were all reminded that anything is possible! Just remember that the higher the odds, or risk, the greater the payout, or reward.
4. You're only as good as your next race! As handicappers, we love to study the past and place a lot of value on it. Yet, we are often reminded that the past doesn't always dictate the future. This translates to focusing on tomorrow and leaving the past behind. It doesn't matter what has happened because each morning that bell rings, your gate opens to another day. You make it what it is!
5. Never be afraid to be bold! The son of "Bold" Ruler can attest to this. People thought he was doomed when he rocketed into that blistering early pace in the Belmont. Secretariat was out of his comfort zone and taking a risk. I think it is safe to say that it paid off! We often sit back and stay in our comfort zone with our heads in the sand. If we let that mentality win, we will never know our full capability.