22 Things I Learned in 2022
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a few moments to share, in no particular order, 22 things I learned in 2022…
1. A successful year of business is not measured by how many clients you’ve had or how much money is in your bank account at the end of the year.
2. When one barn door closes, another opens.
3. Not all superheroes wear capes. Some have four hooves and a tail.
4. Believe it or not, it is actually more cost-effective to spend more money all at once in order to save more in the long run. Don’t skimp on high-quality grain, hay, supplements, tack, training/lessons, farrier, and vet care maintenance.
5. A certification is only the beginning of a practitioner’s journey.
6. The Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover really is the “Happiest Horse Show on Earth”.
7. It’s okay to take a vacation every once in a while. Unwind and unplug, your life will still be waiting for you when you get back.
8. Mental health is just as important as physical health, for both horses and humans.
9. Consistency is the key to success, for both horses and humans.
10. Lesson plans are a good backup, but really, “it’s not about the activity”.
11. Never settle with your current state of knowledge. Look to further your education through clinics, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.
12. The best reaction is no reaction when it comes to a horse’s spook. Just ride it out.
13. If you never ask the question, you will never receive an answer.
14. Pitch yourself. You never know what may come of it…
15. Invest in your brand. From logo and website design to apparel.
16. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.
17. A successful business is not built overnight.
18. The best way to start your morning off is a 5-minute barn visit.
19. It may take a bit of trial-and-error to find the perfect daily recipe for your ponies.
20. The only thing that matters is whatever is happening in the present moment. You can’t change the past, or predict the future.
21. Age is just a number, not a defining factor.
22. Ex-racehorses make the very best companion ponies.
Thanks to all who have been following my journey this year. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2023!
With H.O.P.E.
Diana Bezdedeanu
