Tips to Improve Your Learning

 

In Whatever Field of Study

I've seen people who have spent a fortune and those who have not and the process is still the same. It's like the ole saying: "you get out of it what you put into it".

Here are some suggestions to improve your learning in whatever aspect of life it suits. 

Photo Source Pixabay

1. Get good equipment ie. a good experienced horse.  I remember other riders talking about getting so well trained of a horse that 'any monkey could ride it.'.  Then you are pretty much guaranteed to win.  I used to think so too. But I've experienced it differently.

Yes, you do get a lot of wins riding that well trained horse. Yes, a good horse makes a good rider. But you also have to be willing to put in the time and practice to learn how to get the best out of that horse. 

My main goal for competing was always to see how well I was progressing from the last show. 

2. Get the best Mentor (ie. Trainer) you can find.  

When I was first learning how to rein (for the 2nd time in the '90s) and eventually train my own, I found the best coach in Ontario at that time. So I spent almost every weekend at the coach's place during the spring to fall time frame. I always called it 'Reiner Immersion'.

 I have some of my best memories from that time.  I remember a funny story about me that I want to share. A bunch of us were training and practising in the arena as usual and I had just completed my turn. I stood atop my horse resting in the corner. The next thing I knew, I had woken up on a couch! Apparently, I have fallen asleep on my horse and had fallen off while still asleep! Ah, those were the days!

3. It takes Time to Learn the Necessary Skills.

Photo Source: Pixabay

  One of the best pieces of advice I got from a few people was to learn the whole process or program first from someone before incorporating other people's processes into your own. It took time. It was great advice. Once, I learned a complete program from my coach, I then knew 'the whole picture' so to speak. I could then learn how to improve and customize the program or process to suit me.

One big example for me, is that I'm not very tall. I have short legs. Most teenagers are taller than me. So I had to learn to use spurs well in order to really communicate to my horse.

4. Learn from Other Professional Sources.  

  When I was developing my reining skills, I would attend as many clinics as I could. I also bought as many VHS tapes as I could. They were from greats like Shawn Flarida, Bob Avila, Tim McQuay etc. 

This tip wouldn't be complete without mentioning the fact that today when I'm researching and learning from professionals or experienced people, I binge watch a ton of youtube channels.  I consider youtube to be like a university.

5. Developing Skills Through Experience.

 Showing is both an art and a science. I remember those first shows. Thanks to the Ontario Reining Horse Association, I was able to show 'in my own back yard'. They only had the 1 beginner class in those days - not like today with so many choices for new people. It was just the ticket! I was able to get the show experience and confidence I needed before trying other shows in the states.

6. Assist the Experts(ie. Judges). One of the opportunities I have is to volunteer for my reining club.  Our judges require an assistant or 'scribe' as we call them to record the scores as the judge is scoring each maneuver for the contestant's run. I started to scribe over 20 years ago to not only help the club but also to keep on top of the changes in the rules. It also allowed me to see first hand who the judges were scoring our runs so that I would know best as well. Perhaps that is possible for your too.

7. Upward and Onward.  For me, the last tip is one of moving up. As our skills progress, we need to better our tools if we want to progress even  more. I just joined a prestigious art business school that I hope will be beneficial in the future.

Good luck in your advancement of learning.  

Putting my spin on improve your learning.
Reinersue
@KISS Reiners