A Good Ride Is Not Easy

 A Good Ride Is Not Easy

I've heard people say they got into the Ranch discipline because it’s easy. And yes, the Ranch discipline is accessible to newcomers because it’s not about how much your horse costs, what clothes you wear, or who made your saddle; it’s about the quality of your ride. While it may be easier to get started in this discipline, don’t be mistaken—it’s far from easy.

When I first encountered the Ranch discipline in 2015, I was that kid who showed up in a wade saddle, a hackamore, and an outfit that made me look like I had just stepped out of a John Wayne movie. Sure, I had some good rides, but it quickly became clear that the gear didn’t define the horse’s performance.

Now, while my perspective is rooted in the Ranch discipline, the core of what makes a good ride applies to any discipline. Whether you're in your work jeans, a t-shirt, or your everyday ball cap, the essence of a truly great ride isn’t about the outward appearance—it’s about the heart of the ride and the development of horsemanship.

Sure, your attire and tack contribute to the overall picture you're trying to create, but the real magic lies in focusing on the core of your ride. Think back to the best ride you’ve ever witnessed. Was your first thought, "Wow, cool hat," or did you think, "Wow, look at how effortlessly that maneuver was executed"? When you watch a performance in the show pen, you see countless exceptional rides, making the judges’ job harder that day because so many riders have worked so hard to bring their best to the table. But there are also countless remarkable rides that remain hidden from the public eye, known only to the rider.

I can recall several rides I thought could never be improved upon, only to realize I was wrong. Since then, we’ve found new ways to elevate our performance, and we will continue to surpass what we thought was our best, riding toward new heights until one of us rides into the sunset.

A good ride is not easy, and it’s certainly not something that happens in a day. The journey to mastering horsemanship, regardless of the discipline, teaches us that it’s not about the superficial—it's not about expensive gear or flashy attire. It’s about the deep connection between rider and horse, the skill honed through time, and the passion that fuels each ride.

Just like a beautiful painting isn’t defined by its frame, a good ride isn’t measured by the tack you use or the clothes you wear. It’s defined by the connection, the skill, and the dedication that shape every movement. So let’s continue to develop our horsemanship, push the boundaries of what we thought was possible, and strive for the perfect ride, knowing that the path to excellence is neither quick nor easy. But it's a journey worth embarking on.

A good ride is not easy. It’s not made in a day. But by developing your horsemanship and focusing on the heart of it all, your attire will simply be the cherry on top that finishes the picture.

Inspired by Bud Lyons’ championship ride on Double Tapn at the 2023 AQHA World Show.