I remember the Wadmalaw Island Horse Show like it was yesterday. The cool wind blew as I positioned my hat on my head, preparing to enter the ring. We had worked long hours helping to prepare for the show and to get our horses ready. The horses I worked with were Bo and Midnight. They knew all the correct positions because we had been practicing them for months. We were all ready to shine. The day arrived and I attempted to shake off last-minute nerves by joking and laughing, although I could still feel butterflies in my stomach.
“Nice hat, Stan,” one man up in the stands called out. “Don’t you know you’re supposed to have a black felt hat? Nobody wears straw hats in shows.” I did not realize that there was a “protocol” when it came to cowboy hats worn in the show ring. Nevertheless, I marched into that show ring hoping that the judge would not mind my straw hat and plaid shirt. I hoped the judge would notice the fact that Bo knew all that we had taught her.
Compared to my competitors in their dress pants, bedazzled show shirts, and felt hats, I looked like a regular cowboy. My number was called and I walked my horse to the judge, smiling all the way. I trotted past and lined up behind my competitors, squaring up to perfection. I had practiced many months for this first show, and I could not wait to find out the winners of the class. If I didn’t place, I had decided to stay with racing out the gates and barrel racing events only.
As they went down the list, 6th place, 5th place, 4th place … My heart skipped a beat. Was that guy right? Did they not like my straw cowboy hat? The announcer’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker, “And 3rd place goes to Stan Parker with Bo.” I beamed with joy as I exited the arena with my horse, proud of my accomplishment and ability to do so well even with the well experienced and tough competition.
That day I realized that money cannot buy success. You do not have to have the most expensive horse in the world to win; you have to practice. Felt hats and bedazzled cowboy shirts are not the key to success. A strong heart, positive attitude and willingness to work are the secret to success in not only the show ring, but in life.
Dr. Stan Parker: The AIM Group: Professional Speakers Group. Consulting. Business, Church & Higher Education Turn Around Management Projects. Contact: stanp@abbgroup-nwa.com
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