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Thoughts

In Pursuit of Mastery

Siobhan Byrne
18 August, 2014

Recently, I watched a TED talk by a woman named Sarah Lewis that I found to be particularly relevant to dressage. The talk is called “Embracing the Near Win”, and it discusses the differences between success and mastery. As all of us who participate in this discipline know, in dressage we are always striving towards an ideal, always trying to make the gap a little bit smaller. As Lewis states, the pursuit of mastery is “an ever-onward almost.”

To strive for mastery means accepting that we don’t know it all, no matter what we have accomplished. Fortunately, horses are great at reminding us of this and keeping us humble. The longer you give yourself over to the pursuit of perfection in dressage, you realize that as your abilities increase, you become painfully aware of just how far you have to go. To ride dressage requires “giving [your]self over to a voracious, unfinished path that always require[s] more.” Like many riders, I think back to horses of my past and think of what it would be like to have that horse now, and how I would do things differently. I suppose that will probably happen for the rest of my riding career, no matter how good I get. Even with my own current horse, I think back to how I handled certain things then, and how I wish I could go back and have a do-over, knowing what I know now. But as any good dressage rider knows, the only way is forward.

Many are probably familiar with this scenario—when you mention to a non-equestrian friend or acquaintance that you still take lessons, you receive a quizzical look. “You still take lessons? But you’ve been riding forever. Don’t you know how to ride yet?” This is what I find so enticing about dressage—the constant quest for refinement. And so I continue along my path, trying to be the rider my horses deserve, and to be the best teacher I can be to help my students achieve their goals.

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About the Author

Siobhan Byrne

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qualiadressage

Siobhan Byrne
USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist
Dressage Training and Instruction
Poolesville, MD

Qualia Dressage LLC
Amazing sunset for my final ride of the day. #nofi Amazing sunset for my final ride of the day. #nofilterneeded #sunset #dressagerider #marylanddressage #equestrian
Despite all of the anxiety and uncertainty, there Despite all of the anxiety and uncertainty, there was plenty of good in 2020. I’m grateful for my fantastic group of friends and clients, who were so supportive and understanding of my physical issues this year. Not to mention my friends and colleagues (Rebecca Douglass and Sara Spofford) who took time out of their busy schedules to keep my horses going while I recovered. I am very lucky. Here’s to new dreams, goals, and adventures in 2021. My team has some big ones in mind, and I can’t wait. #dressagetrainer #dressage #equestrian #marylanddressage #newyearsgoals
Sierra and Donnlei bringing the Xmas spirit to the Sierra and Donnlei bringing the Xmas spirit to their lesson this morning! 🎄🎁 Donnlei is a very good sport. 😂 #dressage #dressagehorsesofinstagram #swedishwarmblood #holidayspirit
Waki is so beautiful, he could be an oil painting. Waki is so beautiful, he could be an oil painting. 🖤 #squawkiwaki #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #hanoverian #equestrian #dressurpferde
I’m excited and grateful to be one of the recipi I’m excited and grateful to be one of the recipients of the Lindgren Instructors Grant from @dressagefoundation. I’ll be using this grant to do intensive training with @teamtatedressage in April 2021. Huge thank you to The Dressage Foundation for this wonderful opportunity, it is so appreciated. #dressage #dressagetraining #dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #equestrian
Great lessons with Jeremy Steinberg this weekend. Great lessons with Jeremy Steinberg this weekend. Hans was a superstar, as always. 💖 #kwpnhorse #handsomehansi #dressage #dressagehorse #dressagetraining #roadtograndprix
Looking forward to working horses with @jeremy_ste Looking forward to working horses with @jeremy_steinberg again this weekend. I always come away from these clinic weekends energized and inspired. #dressage #dressagetraining #dressagehorse #hanoveriansofinstagram #alwayslearning #squawkiwaki
I’m very grateful to have Cate Fiolka and Theres I’m very grateful to have Cate Fiolka and Theresa Keyes on my team. These ladies always take such good care of me and my clients. 🥰 Thrilled to be a @customsaddlery sponsored rider.
Hans stepping it up in the long lines with Richard Hans stepping it up in the long lines with Richard Malmgren  @richard.malmgren yesterday. So fun to watch. Thank you Richard! #kwpnhorse #dressage #dressagetraining #longlining #roadtograndprix #handsomehansi
When your doctor tells you you’re “technically When your doctor tells you you’re “technically healed, but it will probably feel better if you wait a few more weeks”. Sorry Dr. West. 😬 Shoulder is sore, but heart is happy. 🖤 #handsomehansi #dressagehorse #dressageridersofinstagram #kwpn #latarjet
You can’t see his halo, but it’s there. 💕 😇#dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #kwpn
My life goals include aging as gracefully as Mouse My life goals include aging as gracefully as Mouse! He is loving the beautiful fall weather here in Maryland. #devilmouse #hanoverian #dressagehorse #retiredlife #oldiebutgoodie
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