The Benefits of Staying Home
We’ve all been at home more than usual this year, but it’s led the True North team to realize there are many benefits to less travel. Though we enjoy horse showing, the things we gain from more time on the farm are equally as rewarding, and we hope our clients feel the same way.
1. Extra time with ALL the horses
When we’re always on the road, we get quality time with the horses that join us, but not every horse comes to every show. At home, they’re all in one place, and we’re all here to take care of them and to map out the plan with them day in and day out.
2. Getting to know clients – both new and old
Staying home has meant getting to know some new clients as well as enjoying more quality time with the old ones. There’s more time in every day when horse shows are not on the horizon. We can schedule more lessons and spend more time breaking down concepts and chatting about goals.
3. Going back to basics
It’s hard to focus on the basics when we’re away at shows. Being home for this long allows us to identify what each horse and rider need to work on, and it allows us to take the time needed to address those areas that need improvement. Taking away the pressure of the show environment helps the horses and students focus and learn effectively and enjoy their lessons and hacks more without stressing about ribbons.
4. Real rest
We learned this one the hard way, after dealing with rider injury this winter and being involuntarily sidelined. But having time at home, even while healthy and strong, is beneficial to our bodies’ recovery time. Without irregular hours that come with a horse show, we can sleep more soundly and consistently, and in the comfort of our own homes. That makes all of us healthier and better prepared for our horses and clients.
5. Family time
If there is a silver lining in a worldwide pandemic, it’s the time we’ve gotten to spend with extended family members. Not everyone is lucky enough to be with family right now, but we’re cherishing our time together, because we know life will pick back up to full speed at some point.
6. Exploring our local area
When we’re on the road, we’re typically in places far from home, so one benefit to being home for longer is the ability to explore the surrounding area and really get to know where we’re from. Though it’s hard to go out places now, there’s still plenty of nature and socially distant activities near the farm.