🐴Lesson 2🐦🔥VALUES🗽Discovering Your Values
Your Values: The Compass for Life and the Arena
Your values are the foundation of who you are. They guide your choices, shape your relationships, and influence how you navigate challenges—whether you’re in the barn, the arena, or simply living your life.
But here’s the thing: discovering your values isn’t always easy. It takes reflection and intention to uncover what truly matters to you. Once you do, you’ll have a personal compass that helps you stay grounded and focused, no matter what comes your way. 🌟
What Are Values?
Values are the principles and standards that define what’s most important to you. They reflect your priorities, beliefs, and the kind of person you want to be.
Think of values as the lead rein in your life: they keep you heading in the right direction, even when the course gets tricky.
Here are a few examples of values:
Honesty 💖 – Telling the truth, even when it’s hard.
Kindness 🤝 – Treating others (and your horse!) with care and respect.
Responsibility 🐴 – Following through on commitments, no matter what.
Courage 🏆 – Facing fears and challenges head-on.
Growth 🌱 – Constantly learning and improving, both in and out of the arena.
Why Values Matter in Equestrian Life
Your values show up every time you interact with your horse, peers, or even yourself. They:
Guide Your Decisions: Do you take shortcuts, or do you put in the work to improve?
Shape Your Relationships: Do you treat others with respect and kindness?
Build Your Confidence: Living in alignment with your values helps you trust yourself and your abilities.
Discovering Your Core Values
Finding your core values is like uncovering hidden treasures—they’re already there, you just need to bring them to light. Here’s how to start:
1. Reflect on What Matters Most:
Ask yourself:
“What do I stand for?”
“What do I admire most in others?”
“What traits make me proud of myself?”
2. Narrow It Down:
Start with a list of potential values (like honesty, growth, family, or adventure).
Circle the ones that resonate with you.
Narrow it down to your top 5 values.
3. Personalize Your Values:
For each value, write down why it matters to you and how it shows up in your life.
Example: “I value responsibility because it helps me take care of my horse and earn trust from others.”
Living Your Values in the Arena
Once you’ve identified your values, the next step is living them—especially in the show ring. Here are a few examples:
Honesty: Admit when you make a mistake during a class and use it as a learning opportunity.
Courage: Enter a new class, even if you feel nervous.
Kindness: Cheer on your competitors and celebrate their wins.
Responsibility: Show up on time, with your horse prepped and ready to perform.
Reflection Challenge 💭
This week, take a moment to think about your values and how you’re living them. Use these prompts to guide you:
“What are my top 5 values?”
“How do my daily actions reflect my values?”
“What’s one way I can live more in alignment with my values this week?”
Your Values, Your Sparkle
At Sparkle Ridge, we believe your values are what make you truly unique. They’re the invisible reins that guide your actions and help you shine brighter—both in the arena and beyond.
What values guide your life and riding journey? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with #ShineYourSparkle!