The Right Role Model: Inspiring Greatness Through Influence
After numerous weeks of talks about how horses are ridden and when we should know when a horse has had enough - is it good enough to see all elite riders as role models!?
Throughout our lives, we encounter many individuals who leave a lasting impact on us, guiding us toward success, shaping our values, and influencing our life choices. These individuals are what I look for in my role models.
A role model serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating admirable qualities and achievements that we strive to emulate.
To me, a role model is someone who possesses qualities, skills, and mannerisms that I find aspirational and worth emulating. They serve as sources of inspiration and guidance, motivating us to reach our full potential. A role model can be anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or background.
What unifies a role model is their ability to positively influence others through their actions and values.
During my younger years, I had the privilege of receiving riding lessons from two exceptional women who were absolute powerhouses. Carrigbeg Riding School was - and still is, an institution of horse riding in County Carlow. These remarkable individuals instilled in me, the fundamental principle of always prioritising the welfare of the horse above all else. These ladies were among my first equine role models.
I look up to many people within the equine industry - both men and women. I spent my childhood watching Ted Walsh commentating on races and wishing Jessica Harrington would win them. My role models have changed and developed over the years, but my objective was always the same - the horse comes first.
The Power of Role Models
Role models play a crucial role in my personal and professional development. By observing their actions, we gain insight into the path to success and the necessary attributes to achieve it. Role models inspire us to set ambitious goals, push beyond our comfort zones, and develop a strong work ethic. They can shape our beliefs, attitudes, and values, guiding us toward making informed decisions and leading purposeful lives.
Importantly, role models provide a sense of hope and belief in ourselves. When we see someone, especially in the equine industry, who has overcome obstacles and achieved greatness, we are reminded that we too can triumph over challenges and achieve our dreams.
They act as living proof that success is attainable through dedication, perseverance, and resilience.
Characteristics of the Right Role Model
While the term "role model" is broad and encompasses a diverse range of individuals, there are certain key characteristics that I would think would make someone the right role model:
- Integrity: A role model should possess unwavering integrity, demonstrating honesty, ethics, and moral principles in their actions and decisions.
- Excellence: The right role model strives for excellence in their chosen field, consistently setting high standards and working diligently to achieve them.
- Empathy: Role models exhibit empathy and compassion towards others, showing kindness, understanding, and a genuine interest in the well-being of those around them.
- Perseverance: Resilience in the face of adversity is a defining quality of the right role model. They demonstrate the ability to overcome challenges, bounce back from failures, and continue their pursuit of success.
- Positive Influence: A role model's influence should be positive and inspiring, encouraging others to develop their talents, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on society.
In a world where, with the advance of social media, we are constantly bombarded with various influences - having the right role model can make all the difference in our personal and professional journeys. By choosing role models who embody integrity, excellence, empathy, perseverance, and positive influence, we can ensure that their impact on our lives is truly transformative.
My role models are not all equine - they range from my parents, family, friends, and top riders/producers. However, they do all have one thing in common - their integrity. Some might go so far as to say this might be where parts of my stubbornness come from! I hold myself fully accountable for that one, though!
