Math, Music and Horses

What in the world do math, music and horses have in common? A few words that come to mind are rhythm, footfalls, drill teams, dressage, number of strides, timing, counting…

I get goose bumps watching dressage riders and their steeds dancing to music. It flows, they are one. Each step matches each beat of music.

A musician feels so much emotion when everything comes together. Someone once told me that professional musicians are out of tune all the time. I thought really? The difference between professionals and dabblers is that pros know how to adjust quickly prior to being noticed.

Accountants and mathematicians feel great when everything balances or when they have figured out an equation that took a lot of practice.

Feeling beats, being in perfect balance with your horse and counting seem to be much different than managing your cash flow. However, I would argue they are different forms of the same breed. Every great businessperson, accountant, symphony conductor, horse trainer and dressage rider each want the same things. That is balance and synchronization. Does one person do this alone? Absolutely not! Does any racehorse win by themselves? No, they have a team of trainers, riders, owners, jockeys and even accountants making sure everything comes together.

Imagine you are in a tie for Grand Champion and the judge asks you to show him in two minutes why you are the grand champion. They give you very little time to think about it. You go out there and your horse just carries you. All you do is think what you want and he knows what to do. He even gives a bow at the end just because. The announcer says you won. It is the most empowering moment of your life.

Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Seek people and horses who complement you. “May all your endeavors-relationship, business and equine-related-be Grand Champion rides!”