Traditionally, I've always felt a strong affiliation with the idea of the Olympics and Paralympics, mostly because of my love for sports in general, and especially for the determination and perseverance that I know athletes must have to pursue in order to be at the top of the world in their skill area.

I am also fully aware of the business that IS Olympics, the political repercussions, the expenditures that could be so needed in other areas and the big business behind it all that is interested only in the bottom line (as evidenced by the Duracell "sponsorship" in the videos below).

Having said all that, the allure of the Games is nevertheless attractive and appealing. The simple fact that venues such as the Olympics and Paralypmics feed the dreams and aspirations of athletes to push themselves to the limit, not only physically - but mentally, emotionally, financially and probably in many other ways that we, the audience, can only begin to understand - is what draws me to take the events so seriously.

We see the moments of the main event, but there is so much more that goes into the day-to-day, year-to-year path.

Having ridden (literally!) side-by-side with some of the top riders in my area, I have seen the regular effort, persistence, and sometimes downright stubborness that is essential to get back on the horse (pun intended) - all to culminate in this Olympic "dream" that they are now a part of.

I watch and marvel at the perseverance of people who touch me at the core of my being because of their:

- tenacity.

- determination.

- and probably most importantly, because of the disciplined raw energy they put into their chosen field of endeavour.

It makes you think, what would the world be like if everyone put just a percentage of that intensity and devotion into something we feel equally attracted to?

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published!  Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

If you enjoyed the above post, you might also like:

A Recipe for Living: If life were a recipe, what would it look like?

Softly Determined – A Poem: I found this one on the Internet long ago, with no indication of the author. However, it has stayed with me, blending intensity with passion, being so eloquent and yet knowledgeable about the “path”.

Starting to Breathe Again: Written before Hickstead’s untimely passing, this post described what it felt like to watch his $1 million CN International winning round.

Because of Horses: What has changed in your life because of horses?