2017 Fritz Recipient: Piper Newman
The USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program is the perfect resource for aspiring professional riders that want to make a living in a difficult industry and pursue personal goals. Getting the chance to hear from so many elite level athletes and professionals, and getting to ask them questions about their career choices, personal life choices, and business choices was extremely inspiring. Also, getting a chance to meet aspiring young professionals like myself was such an amazing experience because we all inspired each other and could be in a space where we felt supported.
It is easy to feel defeated in this business, compare your journey to someone else’s and to feel like you're alone in an intimidating industry. I appreciate each speaker that was gracious enough to talk to us about their own experiences of struggle and success, and every person I talked to in the program could relate, in some way, to what they said about their journey. One of the most important lessons I learned from talking with the elite riders and business owners, is that there is no one way of doing this sport that insures success. Ali Brock said, “Do what it takes, no matter what the results will be.” To me, this meant so much because walking away from this program I learned that I needed to take more chances with my career and aim bigger. Which mean I need to be okay with failing, regrouping, and moving forward with myself, my horses and my clients.
Other speakers were specifically lecturing about dealing with financials, marketing, social media, law, sponsorships, grant opportunities and training in Europe. All of these speakers had a wealth of knowledge and each gave us time to ask questions regarding ourselves, clients, and business. This was so helpful because we learned about resources and opportunities that have been available to us but we didn't always know about them. It was so enlightening to see some things I was doing right and some things I could be doing differently. One incredible resource that I am really excited to start looking into is creating all my release forms and contracts with Yvonne Orcant.
Work-life balance is a common struggle for most people. Hearing from the speakers and the participants that have found ways to balance their life and careers that are similar to mine was very helpful. I learned that happiness and balance is unique to each person. It is important to learn what works for you, and why it works for you. Hilary Moore shared some advice that I took to heart: plan your day in a way that makes your best self- everyday. This made me realize that I act too much like an employee to my life, rather than a leader of my life. The week I got home, I changed my daily and weekly schedule and communicated to my bosses what I needed to succeed. I probably never would have done that if I had not participated in this program.
I am walking away from this program feeling inspired, energized and extremely grateful for all this experience has offered. I want to thank USEF and USDF for providing such an amazing program and TDF for funding this program and making it possible for me to attend. I am excited to move forward with my goals!
