40 hours of attempting to medically induce labor.
43 hours of active back labor.
2 mental breakdowns.
3 hours of pushing.
2 liters of blood lost.
1 disappointing C-Section.
The best miracle we could ever ask for:
Rosalie Corby.
Born at 6:40am on May 30th, 2021. 8lbs, 12 ounces.
69 - 17
If I only ever released YouTube videos that showcased perfectly groomed horses, that only had immaculate audio, that included multiple angles, only videos where I never stumbled on my words or said “um”, I would never release ANY videos EVER.
I would not have the successful, fulfilling business that I have today. I would still be struggling, making $30K a year, teaching in my back yard and working myself to death without a single day off.
My advice here is simple.
✅ Quality is subjective.
✅ Start before you’re ready.
✅ DONE is better than perfect.
✅ People will judge you regardless so you might as well do what you want.
41 - 6
To the ones who are struggling
The ones whose days have gone from bad to worse
The ones who have been hurt or are worried that perhaps, they have done the hurting
The ones who feel like they have lost everything and don’t know what to do next
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K E E P G O I N G
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Because things change and time heals.
Forgiveness can grow in the toughest environments and every action may have a consequence, but it has a lesson too.
You will be okay and there will be a time that you look back on these moments and you will feel so proud about how you made it through.
41 - 2
Exactly one year ago I bought yet another horse I didn’t need.
Both of us had WTF eyes. 😂😳😅
36 - 6
Don’t forget the school horse that made you.
The patient soul that tolerated your bouncing while you figured out how to sit the trot.
The kind mare that didn’t walk off when you fumbled with the bridle.
The sweet gelding that picked up the correct canter lead even though your body was telling him to do the exact opposite.
The saintly angel that never spooked, which is a good thing because your balance was precarious at best because you only rode once a week.
Too often we forget where we came from. We move on to the next chapter in our lives and say, “Oh my gosh, I’m learning so much! I’m going so far! I could never do this kind of horse on that old school horse!”
But that school horse gave you the confidence to move forward. That school horse took care of you and allowed you to take the time you needed to find your way. You couldn’t have become the rider you are today without that old, dumpy school horse.
187 - 23
8 things to remember when going through tough times:
1. Things can- and WILL change.
2. You’ve overcome challenges before
3. It’s a learning experience.
4. Not getting what you want right now can be a blessing.
5. Allow yourself to have some fun.
6. Being kind to yourself is the best medicine.
7. Don’t allow the negativity of others to take up space in your mind.
8. There is always, always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
98 - 10
One of my students recently was expressing her concern about her horse who has had a very complicated past. She didn’t know if she should try to find him another home or keep him but if she keeps the horse, he will likely never be a competition horse, so what’s the point?
I’ll tell you what the point is.
You keep that horse because he brings you immeasurable joy right now.
You don’t need to compete for your horse to bring value to your life.
There you are riding, feeling true harmony, balance, clear communication, perfecting your position, trusting him, learning from him, enjoying him and YOU’RE MISSING IT!
You’re so worried about what everyone else is doing and this horse is living in the moment, day by day, giving it his all and you’re too wrapped up in comparison to notice.
It’s okay to not compete.
If what you’re doing with your horse, whatever it is, makes you truly happy, then keep going.
Don’t get so locked in to worrying about what you think you should be doing or what other people tell you they are doing and forget to enjoy the wonderful things that are already happening right now!
📸: Stephen Corby
121 - 14
What are your thoughts on virtual learning?
Do you feel YouTube videos are a good supplement or do you think you really need to be actively in the saddle to learn it all? 🤔
The fabulous Grand Prix dressage trainer, JJ Tate is now enrolling riders until August 24th in her online academy and I am so thrilled to be supporting this program! I think that EVERYONE here could benefit from this. We all need to be constantly taking steps to continue our education when it comes to this industry. Btw, this is also accredited by the USDF and counts towards their university hours! 🤩
JJ is such a beautiful rider with such a kind approach, always protecting the mental and physical development of the horse. This is very important to me. 💜
Learn more here: www.teamtateacademy.com/a/32226/2yTaL2M6
60 - 7
Do one small thing every single day that brings you closer to your goals.
first, you’ll need to get very clear on exactly what your goals are. Create a lifetime plan, a five-year plan, a one-year plan, and a three month plan. Draw out roadmaps on exactly how you plan to achieve these goals at each of these steps in your life. Then create checkpoints on your roadmap to evaluate what kind of progress you’re making.
Daily steps you can take to achieve your goals might include:
✅ Exercising for a healthy mind and body
✅ Creating a lesson program with your trainer
✅ Eating cleaner, even just one meal a day to start with
✅ Daily meditation to organize your thoughts
✅ Taking notes from your last lesson
✅ Have a friend video your riding so that you can educate your eye
✅ Watch educational YouTube videos
✅ Read/listen to positive thinking books
✅ Surround yourself with a supportive tribe
✅ Speak kindly your yourself and cancel out all negative thoughts
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Anyone have anything else to add?
📸: Cassidy Brooke Photography
78 - 10
I have to attribute 10 years of Roman being totally injury free and schooling PSG to our post workout routine with Sore NoMore and Arenus Animal Health 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
With the exception of this pasture accident this winter, Roman 🥔 has always been totally sound and I don’t take that lightly. After every workout, especially the strenuous ones, he wears 4 ice boots for 10-15 minutes and then the Sore No More clay poultice on all 4 of his legs. I also like to rub the Sore No More gelotion on his lower back after we have spent some time working on collection.
Think this is a little overkill? 😅 It probably is but he is my 🥔 and I want to do everything I can possibly think of for him as a way to say thanks for trying his hardest for me.
Shop: www.Arenus.com
Discount code: PRP-82548
📸: Cassidy Brooke Photography
32 - 6
Hi! I'm Deanna. I am a dressage trainer, instructor, L graduate with distinction and United States Dressage Federation bronze and silver medalist based in Waxhaw, NC. I am also the cofounder of Level Up Equestrian, a support system for equestrian entrepreneurs to learn to grow their businesses to their ideal vision. I am a lover of all things fall 🎃 related, I have a passion for animal advocacy and empowering women.
Blog: www.deannacorbydressage.wordpress.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeannaCorbyDressage/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/deannacorbydressage/
3 February 2011