The skills required to be a good skateboarder mirror those needed to be an effective horseback rider.
Patience
Determination
Ability to tolerate risk
Balance
Passion
There are other similarities between these two sports aside from the inherent risks.
Riders must have a cache of grit
Riders will bend, bruise, and possibly break during the learning process
If you compete in your fifties or sixties, people will give you funny looks
Familial bonds will develop among fellow riders
Everyone loves the videos
The professional skateboarder, Tony Hawk, is known for his incredible talent and innovative tricks, but he’s also experienced more than 13 concussions in his life. At horseshow competitions, I find courage in this quote by the legendary Hawk:
“Don’t let the fear of falling keep you from flying.”
**Photo credit: Brian Shannon
Love to TH quote!