Get Back on the Horse

By John F. Hendershot

Life has a way of throwing us off course, sometimes quite literally. It's not the fall itself but how we respond to it that defines our character and shapes our future. This lesson came vividly to life for me during a horseback riding session with my seven-year-old daughter.

For three years, she had dedicated herself to the craft of riding, pouring her energy and passion into it week after week. Watching her grow as a rider had been one of the great joys of my life. The pride I felt as she galloped around the arena, her face alight with confidence and joy, was immeasurable.

But on this particular day, something unexpected happened. As she navigated a small jump, the horse hesitated, and she was thrown to the ground. My heart raced as I rushed toward her, ready to comfort her and perhaps call it a day. But her instructor, calm and composed, stopped me in my tracks with a knowing glance.

Instead of rushing to my daughter’s side, the instructor turned to her and asked a simple but profound question: “Are you ready to get back on the horse?”

It was a pivotal moment. The instructor knew that hesitation would breed fear and doubt, threatening to erode my daughter’s confidence. She also knew that getting back on the horse immediately, despite the fall, would redefine the experience not as a failure but as a stepping stone.

To my amazement, my daughter stood up, brushed herself off, and climbed back into the saddle. The instructor leaned in and whispered to her, “Now you know how to really ride a horse. Every great rider falls—it’s part of the journey.”

In that moment, the fall became a badge of honor. My daughter wore it with pride, a symbol of resilience and determination. From that day forward, her passion for riding grew stronger, not weaker.

The Lesson: Life’s Falls Are Inevitable

Life, much like riding, is filled with falls—some minor, others monumental. But it’s not the fall that matters; it’s what we do afterward. Too often, fear of failure paralyzes us. We avoid the risks, the challenges, and the opportunities that could lead to growth, all because we’re afraid of falling again.

The truth is, those who achieve greatness in any field—business, sports, art, or life itself—are not those who never fall but those who consistently rise after every setback. They choose to learn from their tumbles and move forward, stronger and wiser.

Overcoming the Fear of Falling

When we fall, the immediate temptation is to retreat, to avoid the possibility of more pain or embarrassment. But letting fear dictate our actions only robs us of the chance to grow and achieve. The question we must ask ourselves is simple: Will I let this define me, or will I use it as a stepping stone to something greater?

A Call to Action

What is your “horse”? Is it a business venture that didn’t succeed, a dream you put on hold, or a passion you’ve neglected? Whatever it is, the time to act is now. As my dad used to say, “Tomorrow never comes.”

Brush yourself off. Take the reins. Get back on the horse.

Life is too short to let fear hold you back. Today is the day to reclaim your passion, confront your challenges, and move boldly toward your goals. You’ll find that the act of rising—more than the achievement itself—is what truly defines you.

The journey forward starts with one choice: Will you ride again?