By Rob Jacobs
Dear Robert Lawrence Jacobs,
This year was quite the adventure for you, a year that may prove to be unforgettable. What you had in mind at the beginning of the year shifted quite quickly as an unexpected entrepreneurial opportunity presented itself. You have never been inclined to pass on opportunities that could propel your career forward. Although outside the original plan, you’re accustomed to shifting gears and following your instincts. These instincts have allowed you to navigate an industry that is unique and often complex. Learning along the way is required, and something you pay close attention to. Your equestrian experience has taught you that the small details add up and make a difference.
Adapting to the changing conditions of our sport is something that’s required in order to not only make progress but to simply survive in the industry. In March, your new business, Horse IQ, LLC, was formed. You “hit the ground running” and quickly turned the boutique-style operation into a dream come true for yourself. Prior to March, you had been content working for a Seattle-based show barn—content enough to do it for several more years if you had to. It turns out the universe had something better in store for you. Being open, adventurous and courageous has always come naturally to you in the equestrian sport, even though this may not be the case in other areas of your life. This is likely because of the natural comfort and connection you experience around animals you consider “majestic.”
Not only did you start a new business, but you also got engaged to another equestrian—someone who grew up with horses in their backyard and rode for enjoyment. Probably the best match for you; not sure how you’d survive being partnered with another equestrian as avid as you. This balance has proven to be healthy for you as you continue to improve yourself personally and professionally. This year brought many changes to your life; the goal now is to figure out what the next step forward looks like.
As 2024 fast approaches, there’s a great deal of excitement around your professional equestrian goals. Bringing clients into the business that have a similar vision and set of goals is something you should continue to prioritize. The most successful partnerships are ones that have aligning goals. It’s most ideal and a blessing to be able to own and operate a business purposed to providing horse and rider the individual attention required. Another exciting accomplishment 2024 will bring is being promoted and receiving your “R” judge’s card for the hunters and equitation divisions.
Judging horse shows the past 11 years has given you an opportunity to see how common riding issues show up in a competition environment. Having a small “r” has been an ideal step in the growing process, but obtaining your large “R” will continue to foster growth and learning in a sport that will not be 100% figured out, a sport that you are happy to dedicate so much of your time trying to understand better.
Sincerely,
You
I encourage other equestrians to reflect on your year and decide for yourselves what you want to keep and what desired changes are preferred going into the new year. I believe if we are students of our own lives, we will develop the capacity to be self-aware and better able to notice the less-than-ideal trends we may want to change. I hope everyone has had a prosperous year and good luck as we move into the new year.
Photo by Images by Katie
