The best advice I have ever been given is "It is not enough for a man to know how to ride; he must know how to fall."
That there is going to be bumps and walls in the path you take. But don't just back down when one stops you, push throught it hard with faith, hope and strength. Don't cry with you lost and got no ribbon. Because in your heart you didn't need that ribbon, In your heart all you need was to go and show what you can do with your horse and how well you have accomplished over the years!!- from both Hunter and Barrel Racing Trainers, same exact words.
"Look proud when you ride your horse." My trainer has told that to me a million times. I think thats my favorite saying ever.
The lady who sold me my first horse said, "Horses aren't pets; they are big animals. You can't treat them like you would a dog." Probably the most memorable piece of advice I have ever received.
"It's not about the breed. It's not about the color. Or the conformation. It doesn't matter how high they jump or how fast they are. It's the bond you share with them that really matters." That gets me through every bad day we have.