Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jill Regalado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jill, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I would not say that I have completely overcome imposter syndrome, I am not sure that anyone really does. Working with horses has a way of always keeping you humble. I started grooming horses at the local level and worked my way up to managing 5* Grandprix horses. There are so many components that have to come together to make success possible-mental, physical, financial and a bit of luck too. Working with horses can be very elitest and coming from humble beginnings, I have always felt that pressure to prove I was worth the leg up. For me, trying to overcome imposter syndrome means making sure I am organized and prepared to the best of my ability. Being organized aids my mental preparedness, it slows my head down so I can focus on the task at hand. Keeping up with fitness and exercises lets that muscle memory kick in when the pressure is on. The more I do my homework to properly prepare, the more confident I am to tackle whatever comes my way. Lastly I try to keep a positive attitude. It is so easy to let those negative, intrusive thoughts come into your mind, especially on those more challenging of days. Remember to take a breath and know that you have prepared yourself to handle this moment. Time keeps moving so don’t hold onto the tough moments too long or you will loose time on the good ones.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mom of two young boys and I own and operate Wanderlust Pony Services. My babies and my business are all about the same age which is a little crazy but really special that we are all growing together. I provide equine training to customers on their own horses and ponies. I focus on hunter jumpers and coach all levels from leadline to upper level jumpers. I have customers in age from 5 years old to 70 years old. I have built a clientele that really loves their horses and are focused on making the most out of their partnerships together. Blue ribbons are amazing-however the main goal is always trying to make each ride better than your last. Working with horses is a privilege and I feel really lucky that I get to do what I love. I just recently helped coach a clinic with the Salt Marsh Pony Club, helping them to prepare for the Pony Club Rally. Our next show is the Thoroughbred Incentive Championship at Stableview the beginning of October. I primarily show locally at Mullet Hall and Middleton, but travel to Tryon and Aiken as well.
I body clip (shave) horses and ponies as well. I have a diverse group of horses and ponies for clipping- some are retired, dressage horses, hunter/jumper show horses, and trail horses. I donate clean clipped hair to Matter of Trust- they create mats and booms for oil spills in the ocean. Living in a coastal community, it’s a great way for the horses to give back!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be humble. There is always something to learn from new experiences or relationships no matter how long you have been working in your field.
Work ethic trumps talent. You have to have the drive and determination for the long haul to be successful. Just because you are talented doesn’t mean that will be enough to make your career last.
Be reliable. Being on time is about making priorities. If you want to be successful, prioritize your duties to be the best you can be.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Working with horses can be overwhelming- there are a lot of moving parts. Did you call in your grain order before the feed store closes? Did you send in those entries on time for that horse show your customers so desperately want to go to? Did you pack everything you need for the show-forget that lucky saddle pad? Oh no your horse goes lame-how soon can the vet come? What about fence repair- or that busted stall window? The list is endless and continues to grow until the end of time. Then add mom brain on top of all of that- sometimes it can feel like things are spiraling. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I force myself to take a minute, take a deep breath and try to center myself. If my mind continues to race, I’m not going to be able to make a rational, clear decision. If I am getting worked up in the moment, that deep breath also helps to put my emotions in check, so that I can make a level headed decision. Again it all comes back to taking in the moments one at a time, and dealing with it as it comes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wanderlustponyservices.com
- Instagram: wanderlust_pony_services
- Facebook: Wanderlust Pony Services
