22/08/2026
A different kind of post from me— not just as a horse rider, but as a teacher and coach 👩🏫
Yesterday at our School PD, we had the absolute privilege of hearing from an incredibly inspirational keynote speaker, Dr Craig Challen.
Craig was one of the Australian cave divers who flew to Thailand during the emergency rescue of the 13 young soccer players including their assistant coach trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave. Hearing him tell the story of that incredible, nerve-racking experience was fascinating — but what made it even more special was discovering that Craig is a vet, grew up right here in our lovely little corner of Gidgegannup, and attended Eastern Hills Senior High School!
He spoke about the years of education, experience, adventure and resilience that ultimately led him to being in a position to play a part in such an extraordinary rescue.
But my biggest takeaway from his presentation was his final message: take risks!
Risks can be scary. Sometimes the outcome is a huge relief. Sometimes you look back and wonder why you were ever so nervous. And sometimes… you learn the hard way.
But whether it’s a student having a go at a test they aren’t feeling confident about or a piece of work/activity, a rider stepping up to a more challenging line in the jumping phases, or simply getting out of the start box — growth only happens when we are willing to step outside what feels comfortable.
Without challenge, there is no learning.
Without risk, there is no achievement.
And without occasionally getting things wrong, there is no resilience.
As a teacher and a coach, I think this is such an important reminder. Our job isn’t always to make things easy or remove the nerves. Sometimes it’s to help people feel confident enough to take the risk, support them when it doesn’t go perfectly, and celebrate them for having a go in the first place.
And perhaps that’s one of the biggest lessons horses teach us too. 🐴
