I've been coaching high achieving clients for just a little while now : -), and it's been one of my greatest honors.
Living an anti-average lifestyle requires you to move outside of your comfort zone, often.
It requires discipline.
It requires curiosity.
It requires willingness to regularly try new things, even though being a beginner can be clunky.
It requires BELIEF that you CAN, (even when there might be zero evidence pointing to the fact that you could).
It requires a dash of audacity and a healthy dose of humor (so you can laugh at yourself mainly).
All of these clients consistently say "NO!" to mediocre...making that same choice over and over again as they go for and achieve new heights.
It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL and inspiring to watch the level of leadership I see in these rockstars.
Today, I'd like to shine the light on one of these stellar clients: Texas cowboy Josh Edwards.
I formally met Josh a few years ago at the Colorado State Fair, while I was helping out with the saddle horses who pack dignitaries, flags and PRCA judges. Josh was one of the rodeo pick-up men who rescue cowboys as they dismount from their fiery rides.
I think the first time I actually talked to him was when I asked to borrow his hose and fancy sprayer after mine broke while washing horses. He called me "ma'am" and happily shared his tools and a wide smile.
Since then, I've gotten to know Josh over funny stories from the rodeo trail while gathered around the trailers with the crew after the horses had been fed, and the day's work had been done. It was during our down-time between performances, that I learned Josh would soon be retiring from being a pick-up man, and that he had already trained his sites on some really epic new adventures!
I couldn't believe when he told me his first big post-rodeo challenge would be taking him to the famous Mongol Derby.
He was a little surprised that I knew anything about the birthplace of horseback riding and that I have a trip to this little place in East Asia, located between Russia to the north and China to the south, on my bucket list.
He was also intrigued when I told him about how I coach high achievers who want to do epic shit...
To my delight, several weeks after our conversations, Josh reached out and asked if I'd be a part of the team who'd help him gear up for his next chapter of thrilling adventures!
And then, in true anti-average form, he was voted Pick-Up Man of the Year...allowing him to ride out of the arena with one of the industry's top honors and huge momentum that would carry him confidently into new territory. #rockstar
Fast-forward to now...as I type, Josh is making his way to the starting line of the Mongol. In four days he'll embark on one of the most challenging horse races in the world...and he's not going simply to finish...he has every intention on winning. Because that's just how he rolls.
I'm so dang proud to call him a client and a friend.
I invite you to join me in cheering Josh on from your computer over the 7-10 days of the upcoming race and you can keep up with the racing action here: https://equestrianists.com/live . Note this link isn't "live" until the race starts in 4 days.
And stay tuned because the stories from his racing experience are sure to be epic...and there will be more fun adventure once this one is done!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**Pick-Up Man of the Year to test skills in world’s longest and toughest horse race
in Mongolia**
Forney, TX, July 24, 2024 ~ In 10 days, Texas cowboy, and decorated professional rodeo pick-up man Josh Edwards will take on one of the most grueling horse races in the world, in the birthplace of horseback riding: Mongolia.
Edwards will be tackling the Mongolian Derby, which is considered the longest horse race in the world, covering a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). He will be leaving his seasoned rodeo Quarter Horses in the states and riding semi-wild Mongolian horses, which are known for their endurance and toughness. He will change horses approximately every 40 kilometers (25 miles) across rugged country that has no marked course.
“I may have recently retired from the professional pick-up man world, but I’m far from hanging up my hat. I’m a firm believer that you should put yourself in positions that will push your limits. This race is the first of MANY epic post-rodeo life adventures that will test my mind, body and spirit.” said Edwards.
His navigation skills and strategic planning will be keys to success and Edwards is looking forward to finding new edges of his abilities as he taps into fierce Genghis Khan energy. It's as much about mental and physical endurance as it is about horsemanship.
Most riders aim to complete the race within 7-10 days, and Edwards isn’t going to simply finish the race, he’s in it to win it! His relentless drive for success is palpable.
“I’m a competitor at heart and I’m on a mission to live a life worth living. From conquering the mental and physical challenges of Iron Man events to piloting flights across the country, I’m a relentless achiever across multiple domains. Each day, I set ambitious goals and dedicate myself to the journey, finding meaning not just in reaching epic milestones but in the pursuit itself. ” Edwards shared.
Whether confronting danger, adversity, or formidable business challenges, Edwards remains undeterred, consistently finding ways to overcome. Even after achieving significant milestones, his thirst for knowledge and exploration endures, always poised for the next exciting adventure.
As a seasoned SAG stuntman, he's no stranger to taking on demanding roles and he’s also a skilled business builder with a foundation rooted in creative marketing. In his role as the Vice-Chair of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors, he's dedicated to securing a robust future for the rodeo sport.
When asked what’s next after the derby, Edwards grinned and said “I’m imagining some WILD adventures, including the vibrant tradition of The Palio in Italy, conquering the majestic Kilimanjaro, and even embracing the thrill of running with the Bulls in Spain!”
Edwards is a champion of creating a life filled with unforgettable experiences and you can follow his daring derby achievements here: https://equestrianists.com/live.
XXX
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