06/18/2025
Wednesday Wisdom. Keep showing up!!
Progress is often a slow process in dressage. We work day in and day out to string together movements so that we can be provided constructive criticism in the name of improvement.
We have to remember, that dressage is not something that our horse dreams about. He doesn't care about the perfect 20 meter circle or precisely ridden corner. Really, if he had his choice, he would be out to pasture with his buddies eating grass. Yet, when we show up to ride, he willingly goes along and does his best to figure out what his person wants from him.
At the end of the day, your success in dressage is dependent on how well you show up. I tell my students all the time, that you can't expect your horse to show up if you don't. You have to stay completely focused on him or her if you want them to stay focused on you. If you check out during your ride, you can't be upset when your horse checks out, spooks or doesn't perform to the best of his or her ability. The reality is that your horse will show up as much or as little as you do.
What are some ways that you can show up for your horse?
1. Be present. When you arrive at the barn, you need to check your "baggage" at the door. Your horse can feel the energy and emotions that you bring to your ride - each and every time. Often times, he or she will internalize those emotions and they will become evident in your ride.
2. Reward the try. Kindness goes a long way toward building your relationship. If you ask for something and your horse makes a step in the right direction, praise him or her lavishly. Their responses will be become much quicker and more succinct with praise.
3. Take the lead. Dressage is a dance. You have to take the lead and guide your horse. You determine the speed, direction and movements that are performed. Your horse should follow your lead.
4. Come with a plan. You should show up to every ride with a goal and a plan for that ride. That is not to say that you won't have to deviate from the plan at times. But having a training plan, will help to insure that you are heading in the right direction. It also gives you something to measure your progress.
5. Dream Big. There is absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming big. But big dreams, require big plans. Setting appropriate goals and tracking them is essential to achieving our dreams. Keeping a riding diary or journal is a great way to help you stay focused and also remind you of where you have been. In our goal setting program and our boot camp clinics, we put together a riding journal and set some goals to help keep us on track. Regular goal setting and check ins help keep you grounded and are a constant reminder of the progress that you have made.
Remember: You can definitely achieve great things if you put your mind to it. The important thing is that you keep showing up!!! 😀
