08/06/2025
Every Monday we spend just a few moments with you considering ways we can stay highly motivated in this beautiful sport.
This list has been shared a few times recently and we love it so much, we had to share it again. Dressage is sport of connection and relationship between horse and rider. It’s gorgeous and dymanic. And it is also about every infinitesimal detail — every single stride.
We cannot control everything (as we discussed last week) but we can certainly control a great many things! And we must! In dressage, no ride is perfect but as riders we want to harness every moment we can in that pursuit.
This list is a first-class compilation of ten concrete and specific things you ABSOLUTELY can control and focus on today. Brilliant rides come from thousands of hours of training — and making certain those hours count. This list helps that happen.
⭐️ 10 Things That Require Zero Talent (BUT MAKE YOU LOOK TALENTED)
1. Trotting In With Intent — You don't need talent to show up like you mean it. Own the ring.
2. Listening Like It Matters — Great riders hear what's said the first time. Then apply it.
3. Staying Present Under Pressure — Zoning out or spiraling helps no one. Be where your horse is.
4. Soft in the Face, Firm in the Core — Feel starts with your body language.
5. Fixing It Now, Not Later — Don't wait for perfect timing or a fresh start. Try to fix something.
6. Using Your Turns Like a Pro — A thinking rider uses the whole arena to their advantage.
7. Practicing the Easy Stuff Like It's Hard — Because it is when the pressure's on!
8. Staying Open, Not Defensive — You're not being corrected because you're bad. You're being coached because you're capable.
9. Loving the Work More Than the Applause — Ribbons don't make riders. Rides do.
10. Making the Horse Feel Like a Genius —
That's not talent. That's leadership.
All of these are important. Each one will make an impact! What number resonates most with you today? What can you take and apply this week?
As always, have a great week at the stables. And may YOUR motivation stay high!
