If you’ve ever felt like your riding progress is more of a rollercoaster than a steady climb, you’re not alone. One day, everything clicks—you and your horse are in sync, your aids feel effortless, and your confidence soars. The next day? It’s like you’ve forgotten how to ride. Frustration sets in, and self-doubt starts whispering, Am I even improving at all?
Here’s the truth: progress isn’t linear. Not in riding, not in horse training, and not in life. And that’s okay.
Why Setbacks Are Part of the Process
Every rider—whether a beginner, an amateur competitor, or a professional—faces setbacks. Horses aren’t machines, and neither are we. There will be days when your horse is distracted, your position feels off, or your confidence wavers. That doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re learning.
Think of progress like climbing a mountain. It’s not a straight path to the top. There are steep inclines, plateaus where you feel like nothing is changing, and even moments where you have to take a few steps back before finding your way forward. The key is not to let the tough days define you.
What to Do When Progress Feels Slow
1️⃣ Shift Your Perspective – Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, look at how far you’ve come. Did you ride through a challenging moment instead of giving up? Did you and your horse overcome something that felt impossible a few months ago? That’s progress!
2️⃣ Trust the Process – Just because you don’t see instant results doesn’t mean your work isn’t paying off. Every ride, every challenge, and every frustrating moment is building a stronger, more skilled, and more resilient rider.
3️⃣ Celebrate the Small Wins – Progress isn’t just about perfect rounds or big breakthroughs. It’s in the moments where your horse softens to your hand, when you hold your balance through a tricky movement, or when you simply show up and try again.
4️⃣ Be Kind to Yourself – Riding is a journey, and like any worthwhile pursuit, it will test you. Instead of beating yourself up over a bad ride, ask yourself: What did I learn today? Growth happens when you take lessons from your struggles, rather than letting them define you.
Your Riding Journey is Unique—Own It!
No two riders progress the same way. Comparison is the fastest way to steal your joy in the saddle. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on your personal journey. Your horse doesn’t care about perfect scores or flawless technique—what they need is a rider who keeps showing up with patience, kindness, and belief in the process.
So the next time you feel like you’re moving backward, remind yourself:
✅ A setback is just a setup for a comeback.
✅ Every tough ride is shaping you into a stronger, more mindful rider.
✅ The best riders aren’t the ones who never struggle—they’re the ones who refuse to give up.
Keep going, trust the journey, and know that every ride—good or bad—is a step forward. You’ve got this!