Are you an equestrian constantly waiting for the perfect moment to take the next step with your horse? Maybe you’re holding off on cantering until your position is flawless, or delaying entering a show until you feel totally confident.
Here’s the truth: the perfect moment doesn’t exist. The best time to start is now—right where you are, in your boots (muddy or not), with your horse (spooky or saintly), and your mindset (work-in-progress or zen master).
In this article, we’ll explore why starting now is not only enough—but powerful. With insights from Buddhist philosophy, Stoic wisdom, and neuroscience, you’ll learn why perfection is overrated and progress is everything.
Be Present in the Saddle. What Buddhist Philosophy Teaches Equestrians
One of the core teachings of Buddhism is mindfulness—being fully present in the current moment. When applied to riding, this means embracing the ride as it is, not how you wish it would be.
Many equestrians get caught in the trap of thinking:
- “I’ll try that jump when I feel ready.”
- “I’ll ride bareback when I’m more balanced.”
- “I’ll start that training program next month.”
But mindfulness reminds us: the only moment we ever truly have is now. Your horse doesn’t live in the past or future. They live in the present. And when you join them there, that’s where the real magic happens—whether you’re walking on a loose rein or navigating a tricky transition.
Stoic Philosophy. What Ancient Wisdom Can Teach Modern Riders
The Stoics—think Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—believed in taking action regardless of external circumstances. Their motto? “Amor fati”—love your fate. That means accepting things as they are and using them to your advantage.
As an equestrian, that might look like:
- Riding in the rain instead of canceling your ride.
- Working through a spooky moment with calm instead of frustration.
- Laughing when your perfect plan goes sideways (as they often do with horses!).
Stoicism is all about focusing on what you can control—your mindset, your reactions, your consistency—not the weather, your horse’s mood, or the judge’s scorecard.
The Neuroscience of Just Starting. How Your Brain Learns Confidence
Here’s something science says: your brain is always changing. Through a process called neuroplasticity, you create new neural pathways every time you try something new. So even if you feel nervous or unready, every small step helps train your brain (and your body) to be more confident and capable.
The more you wait, the more your brain reinforces hesitation. But when you take action—even imperfect action—you’re teaching your nervous system that:
- It’s safe to try.
- Mistakes are part of learning.
- Confidence is built through repetition, not perfection.
Want to feel more brave in the saddle? Don’t wait to feel ready. Take the first step, and the readiness will follow.
Stop Waiting. Start Riding. Here's How Equestrians Can Take Action Now
You don’t need the perfect tack, weather, trainer, or mindset to move forward with your horse. All you need is willingness. Whether it’s:
- Riding for 10 minutes today
- Trying groundwork in your trainers
- Watching a training video and applying one tip
…it all counts. Consistency beats perfection. And the perfect moment? That’s this one.
Your horse doesn’t care if you match your saddle pad to your helmet. They care that you show up. Every ride, every step, every breath with your horse is an opportunity to grow—together.
Final Thought. Your Horse Is Already in the Moment—Are You?
If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it.
Whether you’re a returning rider, a beginner equestrian, or a seasoned competitor stuck in your head, the message is the same:
Start where you are.
Stop waiting.
The journey begins now.
Your horse is ready. Your mindset is trainable. And your potential is already in motion.
Want more equestrian-positive mindset tips, neuroscience-backed confidence hacks, and wisdom from ancient (and slightly dusty) philosophers? Subscribe to my Podcast – The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast. Just Click the Button below to listen