So, how have you been going with implementing Principle 1: Know your outcome?
I trust you have been setting a few goals and really started thinking about what it is you want to achieve with your horse long-term, but also day to day in your training sessions.
Today I will be introducing you to the second principle and this one is where you really need to “get your hands dirty”… Sounds scary? Maybe, but the results awaiting you when you do “do it” are definitely worth it!!
Principle 2: Take action
There is simply no substitute for taking action! Will Rogers once said: “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you are just sitting there.”You can have the most talented horse and be the best rider, if you don’t train constantly you will not be able to present yourself and your horse according to your talent.
This principle is all about doing something even if it is a little uncomfortable.Taking action means actively working towards the goal you have set – doing a little bit every day. It does not have to be massive change.
One step every day will get you very far in a month, in a year and in 10 years!
Imagine where you could be with your training in one year if you take action – only one step – every day!And now imagine if you don’t do anything… where would that take you?! I’m guessing the place when you do take action is definitely more attractive!
Ideas on what to you can do to take action:
- Look at the competition level you are competing now (or if you are doing really well at that level, look at the level above) and analyze the dressage tests. What can you work on today to improve your riding and your scores at the competition?
- Look at the training scale and evaluate how your horse is working on each level. How is it’s rhythm? Try doing something different in the training, for example working with trot poles or cavallettis…Be creative in your work with your horse. Your horse will work best when it is in a motivated state (which does not come from going round the arena in circles every day!)
- Attend a clinic to check out another training/teaching style and see what you can learn from this instructor which is possibly different from what you have done so far.
- If you don’t have heaps of money to invest into your riding at the moment, buy and read (!!) – this is no joke, people do buy books and think that’s the learning done already – a riding book to improve your theoretical knowledge of how to ride a certain movement you’ve been struggling with. Once you theoretically “know” it, it’s easier to practice it on your horse.
- Or maybe take action with a simple thing you have been procrastinating about like finally getting the saddle checked, getting the horse dentist out, or something else to ensure your horse is in a healthy condition to bring it’s best game to the table.I’m sure you will be able to come up easily with a few things you have been procrastinating about which could improve your riding…
This is where it comes down to you to take action – principle 2 to success in your riding!Looking forward to your feedback – would really love to hear how you go with this one!
Next week I’ll be sharing principle 3 with you: “Sensory awareness”!
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