It’s Not About Perfection

I have always disliked the word perfection for many reasons. One of the main ones is that I see it holding people back so much. I for one are so far from perfection it’s not funny, from my terrible spelling, through to my work getting in the way of riding, through to my bad habits holding me back in the saddle. But the key is being aware of these things and using them to help you develop strategies to overcome them is the key.

No one is perfect and it’s a dangerous word that stands in the way of people experiencing life and going out there and living life! Dressage is one of those sports where we are aiming for perfection, but the truth is if you wait until things are perfect, you will be missing out on so much growth. You should instead be focusing on training your horse in a correct and sustainable way. About developing a relationship with your horse and going on a journey together.

As much as you focus on your horse’s training, you should be focusing on your rider training. Building your knowledge, your education and your experience to gain confidence and understanding of your body, the horse’s body and the balance we are trying to achieve in our training. This doesn’t come from waiting till perfection. This comes through sustainable time in the saddle and gathering information to help you along the way.

Nothing in life is perfect, we have to make mistakes to grow from them. If you wait until things are perfect you are missing out on the greatness that is participating in life. Every failure is a learning opportunity and is one step closer to your goal.

Don’t be afraid to try and fail, in fact, expect it and use it as education. Every successful person has failed and has been far from perfect on their journey. The key is to keep moving forward and keep participating. You don’t know what you don’t know and your horse you have right now is your biggest and best teacher in the entire world. Listen to them, grow with them and surround yourself with people who can help you to develop into the rider you want to become.

You have the power to do amazing things, don’t let perfection hold you back. Go out there and start on your road to success.

The Ultimate

Dressage Rider Training Program

Join other participants on our 12-week 'step-by-step' online rider
training program. Improve the 5 components of your riding.

Only available 3x per year.

see full details & register your interest