10/13/2026
This right here is why I host the Ride Strong Summit.
To help riders!
One thing that comes up constantly during my consult calls is people putting so much pressure on themselves to ride perfectly.
Here's the thing. You will NEVER ride perfect. And if perfection is your expectation, you're setting yourself up for failure every single time you enter the arena.
Learn to recognize the small wins. Maybe your timing was better. Maybe your horse tried harder. Maybe you fixed ONE thing you've been struggling with. That matters.
And something I think we forget? Our horses deserve to feel like they did a good job, too.
Imagine giving your best effort every single day, only to have someone walk away frustrated or disappointed with you every time. That's not the relationship we want to build with our horses.
They don't understand your expectations of perfection. But they absolutely pick up on your frustration.
Reward the effort. Recognize the progress. Celebrate the small wins.
You can hold yourself to a high standard without making yourself, or your horse, feel like nothing is ever good enough.
Perfection is unattainable. Progress isn't.
