Finding the Joy Beyond the Ribbon
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Every single one of us, from the Olympic pros to the weekend warriors, started somewhere. Maybe it was on a fuzzy lead-rein pony, maybe it was just imagining that first canter out in the open, or maybe it was just the quiet comfort of brushing your first horse. That beginning holds the pure, original magic, and it’s a memory worth revisiting.
The Finish Line Trap
We all have big, inspiring goals, and we should! That big show, that perfect dressage test, the clear cross-country round—they can light us up and give us something powerful to aim for. The problem is, in the pursuit of those future achievements, we often start judging every single ride, every schooling session, and every setback against that far-off standard.
This is where the trap lies: Fixating only on the finish line can make the journey feel totally overwhelming. It creates constant, exhausting pressure. The inner critic gets loud, telling you that you're not good enough until you achieve the goal. This rigidity and tendency to perfectionism is what leads to burnout, frustration, and suddenly, the thing you once loved—your riding—is stressing you out instead of fulfilling you. We lose the fun and forget why we saddled up in the first place.
Tuning into Your Original Compass
When riders feel stuck, frustrated, or like the spark is gone, I always ask them to look past the scores and ribbons and think about what truly started this passion. What is it about your time with horses that is truly meaningful to you? What are your best moments and memories with horses? What got you hooked in the beginning?
Is it the deep connection and partnership with another living, breathing athlete?
The feeling of flow when your body and your horse's body work as one?
Was it the unexpected moment of progress or achievement when the odds were against you?
The joy of learning and mastering a tough skill, even when it involves many messy tries?
The simple peace and quiet focus you find when you're just present in the moment with your horse?
That deep desire, that core enjoyment—that’s your compass. It’s not a typical goal; it’s the direction you want your life and your riding to move toward.
Going Back to What Matters
Next time you’re feeling the competitive pressure, the self-doubt, or the exhaustion creeping in, take a deep breath and tune in.
Acknowledge the difficult thoughts or uncomfortable feelings (like anxiety, frustration, disappointment) but don’t let it take the reins. Focus your mind back on what mattered to you most when you first started riding. Then, let that strong, positive, original feeling guide you.
This is the solid foundation you stand on when the challenging days roll in. Choose a small action in that moment—whether it's focusing on one small moment of connection, reminding yourself how far you have progress, or simply enjoying the sunshine on your back—that honors that meaningful reason for riding. Let that fuel your journey and remind you that every moment with your horse, big or small, counts. Ride from that place of purpose.
Ready to Reclaim the Joy?
If burnout, self-criticism, perfectionism, or overwhelm is draining the fun and confidence out of your riding, I can help. Through personalised 1:1 mindset sessions and practical group workshops, I help riders shift their focus and find a way to reduce the pressure and still consistently improve their performance.
Want to learn how to put this into practice and get back to riding with authentic confidence and enjoyment? I offer a free 15-minute consult where we can talk about what's truly holding you back and how we can work together to get that joy and drive flowing again.
