Riding Inspiration and How to Get it!

From the August 2014 issue of The Stable Magazine – www.thestablemagazine.com/august2014

Have you ever wondered how those well organised riders, with their immaculately polished tack, always seem to be on top of their game with high placings at each and every event? The short answer - dedication, motivation and inspiration. 

Don't despair, you can be one of those riders too! It’s not beyond your reach, but it does take a few adjustments, and the knowledge that nothing can be achieved without putting in the hard work.

So, as always, our perfectly timed tips (come on guys, Winter is almost over!) are designed to get you back in the saddle and having some fun, and perhaps with a goal or two on the horizon to achieve...

GETTING INSPIRED!

Join an ARC or start taking lessons

If you can learn and ride in a happy and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll get a lot out of your lessons. The structure can also be a push in the right direction - every week or every month you need to be out there in the saddle, with you and your horse looking your best. Do it! Those yukky winter coats are about to come out anyway - you might as well complete the new look with a bit of lovely topline before you’re actually seen out and about!

Put riding back on the priority list

If time is an issue, allocate a 20 minute ride a day. Do this for a week. As your motivation increases, you’ll find the time if riding is a priority.

Don’t spread yourself too thin...

... Or attempt to take on too many things at once. Train yourself to finish one thing before you start the next, and focus all of your energy in that direction. The aim is to accomplish one task at a time and do it well rather than shifting your focus, completing tasks simultaneously but to a lesser standard.

Set aside time to focus on your goal!

Be it in the evenings after work when it’s too dark to ride - it doesn’t matter. Plan out how you’re going to achieve your goal by making a step by step plan or a schedule to stick to.

Read, learn, grow!

Spend your time out of the saddle getting inspired! Read some horsey fiction, watch DVDs on your favourite riders or from your favourite events - read The Stable. (Don’t forget all of our back issues that are available FREE online at http://www.thestablemagazine.com/issues.html!)

Get your bum in that saddle!

Set a long term goal, and shorter term goals. They can be as simple as a controlled canter in the big paddock, or riding to the end of the laneway and back, or goals to improve your personal best. Have achievable short term goals - and the long term achievement you’d like to work towards. And no, heading to the 2018 WEG is NOT impossible!

Remember...  you compete against yourself!

Better you and your horse's performance by attempting to improve on your personal best efforts. Don’t draw comparisons between yourself and other riders, or you and your horse and the pair that beat you at your last outing. Despite the common threads we have as riders, everyone’s circumstances are different. Horses and riders all have different strengths and weaknesses, and different areas to improve upon. Worry about you and your horse - your achievements, your goals, your strengths - and focus on improving your areas of weakness.

Don’t take it to heart!

Much of what we love about horses - the fact that they are independently thinking and very large animals that while domesticated, often have their own ideas - can also lead to challenges. Every rider has bad days. Every horse has bad days. Don’t let one bad performance, one bad ride, one bad day or even one bad week - throw your focus.

Don’t let negativity creep in!

...Either from external or internal sources!

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. Other times, it seems that everyone’s out to take you down a peg. Learn to accept constructive criticism and make use of it. Ignore negative comments and don’t allow yourself to dwell on the opinions of others.

Seek professional help!

No.. not from a psychologist... we mean that you should find an instructor you have faith in, work with him or her to action a plan to achieve your goals.

Looking for an instructor? Look no further! Visit our Instructor’s Feature at www.thestablemagazine.com/instructors2014

Off the horse fitness

If you’d like to improve your off the horse fitness, activities that tie in well with riding include swimming, cycling and Pilates. If you’re serious, look into a personal trainer, regular lessons or classes with a qualified Pilates instructor. Who knows? You might find a burning passion for another sport!

Push yourself - just not too hard!

Enter a competition. Do it. Now. Find something that’s a good introduction or even something like an open show - put a little bit of pressure on yourself, but don’t choose anything that’s too daunting or too far above you. It’ll give you a goal to work towards. If you can’t bring yourself to enter something just yet, why not attend an open show or head to an event that includes Freshman’s jumping? Ride your horse around the grounds, get used to the atmosphere - and there’s still no pressure to compete. It’s all good experience!

Allow yourself a slip up once in a while..

No one can be perfect 100% of the time. If you slip up and get off track, don’t beat yourself up over it. Just start fresh the next morning. Allow yourself rest days, or take a break to reward yourself (and your horse!) for a job well done. It’s always harder to start something, but as you find yourself conquering your goals, the motivation will  kick in and you’ll be hungry to better your achievement.

Don’t give up!

Believe in yourself. Make changes for the better, make mistakes and learn from them, but most of all, set your eyes on the prize, and don’t let anything get in your way of achieving your goals!

WATCH THE INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS THAT GO WITH THIS ARTICLE at www.thestablemagazine.com

Thank you to The Stable Magazine for this article, which was originally published in their August 2014 issue. Check out The Stable Magazine online now for FREE. Read this article and many more at www.thestablemagazine.com