1. Switch your mindset from being a passenger to being a “rider”/trainer.
If your “go to” is to sit up there and see what happens and deal with it, now’s the time to change that and start DIRECTING what is happening.

2. Start small and build life long habits and discipline.
It may be too much to do a whole month without stirrups,
so,
just try 5 minutes at the beginning (or end) of each ride. and build on that.
Related viewing – Horse watching.

3. Pick one exercise and stick with it.
Don’t try to perfect it, just make it better.
If your circles are bad, then plan your ride to improve your circles. This doesn’t just mean drilling, drilling and repeating bad circles. Actually set out an exercise that will help you. Put out some cones, get a lunge line and set out poles, be inventive and have a purpose.
but
don’t jump to a new exercise until you have improved the one you have set out to improve.

4. Do not compare yourself to the others around you.
They may have different goals than you.
Find your (and your horse’s) sweet spot.
This means if you are tired and finished what you wanted to get done in 30 minutes, then leave it at 30 minutes. You don’t HAVE to continue on.
Likewise, if you think that 60 minutes or more is what you need to do then great.
Keep working.
Also,
remember your horse. your horse’s personality and abilities have to be considered as well.

5. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
do you usually practice your flat work? why not incorporate a few hunter or jumper elements in there. For example, you could do some roll back turns, or even practice a jumping course pattern while riding on the flat.

6. Learn about the other disciplines.
There are many ways you can ride. This can be helpful if you think you are getting in a rut or if your horse is getting bored with it all. Look to a different discipline to spice things up a bit.

7. Ride with conviction and purpose.
Don’t be aimless with your riding. Have a goal for THIS ride.
and
Hav a long term goal of how this ride fits into your long term plans.

8. Be consistent.
Consistent trumps PERFECT every time.
Just like in your equitation round at a horse show, being consistent to each and every fence beats a couple of perfect fences and 6 crappy ones! Of course 8 perfect jumps would be nice as well, right?
Check out this video I made a few years ago, 3 Fundamentals of Horse Training.

9. Be generous with your time with your horse.
This means put down the phone.
And
Reduce distractions.
Pay attention to your horse and actually feel and listen to what is happening.

10.There will be sh!tty days. So contact your trainer.
They are there to help you.

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