I Don’t Have Time to Reflect!

AI image to set a scene ;)

“I don’t have time to sit and write things down—I barely have time to work with my horse!”

Sound familiar?

As horse people, we’re constantly juggling early mornings at the yard, long days at work, and everything in between. Journaling might seem like something only people with too much free time do. But what if I told you that spending just five minutes reflecting on your interactions with your horse could actually save you time, make your training more effective, and help you feel more in control?

Let’s break it down.

Reactive vs. Proactive: Are You Always Playing Catch-Up?

Horse life is unpredictable. One day, everything is going smoothly, and the next, your horse is spooking at invisible ghosts or struggling with a simple transition. Many horse people are stuck in reactive mode—constantly responding to what’s happening in the moment, fixing problems as they arise, and hoping for the best.

But what if you could anticipate challenges, set clear goals, and adjust your approach with intention? Proactive horse people don’t just react—they reflect, plan, and prepare. And journaling is one of the simplest ways to shift from reactive to proactive.

How Journaling Helps You Work Smarter, Not Harder

1. Helps You Approach Each Session With a PlanEver arrived at the yard, got your horse ready, and then thought, “Hmm, what should I work on today?” Journaling takes the guesswork out of your interactions. A quick note from your last session can remind you exactly what to focus on next.

2. Stops You From Repeating the Same MistakesIf your groundwork exercises always lack flow or your horse keeps struggling with confidence, writing things down helps you notice patterns—and find solutions. Instead of thinking, Why does this always happen?, you start thinking, What can I do differently?

3. Shows You That You Are Making ProgressSome days, it feels like you’re getting nowhere. But if you look back at your journal from a few months ago, you’ll see just how much has changed. Progress isn’t always obvious in the moment, but tracking it makes it real.You’ll also start thinking about challenges differently. One of the most useful side effects of journaling I found was realising that the goals I was setting for myself and my horse were often too general or not broken down into small enough tasks. I started seeing those tasks differently too—the ability to create small, manageable steps for both me, my horse, and my clients to work through was one of the most transformational parts of my journaling experience.

4. Keeps You Focused and Less FrustratedNot every session will go as planned. Writing down what went wrong (and what went right) helps you let go of frustration and move forward with a plan, rather than just stewing on what didn’t work.

   
   

“Okay, But I Really Don’t Have Time.”

Fair enough. But journaling doesn’t have to mean sitting down with a leather-bound notebook for an hour. Here are some quick ways to fit it into your busy schedule:

• The One-Minute Journal: After your session, jot down three things—what went well, what needs improvement, and what you’ll focus on next time.

• Voice Memos: If writing isn’t your thing, record a quick voice note on your phone while untacking.

• Weekly Review: Spend 10 minutes on Sundays reflecting on the past week and setting goals for the next.

• Goal-Setting Pages: At the start of each month, write down three training goals and check in on them regularly.

Final Thoughts

Journaling isn’t about adding another chore to your to-do list. It’s about making your time with your horse smoother, more intentional, and ultimately, more rewarding. So the next time you think, I don’t have time to reflect, ask yourself—do you have time to waste on unfocused, unstructured sessions?

Five minutes might just change the way you work with your horse.