“I’ve been working on this for weeks…but I’m not sure if I’m actually achieving anything”?

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I’ve been working on this for weeks…but I’m not sure if I’m actually achieving anything”? It’s a common sentiment among riders, especially when progress feels subtle or slow. In equestrian training, where both horse and rider are navigating a complex, non-verbal partnership, recognising and measuring progress isn’t always straightforward.

But here’s the thing: meaningful progress often happens in the smallest shifts. The key is learning how to spot them, track them, and use them to fuel your journey forward.

1. The Power of Micro-Goals: Building the Bigger Picture

One of the most common pitfalls in equestrian training is focusing too heavily on broad, long-term goals—like “perfect flying changes” or “compete at prelim level”—without setting the smaller milestones that pave the way. This can lead to frustration when the big-picture goal feels out of reach.

Why micro-goals matter:

• They make progress measurable. Instead of aiming to: "to have my horse focused on me" or “improve canter transitions,” aim for "hold attention on one another for 10 seconds at halt", “reduce tension before upward transitions” or “achieve three balanced transitions in a row.”

• They keep both horse and rider motivated. Horses respond to clear, achievable tasks. So do humans.

• They reveal what’s really working. Small goals let you test specific approaches and refine them.

  
  

Tip: Break each long-term goal into layers. If your end goal is an attentive, calm horse, first focus on the relationship your horse has with pressure, space, and sounds—what makes them feel safe and what creates tension. Understanding these layers will help you build a foundation of trust and responsiveness before moving on to more complex tasks.

2. Journalling: Your Blueprint for Clarity and Accountability

Keeping a training journal isn’t about adding another chore to your day—it’s about creating a space where you can objectively reflect on your sessions. It’s a tool for mindfulness, problem-solving, and staying accountable.

What to include in a training journal:

• The basics: Date, weather, mood (yours and your horse’s), duration.

• Session focus: What were you aiming to work on?

• Observations: How did your horse respond? Where were the struggles? The wins?

• Reflections: How did you feel during the session? What did you notice about your mindset, timing, or energy?

• Next steps: What’s the next logical micro-goal?

  
  

The science behind it: Research in educational psychology highlights that reflective journalling improves learning outcomes by increasing self-awareness and helping individuals make connections between actions and results. In equestrianism, this is invaluable—especially since much of our communication with horses is non-verbal and easy to overlook without reflection.

3. Recognising Invisible Progress: It’s Not Really About the Big Moments

Progress isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, the most profound changes happen beneath the surface:

• Emotional shifts: Is your horse calmer, more focused, or less reactive?

• Consistency: Are behaviours becoming more reliable, even if they’re not perfect?

• Your own responses: Are you noticing your timing improving? Are you more patient or adaptable?

  
  

Horses notice these subtleties long before they offer the “big” results we crave.

Journalling helps you track these softer wins. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge—good and bad—that give you insight into what’s helping and what’s hindering progress.

4. The Role of Lessons: Pit Stops That Keep You Moving Forward

Lessons are invaluable to progress. They offer structure, guidance, and the keen eye of an experienced coach who can spot what you might miss. A good coach doesn’t just teach you what to do but why it works, helping you build a deeper understanding of your horse’s needs and your own development.

Why lessons matter:

• Accountability: Regular lessons keep you on track, encouraging consistent effort and thoughtful practice.

• Troubleshooting: Coaches can spot small issues before they become big problems, offering solutions tailored to your horse and your unique partnership.

• Clarity and Momentum: Lessons provide fresh perspectives, targeted feedback, and renewed motivation, helping you overcome plateaus and keep moving forward.

  
  

Think of lessons as pit stops where you refuel, recalibrate, and get expert input. The real journey happens between those sessions, where you apply what you’ve learned. Using a journal to track your progress and note down questions or struggles makes your lessons more productive and ensures continuous growth.

5. When It Feels Like Nothing’s Working: A Checklist

If you’re feeling stuck, run through these questions:

• Am I clear on what I’m asking my horse to do?

• Am I doing my lessons homework and if not, why not?

• Are my goals broken down into achievable steps?

• Am I being consistent in my aids and expectations?

• Have I noticed any patterns in my journalling that might explain the block?

• Am I giving my horse the mental and physical breaks they need to absorb learning?

  
  

Sometimes, stagnation is simply a sign that a tiny adjustment is needed—whether in your own approach, the horse’s understanding, or even your expectations.

6. The Value of Reflective Discipline: It’s Not About Perfection

Ultimately, progress with horses is about building a conversation—not mastering a script. It’s fluid, dynamic, and full of moments where the “right” answer isn’t always obvious. Journalling helps you become a better listener in that conversation.

The key takeaways?

• Define small goals that ladder up to the big ones.

• Track what’s happening in each session, not just what you wish would happen.

• Reflect often, adjust often, and celebrate the small wins.

Your horse is always communicating. The question is—are you noticing what they’re saying?

If you haven’t tried journalling before, start small. One or two sentences after each session is a great beginning. Over time, you’ll build a rich record of your journey—one that shows just how far you and your horse have come, even when it doesn’t feel obvious.

Have a journalling habit that’s worked wonders for you? Share your tips below!