Charlotte Dujardin shares some mindset hints to help keep your training on track
Training a horse β whether heβs destined to become the next big star or not β always comes with its ups and downs. But when youβre riding day to day, a lot of the challenges youβll face will be as a result of your own mentality, which in turn has a huge effect on your physical performance. Learning to develop a healthy mindsetβs so important when dealing with such intuitive, sensitive animals, and doing so is something that takes a lot of practice, patience and understanding.
Β Over my many years coaching lots of types of rider, and when overcoming mental challenges of my own, Iβve learnt a thing or two about how to reset your mindset so you can get the very best out of your horse. Here are my five top tips for keeping a level head throughout your training journey.Β
TOP TIPΒ
Donβt let everything go when you give your horse a breather. Make sure you ride a quality transition to walk and let out your reins gradually, ensuring heβs stretching correctly and remains marching forward.Β Β
1. Take the good with the badΒ
Thereβll always be days when a session doesnβt quite go to plan. I know that a great ride can make you feel on top of the world, while a bad one can ruin your whole day. However, itβs important to remember that horses arenβt robots β they feel differently day to day, just like we do. So, the key is to accept that bad days inevitably happen β for you and your horse β and recognise when itβs better to cut your losses and end the session, especially if your patience is starting to run short. Success isnβt always an uphill struggle, but itβs important to recognise that it can be and set your expectations accordingly.Β
TOP TIP
Even though working with someone else is a great way to improve, itβs also important not to become reliant on outside support. You need to know how to deal with a situation on your own, as thereβll be nobody there to help you in the competition arena. Β
2. Hold yourself accountableΒ
Was that halt good enough? Yes? Great. No? Try again. Donβt accept something if, in your eyes, you couldβve ridden it better β be that a transition, halt or centre line. Improvementβs about being disciplined with yourself and consistent with your horse β aim for everything to be good.Β
When youβre riding by yourself and donβt have someone on hand to remind you, it can be easy to let a few things slip. This is why setting standards and sticking to them is vital.
3. Your one and onlyΒ
I really empathise with single-horse owners because I know how frustrating it can feel when a session goes poorly and thatβs your only ride of the day, or week. Iβm lucky enough to have 10β12 horses to ride a day, so if one of them isnβt feeling it, I have another to cheer me up! When youβre reliant on one horse it can feel like the end of the world if something goes wrong, but you just need to employ some extra patience and self-belief and motivate yourself to take a breath, walk away, and try again another day.Β
4. Eyes on the ground
Working with a trainer is a vital part of success, but it can be just as useful to have a trusted, experienced friend to watch you ride and give you feedback. Thatβs why Carl and I work as such a dream team, because we train as a partnership all the time, critiquing and advising each other. Itβs important to get the right person β someone whoβll be constructive but encouraging β and avoid those whoβll be too negative in their approach and cause you to start doubting yourself.Β
5. Stick to a schedule Β
Creating a weekly training plan and sticking to it is something I find really helpful β because I know it works. My horses all have the same schedule week in, week out, and that way I can ensure theyβre getting enough breaks and enough consistent schooling. Iβm also able to tailor their routine to suit any upcoming competitions, so we can be as prepared as possible.
