Episode 10: Riders should make mistakes in the right direction

Today, I discuss why riders should make mistakes. I'm going to break it down into three different things. Why you should make mistakes. Which mistake you should really try to avoid. And how to measure the direction of your mistakes. During my clinics, I often tell riders that they should make mistakes in the right direction. This implies that it is okay to make mistakes, and there is some kind of way to measure the mistakes that you are making and how that's working out for you. Listen on to learn how to make your mistakes work for you. Show Notes [02:14] It's easier to get started if you free yourself up to the idea that it's okay to make mistakes. The biggest key is being able to get started and not hold yourself back in some way. [02:39] When I see riders tense up at mistakes it makes me think of training a horse. I know when my horse makes a mistake I'm not going to criticize or judge. [04:45] When you're out in the barn riding you need to be your own coach, and you will find that laughter brings more power than criticism. [05:03] A mistake you need to avoid is one that risks your safety or your horses safety. [06:13] As your training your horses you need to be able to measure the trend that your directions are headed. [06:35] Take 30 days to look over the trends. [07:07]  There are three different options that come up when you look at Trends. Number one is trending down. Number two is staying the same or flat-lining. Number three is trending up. [07:57] I make mistakes on purpose when teaching the horses how to change leads. [08:21] I started asking Gabby for lead changes before I had full control. [09:07] I'm teaching myself and my horses that mistakes are okay. [10:45] The problem with waiting until perfect is the horse actually thinks they're doing something wrong when trying a new lead change. [11:27] Realize that you'll need some sort of consistency or you won't be able to measure the trend. [11:44] Get motivated to get into some kind of rhythm. Try working the horses three days a week. [12:29] Use video to review and compare the trends. [13:34] The more details of a ride you can feel, the more you will know what's not working. Links and Resources: 12 hours at a horse show with Stacy Westfall and Newt Horse spontaneously stands on box, but why?