Growing Pains in the Saddle: Why It Feels Worse Before It Gets Better

There’s a weird moment in riding where everything feels harder than it should. You know more, but perform worse. You’ve trained harder, but feel like a beginner. Welcome to the equestrian growth spurt — awkward, emotional, often ugly. In this episode, we unpack why things get mentally messy right before major breakthroughs. If you’re stuck in that in-between phase where you feel like you’re regressing, this one will help you name it, normalize it, and ride through it.To read the blog on this podcast with references This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com