Stop Getting Discouraged When It Comes to Your Riding Goals!

How to Track Your Riding Progress Without Getting Discouraged

By: Dr. Jenny Swanson, EdD, LICSW, LCSW, CMPC

Progress in equestrian sports isn’t always linear. Some days, everything clicks, and other days, it feels like you’ve taken five steps backward. It’s easy to get frustrated when improvement feels slow—but tracking your progress the right way can help you stay motivated and focused.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or discouraged in your riding journey, here are some effective ways to measure progress without losing confidence.

Photo credit: SportFot

Why Progress Feels Slow in Equestrian Sports

Unlike other sports where you can measure improvements in speed or strength, equestrian progress is more complex because:

✔ It depends on both the rider and the horse—both have good and bad days.

✔ Some skills take weeks, months, or even years to refine.

✔ Success isn’t always obvious—progress can happen in small, subtle ways.

This is why having the right mindset and tracking system can help you see improvement, even when it feels invisible.

5 Ways to Track Your Riding Progress (Without Getting Discouraged)

1. Keep a Riding Journal

One of the best ways to track your progress is by writing things down. After each ride, jot down:

📌 What went well

📌 What challenges you faced

📌 What you want to improve next time

Seeing small improvements over time can boost your confidence and help you stay focused on long-term growth.

📖 Example Entry:"Today, my horse felt more balanced in the canter. We struggled with our lead changes, but I stayed patient and gave clearer cues. Next time, I’ll focus on my timing."

2. Track Progress with Videos

Sometimes, the progress we feel isn’t the same as what’s actually happening.📹 Record yourself riding once a month and compare videos over time.🔍 Look for small improvements—better posture, smoother transitions, or a more confident approach to fences.

🎯 Pro Tip: Instead of analyzing every tiny mistake, look for progress, not perfection.

3. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Instead of only focusing on big goals like “Move up a level” or “Win a competition,” break them down into smaller, manageable steps.

✅ Instead of: “Have more consistent rounds.”➡ Try: “Improve my leg position in the sitting trot by practicing core exercises 3x a week.”

When you achieve small goals consistently, your confidence grows, and progress becomes more obvious.

4. Measure Feel, Not Just Results

Not all progress shows up in scores or competition results.Ask yourself:🤔 Do I feel more balanced in the saddle?🤔 Is my horse responding to my aids more quickly?🤔 Am I staying calmer under pressure?

Even if you’re not seeing external changes yet, internal improvements matter just as much.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

It’s easy to focus on what went wrong, but don’t forget to celebrate what’s going right.🎉 Maybe you finally nailed that tricky transition.🎉 Maybe you stayed relaxed when your horse spooked.🎉 Maybe your horse felt softer and more connected today.

Progress isn’t just about big milestones—it’s about small, consistent improvements that add up over time.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your riding progress doesn’t have to be discouraging. By using journals, videos, small goals, and a mindset shift, you can see how far you’ve come—even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Next time you feel stuck, look back at where you started. Progress is happening, even when it’s slow. Keep going!

How do you track your riding progress? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclaimer: All information shared on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. The information shared here does NOT constitute as therapy or as medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship. A patient-client relationship with you is only formed after we have expressly entered into a written agreement that you have signed including our fee structure and other terms to represent you in a specific matter. Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information.