| What is the secret of staying motivated, even | | | | |
| when it feels as if you are getting | | | | 1. Focus on the benefits. With every task or |
| absolutely no where with your riding or | | | | chore you do, spend a few moments emphasizing |
| training of your horse? | | | | the benefit you will receive from doing it. |
| | | | Why are you getting up at 5 to muck out? So |
| Have you ever wondered how some horse riders | | | | that you can have time to ride this |
| seem to stay motivated so effortlessly? | | | | afternoon. In order to get and stay |
| | | | motivated, it is crucial to have some sort of |
| How do they manage get up in the pitch-dark | | | | payoff in mind. Even if your payoff will |
| on a freezing winter morning to muck out and | | | | come at a future time, remind yourself why |
| whistle happily while they do it? | | | | this task or chore is a good thing. |
| | | | |
| If you've ever had a hard time getting or | | | | 2. Work towards a specific realistic goal. |
| staying disciplined to muck out, or get back | | | | Divide the goal into small steps and focus on |
| on or try an exercise one more time, you may | | | | one each day. Remind yourself that if you |
| have been struggling with a lack of | | | | don't complete the steps that will create the |
| motivation. Motivation and discipline | | | | outcome you desire, you will not meet your |
| usually go hand-in-hand for riders and | | | | objective. |
| horses, because without motivation, it is | | | | |
| nearly impossible to become disciplined. | | | | 3. Use visualization. See the big picture. |
| Ironically, once you become disciplined you | | | | Remember that this task is only one part of a |
| rarely need to be motivated to keep your life | | | | larger puzzle. It's hard to get inspired |
| running smoothly. | | | | about cleaning tack, until you envision |
| | | | yourself accepting the winner's trophy |
| Discipline is a willingness and commitment to | | | | sitting on this very same shining, immaculate |
| do what needs to be done. Without | | | | saddle. By looking at the big picture, each |
| discipline, our lives would be in disarray. | | | | little task will retain a measure of |
| Think about the things you do on a daily or | | | | importance in your own mind. |
| weekly basis that are required in order to | | | | |
| maintain your life properly. Mucking out, | | | | 4. Inspire yourself! Put inspirational quotes |
| cleaning tack, washing rugs, grooming, | | | | and posters where you can see them often, |
| checking and cleaning paddocks and | | | | watch inspirational movies, spend time with |
| maintaining your vehicle and trailer, | | | | other riders who inspire you. Read |
| working, bathing, paying bills, balancing the | | | | inspirational books, about horses and |
| checkbook, sleeping, and more are all | | | | training and great masters, but also books |
| required activities. Without them, what | | | | written especially for equestrians who need |
| would your life look like? And your horse? | | | | more motivation, confidence and |
| | | | self-discipline. Make sure you have a trainer |
| If you lack self-discipline, you may find | | | | that inspires you - essential if you are to |
| yourself procrastinating and putting your | | | | make any progress. |
| duties aside which can create a colossal mess | | | | |
| if it's done too frequently. Ingrained | | | | 5. Set time apart every day to review your |
| unhelpful habits and an undisciplined mind | | | | motivation and your goals. Keep a training |
| may eventually prevent you from achieving | | | | log. Record your hopes, dreams, doubts and |
| your horse riding dreams; and without some | | | | victories. Get yourself a life coach that |
| kind of inner or outer motivation you are | | | | works exclusively with equestrians and |
| unlikely to develop the discipline you need. | | | | understands exactly how many challenges horse |
| | | | riders and horse owners have to face every |
| In order to escape this downward spiral and | | | | day. |
| develop a strong sense of self-discipline, | | | | |
| you need to get and stay motivated! How can | | | | The secret of horse riding success is to |
| you do this? There are several ways, but | | | | invest as much time in your mental as in your |
| here are few to begin with: | | | | physical training. |