Unlocking Progress in Dressage: A Data-Driven Approach to Rider Development
By Sally O’Dwyer, Chief Statistician
Illustrations by Susan Difelice
Many riders believe their success hinges on external factors—such as buying an expensive European warmblood or working with an elite trainer. However, research reveals a different truth: The key to progress lies within us.
In a recent Dressage Progress Survey, 100 riders provided insights into how they identify personal progress and address challenges in their riding development. Three striking statistics emerged:
• 65% of riders don’t document their goals
• 77% feel frustrated about their lack of progress and uncertainty about next steps.
• Poor mindset emerged as the #1 challenge, outranking practical concerns (ranked in order by the participants) such as:
o In-saddle skills
o Financial constraints
o Time limitations
o Trainer availability
o Physical fitness
o Community support
These findings highlight areas within our control that we can actively improve. Here are some suggestions to consider when seeking to improve our riding.
Take this Down: The Power of Written Goals
“Writing down a goal takes it from the invisible and makes it visible” – Tony Robbins
Written Goals Transform Performance because they offer us
1. Increased awareness: Written goals become tangible and shareable
2. Accountability: A written record allows for self-reflection
3. Focus: writing brings clarity and direction.
4. Motivation: Visible goals serve as constant reminders and motivators.
5. Progress tracking: Written goals provide a benchmark for measuring advancement
When we do not write down our goals it’s easier to:
o Skip important but challenging work
o Ride without thinking
o Depend on others to tell us what to do
o Avoid addressing weaknesses
o Stay in our comfort zone
o Make excuses for lack of progress
o Miss opportunities to celebrate small wins
o Just do what other riders are doing
Stop the Flailfest
If you fall into 77% of people who experience frustration due to a lack of progress and are unsure about what to do next, you could benefit from goal setting and implementation. We become frustrated when we feel as though we are unable to control our outcomes. But the truth is, we can when we have a plan.
Part of the problem is improvements in our riding are often microscopic. Rider may actually be making progress but can’t “see” it. There are always intangible, and invisible improvements happening beneath the surface that we cannot appreciate. The learning curve is not linear, and plateaus are normal and even necessary.
Moreover, dressage riders tend to have “Type A” personalities, drawn to the sport for its precision, structured levels, and high standards. We expect a lot of ourselves, which can also lead to impatience, self-criticism, and perfectionism.
Tips to Reduce Frustration:
1. Practice mindfulness to recognize and appreciate incremental improvements
2. Set realistic goals and break them down into small steps
3. Celebrate small victories along the way
4. Journal about your rides—write about your successes and “aha” moments
5. Be patient with yourself and your horse
Mindset Matters
The interesting thing about mindset being the top challenge is that it’s the one area we have the most direct control over – yet it’s often the least actively trained. Your self-limiting beliefs may be holding you back without you even realizing it.
Consider the story of the elephant and the rope: Large elephants are often tethered to small stakes with seemingly fragile ropes. As baby elephants, they learn they can’t break free. Even as they grow strong enough to easily break the rope, they remain tethered by their belief that they cannot escape. This story illustrates how our past experiences and beliefs can limit our potential, even when those limitations are no longer real.
Techniques to Improve Your Mindset
• Engage in positive self-talk
• Prepare affirmations to counter your inner critic
• Surround yourself with positive influences
• View failures as learning opportunities
• Practice self-compassion
• Stay curious through continuous learning
• Focus on solutions rather than problems
• Cultivate a growth mindset
• Take time to enjoy your horse
• Join or create a supportive community
• Consider working with a sports psychologist
• Focus on progress rather than perfection
• Avoid catastrophizing small mistakes
• Celebrate incremental improvements
The Tea—Wisdom from the Participants
I asked survey participants what advice they would offer other riders to make progress, and they offered great feedback:
• “Everyone is on a different journey… enjoy yours.”
• “Take your time – keep reaffirming the basics – the end result is only as good as the foundation.”
• “It’s not a sprint, but a marathon. The training takes time to build on each thing.”
• “Small wins add up to big wins. Have grace and patience for you and your horse.”
• “Sometimes the changes are so incremental, I feel like I’m not making progress. Then comes the ‘aha’ moment when it all comes together!”
• “Don’t neglect the time out of the saddle. Reading books and exercising can maximize the value you get when you do ride.”
• “Progress isn’t always fast. Don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself to where you were 3, 6 or 12 months ago!”
• “The slow way is the fast way; there’s no time to rush.”
• “Be sure to enjoy the journey and especially your horse. If it is not fun, you will not succeed.”
The Path Forward:
A dream becomes a goal when it is written down,
A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan,
A plan backed by action becomes a reality.
Success in dressage isn’t just about the destination, it’s about embracing the process, celebrating improvements, and most importantly, enjoying the journey with your horse.