Description
Transform Your Riding Journey, One Entry at a Time
The Power of Three Points
Few things in life offer such massive potential for minimal effort as journaling does. When we put pen to paper after a ride, we unlock a deeper connection with our riding journey. This simple practice creates lasting change by cementing both physical and mental learning in our long-term memory. Your journal becomes more than a record – it transforms into a mirror reflecting the subtle patterns and progress we often miss in our day-to-day riding.
Accelerate Your Learning
As you develop your journaling practice, you’ll discover a heightened awareness during rides. The very act of reflection speeds up your learning process, helping you absorb lessons more deeply and integrate instructor feedback more effectively. During challenging times, your journal becomes your ally, showing concrete evidence of how far you’ve come, and which strategies have worked before. By putting your thoughts on paper, you gain the emotional distance needed to analyze challenges with clarity and purpose.
Why Three Points Work
The genius of the three-point format lies in its simplicity. In just five minutes after each ride, you capture what truly matters. No overwhelming documentation – just the three most significant insights that will shape your progress. This focused approach helps you build a sustainable habit while training your mind to identify key moments of growth.
Your riding itself becomes more intentional because you know you’ll be reflecting afterwards. Even subtle realizations noted in your journal can lead to major breakthroughs. Like developing any skill in dressage, the more you practice this focused reflection, the stronger your awareness becomes.
What to Capture
Your three points might include moments of breakthrough in horse-rider communication, technical achievements, or emotional insights. Record your “aha!” moments, physical sensations, training successes, or observations about lightness and engagement. Connect your experiences to the Dressage Training Pyramid or celebrate moments of perfect harmony with your horse.
Your Journal, Your Journey
Keep your journal where it serves you best – in your tack locker, attached to a clipboard, ready for those fresh post-ride insights. Make each entry your own with sketches, photos, or personal notes. Approach your writing with curiosity rather than judgment, letting each entry build your path to excellence.
Tips for Success
- Make it easy: Keep your journal at the barn, ready for immediate post-ride reflection
- Build momentum: Commit to at least six weeks of consistent entries
- Stay positive: Approach each entry with curiosity and celebration
- Personalize: Include sketches, photos, or notes that speak to you
- Track progress: Review every 30 rides to identify patterns
- Set goals: Use your journal to track specific training objectives
- Share insights: Discuss discoveries with your trainer to enhance your learning
Progress Reflection
Every 30 rides, take time to review your journey. Use the Progress Reflection Sheet to analyze your growth, identify patterns, and celebrate your achievements. Share these insights with your trainer to create an even stronger partnership in your dressage journey.
