It is spring! Time to get in shape and polish up for the active riding season ahead. Whether you compete seriously or enjoy trail riding, summer is prime time for all of us. In preparation, this month log each ride or training session, no matter how small. Even if you have an unplanned discussion with your horse about ground manners when taking them back to the field, take a moment to log it!
Items To Make Note Of
There are many things you might want to take note of in your logs. Try choosing four or five things you want to track. I like to track these items:
- where I was
- what I did
- what I struggled with
- any revelations or break throughs that occurred
Possible Areas Of Adjustment
After a few weeks of logging your rides you will likely see some patterns emerging. Try to find the holes in your program and begin taking reasonable steps to correct them. I suggest tackling one change at a time as it is and practicing what I like to call “progressive patience”. When we try to change too much at once we will frustrate and discourage both ourselves and our horses. Here are some common areas most of us could improve on:
- training more
- training in different locations
- changing up the activities
- seeking out solutions for the largest issue you are facing
Methods of Logging
Make your log easy to keep up with by choosing the most accessible method for your daily activities. I personally go old school with basic notepad and a pen but I have known some riders who made spreadsheet logs on their pc. If you are more techy and would like to “log on the go” there are also some riding apps available. My friend recently shared this one called Equilab which has some cool features beyond just logging your training.
A training log can be an eye opener about how our horse perceives their education and work experiences as well as pointing out where we might be excelling or lacking in our efforts. I also find logging a student or child’s training helpful for the same reasons. However you find it easiest, I hope you give this a try. Let me know what you discover!
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About The Author
Seek progress, not perfection. Progress can be found every ride. Perfection is always a future goal, never a destination reached.
