Mind the gap

Have you ever set your heart on moving up a lesson level or jumping higher at a comp only to be told you’re not ready yet? Whether you’re starting to learn to ride or out competing most weekends, the gap between your expectations (what you believe will happen) and reality (what actually happens) can leave you feeling disappointed or frustrated. But we’re here to help you set realistic expectations so you can enjoy your riding journey!

The fairytale formula

The story of Goldilocks and the three bears might just seem like a silly fairytale to you – after all, Goldilocks was ever so fussy – but she taught us one valuable thing, the idea of something being just right.

When expectations are too high, you can feel…

• pressure to do well
• anxious
• like you’re not good enough

When expectations are too low, you can feel…

• like you’re underachieving
• there’s no point in trying
• embarrassed

But when expectations are ‘just right’ you…

• feel inspired and confident
• set and achieve realistic goals
• enjoy and see the progress you’re making

Perfect expectations

Follow our steps to setting expectations that are just right for you…

1. Keep it real. A lot of things online are filtered and sometimes totally fake, so don’t believe everything you see. In general, we only see the best bits of someone else’s life on social media, which give us unrealistic expectations.
2. Remember you’re one of a kind. Think about how different all the horse and pony breeds are. Their sizes, needs, energy requirements and strengths and weaknesses all differ and the same goes for you. Every rider has their own set of challenges, so comparing yourself to others isn’t always helpful.

Discover more of our top tips for setting realistic riding expectations in February PONY – get your copy today!