I led my horse up to the mounting block and stood there, frozen. I felt like I couldn't breathe—like a weight was pressing down on my chest. My palms were sweaty, my hands shaking. I had to admit it: I was TERRIFIED.
I had this dream—just get on and ride. It was a perfect day, the kind made for a peaceful ride around the edge of our property. Through the hay fields, where the air smelled sweet and fresh. Under the cool shade of the forest, past wildflowers lining the trail.
It was a beautiful vision. But the journey to get there felt impossible. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t get on.
The Overwhelm of the “Big Picture” Is the Biggest Mistake Riders Make
It’s easy to get stuck staring at the destination, wondering how you’ll ever get from here to there. The gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel like a canyon. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to jump the canyon. You just have to take the next step.
When we focus too much on the big goal—whether it’s getting back in the saddle, conquering fear, or mastering a new skill—it can paralyze us. Our brains crave certainty, and when they don’t see a clear, easy path, they throw up roadblocks: doubt, anxiety, hesitation.
But riding, like life, isn’t about making one giant leap. It’s about taking one small step, then another, then another.
How to fix it: Find Joy in the Process
Instead of worrying about the whole journey, zoom in on today. What’s the next thing you can do? Maybe it’s grooming your horse while taking deep breaths. Maybe it’s sitting in the saddle for just five minutes, focusing on feeling steady. Maybe it’s simply visualizing yourself riding with confidence.
When I finally embraced this, I got on. I took four steps. It felt amazing. I smiled for a week.
When you shift your focus from the overwhelming end goal to the manageable present moment, riding becomes more enjoyable. You start to celebrate small victories, build momentum, and before you know it, you are riding with confidence—not because you forced it, but because you allowed yourself to grow into it.
So, take a deep breath. You don’t need to be ready for the whole ride today. Just take the next step.
Your journey to confidence isn’t about the destination—it’s about enjoying each moment along the way.
If you would like to hear more, I talk about "Know the Next Step" in my latest blog you can listen too here!
0 Comments