I spent years getting myself ready.
Getting my horse ready.
Preparing all the details.
And still... I wasn’t riding out of the arena.
Getting my horse ready.
Preparing all the details.
And still... I wasn’t riding out of the arena.
What I didn’t realize was that the one tiny thing that would change everything was also the simplest:
I took action.
I got on and rode four steps.
That’s it. Just four.
But those four steps were like magic.
I celebrated. I smiled for a week.
And the next time? I looked forward to four more.
I celebrated. I smiled for a week.
And the next time? I looked forward to four more.
That simple, tiny action changed everything.
Momentum had begun.
Momentum had begun.
Try These Tiny Shifts to Create Big Riding Momentum:
Take Four Steps
This one’s my favorite—and for good reason.
Get on and ride four steps. Then pause.
Ask yourself:
This one’s my favorite—and for good reason.
Get on and ride four steps. Then pause.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to take four more?
- Turn around and go back?
- Or just get off and celebrate?
On my very first four steps, I chose to get off. And I still count that as a HUGE win.
Because the action—not the distance—is what creates momentum.
Because the action—not the distance—is what creates momentum.
Make a Comfort Zone Plan
Define your edge—not someone else’s.
What feels just slightly stretchy but not scary?
That’s your zone. Make a plan that brings you to the edge—not over it.
Then stop there. Smile. Celebrate. You just moved forward.
Define your edge—not someone else’s.
What feels just slightly stretchy but not scary?
That’s your zone. Make a plan that brings you to the edge—not over it.
Then stop there. Smile. Celebrate. You just moved forward.
Too often, we think we have to leap to grow.
But the truth is, confidence is built in small, do-able steps that feel like yours.
But the truth is, confidence is built in small, do-able steps that feel like yours.
There is plenty of time to go to the edge again and again and when you are ready, these little actions you have been building up, will make going over the edge, expanding your comfort zone, easier and you will have momentum behind you!
So many times we don't see our comfort zone, or our path to momentum and that is where I can help out. Set up a quick (free) calm-ride strategy call and let's see if we can get your momentum moving again.
When I was getting back into trail riding, I pictured myself out there for an hour with friends, laughing and exploring the trails. But honestly? That vision felt like a giant elephant in the room—too big, too overwhelming. Just thinking about it made my anxiety spike. I wasn’t ready for the whole ride, and those big thoughts kept me stuck in place instead of inching forward.
Here’s the truth: momentum doesn’t come from huge leaps—it comes from tiny, doable shifts that stack up over time. Here are a few momentum hacks that can lead to BIG wins:
1. Break it down like a recipe.
If your goal is trail riding with friends, think of it like baking a cake. You don’t just say “cake” and expect it to appear—you gather ingredients, follow steps, and check the oven. The same goes for your riding goal. Gather your safety gear. Practice mounting and dismounting. Make sure you and your horse are confident at the walk, trot, and canter before you hit the trail. Use short rides to check where you’re at and fill in any gaps. These small steps build the confidence—and momentum—you need to get there.
2. Repeat until it's second nature.
Repetition is your secret weapon. The more you mount, ride, and dismount, the more effortless it becomes. You’ll uncover and fix the little things that might trip you up on the trail. By the time you're ready to go, your body (and your horse) will know exactly what to do.
3. Prepare for the "what ifs."
One small but powerful shift? Contingency planning. Many riders skip this step—and it’s a confidence killer. I had a fear of rearing, so I studied what others do, visualized it, and practiced my plan in a safe, controlled setting. I did the same with spooking, bucking, and bolting. This kind of mental prep builds trust in yourself and your horse—and keeps your momentum rolling forward.
One small but powerful shift? Contingency planning. Many riders skip this step—and it’s a confidence killer. I had a fear of rearing, so I studied what others do, visualized it, and practiced my plan in a safe, controlled setting. I did the same with spooking, bucking, and bolting. This kind of mental prep builds trust in yourself and your horse—and keeps your momentum rolling forward.
Small steps. Big wins. That’s how we ride forward—one shift at a time.
Here is a link to grab my Contingency Guide and catch up on what has worked for me! Contingency GUIDE!!!!
