Consistency: The Secret Ingredient in Dressage

Consistency. What a great word! It embodies reliability and steadfastness—the ability to show up, follow through, and remain committed to something over time. Unfortunately, those qualities can be hard to find in today's world, but they are absolutely essential in dressage.

Now, the example in the definition—working out every day or showing up on time for work—takes a little of the fun out of the word! But when you think about what consistency truly means, it becomes something worth celebrating.

In dressage, consistency is what allows us to develop not only the movements we see in the show ring but also the strength, balance, and understanding required to perform them. It means showing up at the barn over and over again, regardless of the weather or how we feel. It isn't an easy task for either horse or rider.

One of the ladies at our barn is the epitome of consistency. She is currently training her fourth FEI horse, who has reached the Grand Prix level. She shows up whether the weather is hot or cold, whether she feels great or less than 100%. Her dedication is paying off in remarkable ways!

Consistency matters, and in many ways, it matters more than talent.

This applies to horses just as much as riders. I will choose a horse with a consistently good temperament over one with extraordinary talent whose personality is unpredictable. Knowing what to expect when you walk into the pasture is a quality worth its weight in gold.

The same goes for the people in our equestrian community. How about a boarder who brings the same positive attitude every time they walk through the barn doors? Or a trainer who greets you in the arena with dependable energy and enthusiasm? These qualities may not seem extraordinary, but they go a long way toward creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

Of course, consistency isn't always easy to achieve. If you find yourself jumping from barn to barn in a short period of time, your trainer is constantly changing home bases, or the ownership history of a horse you're considering looks like spell-check gone wrong, it may be time to pause and reconsider. That kind of inconsistency can make it difficult to build the foundation needed for a successful riding career.

Nobody starts out being consistent. It takes effort, discipline, and sometimes a little help. I certainly wouldn't get up every morning to work out on my own, but luckily, my husband is much better at consistency in that department than I am!

To bring a horse to the FEI levels, that animal must become a true weightlifter, developing the strength and fitness to carry itself through increasingly demanding movements. For a rider to reach the FEI levels, it takes years of developing muscle memory, mental awareness, and an understanding of the horse. None of this happens overnight, and none of it happens without consistency.

So, whatever your goal may be, remember that showing up is half the battle. Keep putting in the work, even on the days when progress feels slow.

Now, get off the computer and get to the barn!