What have you learned in 2025?

daffy44

daffy44

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I'm not a natural planner, and I think I'm allergic to new year resolutions, but I really love to learn.

So at the end of a year I like to reflect on what I've learnt in the past twelve months, so I thought other may like to join in....

I think I have two major thins to take from this year;

Firstly, I've finally fallen in love with groundwork, I've done it for years because I believe its good for the horses, but I cant say I've ever loved it, this year through learning from some different people I've become fascinated by it, and how I am able to carry it forward to the ridden work.

Secondly, I'm starting to understand how closely linked the physical balance of the horse is to its mental state.
 
I'm with you on the groundwork! I enjoyed my groundwork lessons so much this year, that when it comes to getting my own horse I would seriously consider a non ridden one because I don't struggle with nerves like I do with riding (although with the sports psych that is improving hugely).

My main thing has been the value of working off horse physically and mentally, and how actually very little goes a long way. It's been pretty amazing to see how just a bit of each in my week between lessons can make such a difference to when I ride. It just makes things so much easier!
 
I've had an equine behaviourist out almost weekly for... 14 months now? You'd perhaps be surprised to hear that I've learned more about myself and my own psychology and physiology than the ponys. The things I've always struggled with, "heels down", leaning forward too much, always feeling out of balance etc are improving for the first time in my life because now they're connected to what I'm feeling in my brain, not just a mechanical thing I have to make my body do. I dont know how to BREATHE properly! Life changing! Very difficult to fix! 😂

I have learned about the pony also of course. She has a lot of the exact same issues with rushing and holding tension when she is unsure 😂 you find the horse you're meant for! But it's as you say @daffy44, relaxation starts in the brain and affects absolutely everything in the physical movement.

A lot of that learning was done on the ground! So I can third that groundwork has been a big big part of the year.
 
daffy44 said:
How interesting @smolmaus I actually meant it the other way around, so when you bring the horse into a good physical balance that causes mental relaxation. But I totally understand what you are saying, and I agree, I just hadn't thought of it that way round. Every day is a school day!
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Isnt that funny 😂 we are both 100% correct though, it's a feedback loop!!
 
I've learnt a huge amount and the deep learning is to be always, always aware of asking too much - whether in very basic handling or in the ridden work. I'm starting to really feel how less is more and I hadn't previously given enough intentional thought to exactly how much 'less' I could try to signal to my horses. I've always tried to be a quiet rider but a new coach, new methods, new thinking have been really fascinating, thought provoking and impactful. The horses are all showing greater relaxation but I still need to work on my clarity and stillness.
 
Well I have learned plenty this year and my take aways are

I need to have more confidence in my abilities.

Faran needs to start collection work he is mature in the frame enough to work properly now.

My pony has some serious talent and I need to get my butt in gear and match his energy.

Get a big ass calendar and put the clinics on it, I am fairly organised but I let things pass us by as I second guess myself.

Miserable jealous people will try to make you just like them. When you resist then they try to destroy you, always be you and show them the finger.
 
I have been surprised this year, as I have progressed his training, how hard my horse tries. If I don’t get the best out of him it’s because I haven’t got his mind into a place where he can give me his best. This has changed how I train him at home but also how I tackle competitions and now our whole warm up is focused on relaxing his brain so that he can physically give me his best. I feel like I could have told you that at the start of the year, but I have really learnt the importance of it this year.
 
Mine is the importance of rider fitness.

I've always known it but I've had a few niggles this year & although strength, conditioning and rider pilates isn't always as exciting, seems such a 'quick win' or leaves me with an exercise high like cardio work outs do, my gosh is it important.
 
That everyday is a learning day. This year I’ve really appreciated what a superstar my mare is, she is endlessly forgiving of my blunders.
On a personal level I’ve learned stepping out of my comfort zone is good but one thing at a time is better than a total rearranging of my life. Things will change and I don’t need to do them all in one go!
 
These are brilliant!

@palo1 try just thinking what you want before actually asking, its amazing what the intention alone can do, I'm not being totally daft, when you think it you make micro subconscious changes in your body, and your horse can read them.

@rara007 me too! The more I learn the more I realize how little I know, its never ending, and I'm always trying to make sure I see it as a positive journey, rather than just being depressed at all the knowledge I lack!
 
daffy44 said:
Firstly, I've finally fallen in love with groundwork, I've done it for years because I believe its good for the horses, but I cant say I've ever loved it, this year through learning from some different people I've become fascinated by it, and how I am able to carry it forward to the ridden work.
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Who do you recommend? I dip in & out of groundwork but never really feel the love and many recommended on here do nothing for me!

For me i think its the recognition that for most of us (well, me at least) improvement is very slow and very steady. BUT if improvement is one step at a time (with a few steps backwards every now & then) you do actually need to take that first step. I pushed myself massively out of my comfort zone at times this year by taking a deep breath, loading the pony on the lorry and just getting on with it.
 
SEL said:
Who do you recommend? I dip in & out of groundwork but never really feel the love and many recommended on here do nothing for me!

For me i think its the recognition that for most of us (well, me at least) improvement is very slow and very steady. BUT if improvement is one step at a time (with a few steps backwards every now & then) you do actually need to take that first step. I pushed myself massively out of my comfort zone at times this year by taking a deep breath, loading the pony on the lorry and just getting on with it.
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Its really tricky isnt it? I suppose it really depends on what you want the groundwork for, eg improving ridden work, less tension etc, I always did groundwork because I knew it was good for the horses, but it never grabbed me at all. The person who has made groundwork fascinating for me, and is really changing the horses under saddle too, is Kelly de Geus, I followed her on insta, and since then I've done a couple of her courses, and had several conversations etc with her, and her way of training really works for me.
 
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daffy44 said:
Its really tricky isnt it? I suppose it really depends on what you want the groundwork for, eg improving ridden work, less tension etc, I always did groundwork because I knew it was good for the horses, but it never grabbed me at all. The person who has made groundwork fascinating for me, and is really changing the horses under saddle too, is Kelly de Geus, I followed her on insta, and since then I've done a couple of her courses, and had several conversations etc with her, and her way of training really works for me.
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Thanks - she pops up on my Insta feed so I'll take a look.

The hooligan has quite lax ligaments which means he can move beautifully but can also over stretch if I'm not careful. He can get grumpy if he finds work hard though and has absolutely hated stuff like the slow walk work - his brain is far too busy!
 
daffy44 said:
These are brilliant!

@palo1 try just thinking what you want before actually asking, its amazing what the intention alone can do, I'm not being totally daft, when you think it you make micro subconscious changes in your body, and your horse can read them.

@rara007 me too! The more I learn the more I realize how little I know, its never ending, and I'm always trying to make sure I see it as a positive journey, rather than just being depressed at all the knowledge I lack!
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Yes! @daffy44 - Senior horse can respond to a thought but trust in that has been the especial development with him this year. My younger mare has taught me how I really need to let her 'be' as her try is so hard and so swift that our communication can end up out of sync. More than other horses I've had, she has huge energy and great brains but is so easily lost or confused and then she loses confidence. I am learning to ask much less but more clearly so she can relax and offer the work with real confidence and a happier energy.

Yes @rara007 - I too am feeling greener by the week 😅.
 
I learned to stop stereotyping one breed because anything can go lame/get injured. The little Thoroughbred that came into my life this year is the toughest horse I’ve had and the best thing that’s happened to me ❤️
 
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