The equestrian industry is stuck in its ways. Across all disciplines, at every level, riders and trainers cling to the same tired methods with the same tired excuses: the old ways work.
Do they? Or are we just too lazy, too afraid, or too stubborn to admit there might be a better way?
You hear it all the time: I want to improve my riding. I want my horse to be stronger, fitter, and perform better. I want to grow my business.
And yet, when it comes to making real changes, most people do absolutely nothing.
Why? Because real change is uncomfortable. It’s hard work. It makes you question yourself, your methods, and everything you thought you knew.
And let’s be honest—most people would rather sit comfortably in mediocrity than push through the discomfort of improvement.
Ever notice how just talking about change makes you feel like you’ve done something?
There’s actual research showing that when people set a goal or talk about making a change, their brain gives them the same little hit of satisfaction as if they’ve already achieved it.
That’s why so many riders will say things like “I need to start training smarter” or “I should really look into that new feeding programme”—and then do absolutely nothing.
Their brain tricks them into feeling like they’ve already taken action.
But here’s the thing: Thinking about doing something isn’t the same as doing it.
This industry has an allergic reaction to innovation.
Doesn’t matter if it’s a new way of training, a better feeding system, or technology that could save you time and money—if it’s different, it’s immediately dismissed.
Why? Because the old ways work.
Grand, so do candles, but I don’t see you lighting one instead of flipping a switch. The old ways function, but if we stuck to them blindly, we wouldn’t have cars, antibiotics, or the internet.
Yet when it comes to equestrian sport, riders still scoff at sports science, roll their eyes at data-driven training, and dismiss tech that could improve their business, all because we’ve always done it this way.
Here’s the truth: you won’t change unless staying the same becomes more uncomfortable than evolving.
That’s how real change happens.
When you get so fed up with where you are that the pain of staying put outweighs the fear of moving forward.
Want to improve your riding? Then you need to actually change how you train.
Want your horse to perform better? Then maybe it’s time to stop feeding the same old ration that your grandmother swore by and start looking at modern nutrition.
Want to make more money in your equestrian business? Then stop running it like it’s 1995.
If you’re reading this and feeling a bit wound up—good. Maybe that frustration will push you to actually do something different.
Because the reality is, if you want better results, you have to do something better.
And better doesn’t mean harder, longer, or just throwing more money at the same old solutions.
It means being willing to challenge what you think you know and open your eyes to the possibilities you’re missing.
This isn’t just a problem for amateurs or just for professionals—it’s across the board. Every discipline, every level, every yard.
We all have a choice: cling to the past and stay exactly where we are, or take a risk, try something new, and see just how much more we could achieve.
Nothing changes if nothing changes. So what are you going to do about it?
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