Willpower Is The Least Important Thing You Will Ever Need To Become Your Best Rider

Willpower Is The Least Important Thing You Will Ever Need To Become Your Best Rider

Hey there my punchy pals!

I’ve been thinking a lot about willpower recently. I’ve been struggling with the change in seasons and the change in available daylight, available above-zero temperatures, and change in schedules, etc. as it applies to figuring out when I do my horse things. 

And as someone who has been accused of being, um, hard headed, a lot of times I wish the answer was as simple as, “just do it,” “just push though.” Or, in the words of Tim Gunn, “make it work.” Anyone else watch that show decades ago?!

Anyway, it’s got me thinking about how sometimes willpower isn’t the silver bullet we want it to be. Today, I want to challenge a common myth in our western world: the overemphasis on willpower. You've probably heard it countless times, "Just push through!" or "You need more discipline!" But let's take a step back and rethink this.

Why Willpower Isn't the Key

Willpower is like a muscle, and it gets tired. I can’t be the only one who makes healthier choices about, well, everything at 10 am vs 10pm. History has shown I am not going to be making my best decisions after I’m tuckered out and been making choices left and right all day long. It’s partly why I don’t buy candy. Just don’t keep it around and I can’t make that choice at night. Simple structuring of my environment. Similarly, relying solely on willpower to improve your riding is like expecting a tired horse to keep running. Instead, the secret lies in building a system that supports your growth as a rider.

The Real Game-Changers

Routine Over Raw Effort: Establish a daily routine that includes not just riding, but also caring for your horse, mental preparation, and physical fitness. Make it so ingrained that it doesn't require a second thought.

In my case, it means I have to rejigger my schedule to get out in the afternoon, because working all day, then expecting myself to “willpower though it” doesn’t work when it’s freezing cold and dark by 5:30. I have to set the routine up for success. Also, creating structure for yourself means you give yourself the gift of not having to make a decision about what to do at a certain time. You’ve already decided, “hey, now is when I ride.” Or, “nope, now is when I walk the dogs, and I can watch my Netflix show later.” You don’t need willpower when you have a routine. 

Knowledge is Power: Invest time in understanding horse psychology, nutrition, and training techniques. Knowledge reduces uncertainty and the need for constant self-control.

I remember a time when I was preparing for a major competition, pushing myself and my horse to the limits. I thought (hoped?) sheer willpower was the answer. But despite my efforts, we weren't improving. It was a conversation with an experienced mentor that changed my perspective. She pointed out that my focus was all wrong. I was so busy 'pushing through' that I wasn't listening enough to my horse, or myself. We restructured my training, focusing more on understanding my horse's needs and less on brute force. The transformation was incredible. Not only did our performance improve, but our bond strengthened, making every ride more enjoyable and effective. Oh, and it paid off in the showpen, too.

In Conclusion

Willpower has its place, but it's not the be-all and end-all. As riders, especially in the challenging world of Western riding, we need to cultivate a holistic approach that encompasses physical training, mental preparation, and emotional bonding with our horses. Remember, the best rider isn't the one who pushes the hardest, but the one who rides the smartest.

Happy Trails,

Nicole Burnett

P.S. Don’t forget your thoughts and experiences matter to me! Share your stories or topics you'd like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email. :)