Journaling is a personal experience and comes in many forms. Traditionally journals were noted down in a bound notebook by hand, but with the increased use of technology journaling can be done on your phone, computer, and even published online through blogs. No matter how you choose to journal your experiences, they can provide an insight into your life, achievements, experiences, and emotions. But how can this help me be a better rider?
By using a journal to track your equestrian journey you can detail your personal progress as well as your horses’. It is a great place to take notes on things you are proud of, commemorate your achievements, aspects you wish to improve, record changes in your horse’s behaviour and health, and can even provide a place to air your frustrations.
The more detailed you make your journal the more useful a tool it will be in the future. For example, if you incorporate your instructor’s feedback, tips, exercises, and techniques that you found particularly helpful you will have a catalog of knowledge to look back on should you run into similar obstacles or difficulties in the future.
Additionally being able to see your progression and achievements written down in chronological order can be a great motivation tool. Reviewing you and your horse’s hard work can make you appreciate how far you have come and keep you on track for achieving your next goal.
How you choose to write your journal is down to your personal taste, but here are some tips to get started:
- Don’t get overwhelmed and feel you have to write a novel. Bullet points are a great start and can be fleshed out with as much detail as you see fit. The key is that you will be able to understand the context of the entry in the future.
- Document things that feel important to you. This can include things like instructor’s notes, new exercises and techniques, behavioural changes in your horse, unsoundness, new equipment, routine changes, and anything that stood out as a particularly great learning moment.
- Remember to date each entry, add information about your rides – where, with whom, was there an instructor present, etc. What you focused on, exercises, movements, gaits, number of repetitions, how long you rode, etc.
- Note down one thing you feel you have improved in and one thing you wish to work on next time.
- Consider adding photographs from a session, show, or event you participated in. In some cases you may even choose to vlog a particular lesson or event which can be a great way to watch yourself and evaluate your riding.
- Most importantly remember to have fun!