The Equestrian Journal

Great post! Mind if I add a #5?
If you’re not making progress, it might be because you’re not seeing the full picture.

The Equestrian Journal helps you layer your awareness with Monthly, Weekly, and Daily pages—so you can track patterns, reflect clearly, and make smarter decisions in the saddle.

Because you can’t fix what you don’t see.
Journal to see more.
www.TheEquestrianJournal.com

Are you hearing the same thing in your lessons over and over, like a broken record?

Not making progress can be super frustrating. Learning to accept frustration is a very important part of the learning process- I always say to my students, seek fulfillment, not fun, and you’ll be able to stick it out for the long haul.

But if the needle is not budging at all, here are some reasons this MAY be the case (obviously I am not diagnosing anyone’s individual case without seeing them)

1- infrequent lessons schedule :

Sometimes people get a lesson and learn a concept, and want to go home and digest it for a while before taking the next one. While this can work for some people, others really do not do well without being supervised in the phase of breaking a habit or learning a new skill. Without someone watching, many of us will not be aware of HOW we are doing the skill we are taught, and develop many repetitions of doing it poorly, further worsening our habit and bringing us farther away from our goals. This can be frustrating for teachers too, who can get trapped in a kind of purgatory where they can’t advance the student - and this often leads to a student leaving out of frustration of not getting anywhere.

2- you might need to hear it differently:

Not all instructors will coach well to everyone’s unique learning style. A dedicated student will figure out how to fill those gaps for themselves - watch the teacher and ask questions. Ask them for resources on the topic you’re struggling with and read or watch them - sometimes just hearing it in another way or seeing it in another context can make all the difference.

3- you might be missing an ingredient that allows you to do the “thing”-

If you keep hearing the same thing about your position over and over again, for example your leg keeps swinging forward, investigate why. Maybe your saddle makes it really hard for you to get in a good position.
While I’m not a fan of blaming inanimate objects for our flaws, the saddle market for women is truly terrible - i find so many saddles my students are riding in make them really struggle to get over their center of balance, make them wiggle through the middle and have to pinch with their knees for stability. But that’s an entire can of worms there.

It could be fitness, the horses wellness or fitness, or many other things worthy of investigation

4- you might just be in that sucky phase called “plateau “ and that happens to everyone

Sometimes, even despite your best efforts, your body just needs time to develop new patterns. Sometimes we bust through with a big leap in progress, and sometimes we just practice the same scales over and over. That’s the way it goes!

If you’ve investigated the first three, a change of attitude into acceptance and relaxing into the messy reality of learning will be your new best friend.

Photo by Jessie Cardew

Journal to reveal….

The Hidden Half: A History of the Unseen by Michael Blastland is a compelling exploration of the complexities of human behavior and the often invisible factors that shape our decisions and perceptions.

In this thought-provoking book, Blastland delves into the world of statistics, psychology, and the unseen influences that drive our choices, presenting a narrative that challenges readers to reconsider how they understand the world around them.

The central theme of the book revolves around the idea that much of what influences our thoughts and actions lies beneath the surface—factors that are not immediately visible or quantifiable.

Blastland draws on a variety of examples, including personal anecdotes, scientific studies, and historical events, to illustrate how our understanding of the world is often skewed by biases, assumptions, and incomplete information.

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these hidden elements in order to make more informed decisions and to better understand the motivations of others.

By highlighting the limitations of our perceptions and the power of context, Blastland encourages readers to be more mindful of the complexities inherent in human behavior and to question their own assumptions.

Ultimately, The Hidden Half serves as an insightful guide that invites readers to explore the unseen forces that shape our lives, urging them to embrace curiosity and critical thinking in order to navigate a world filled with uncertainty and ambiguity.

10 Key Lessons from The Hidden Half

1. Recognize the Invisible Influences
Key Idea: Many factors that shape our decisions and perceptions are hidden from view.
Lesson: Be aware of the unseen influences in your life, as they can significantly impact your choices and behaviors.

2. Question Assumptions
Key Idea: Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and oversights.
Lesson: Challenge your assumptions and strive to understand the underlying factors that may not be immediately apparent.

3. Understand the Role of Context
Key Idea: Context plays a critical role in shaping decisions and perceptions.
Lesson: Consider the broader context of situations to gain a more nuanced understanding of human behavior.

4. Embrace Uncertainty
Key Idea: Life is filled with uncertainties that can influence outcomes.
Lesson: Accept that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and develop resilience in navigating it.

5. Utilize Critical Thinking
Key Idea: Critical thinking helps uncover hidden factors influencing decisions.
Lesson: Engage in critical thinking to analyze information and draw conclusions based on evidence rather than assumptions.

6. Acknowledge Biases
Key Idea: Personal biases can distort our understanding of reality.
Lesson: Recognize your biases and strive to minimize their impact on your decision-making processes.

7. Learn from Statistics
Key Idea: Statistics can reveal underlying patterns and trends.
Lesson: Use statistical data thoughtfully to inform your understanding of complex issues, but be wary of misinterpretation.

8. Value Empathy
Key Idea: Understanding the unseen factors in others' lives fosters empathy.
Lesson: Cultivate empathy by considering the hidden influences that shape the experiences and decisions of others.

9. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Key Idea: Different viewpoints can illuminate hidden factors.
Lesson: Engage with diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding and uncover hidden dimensions of issues.

10. Foster Curiosity
Key Idea: Curiosity drives exploration and deeper understanding.
Lesson: Maintain a curious mindset, asking questions and seeking to understand the complexities of the world around you.

The Hidden Half by Michael Blastland is a thought-provoking examination of the unseen factors that influence human behavior and decision-making.

The key lessons encourage readers to recognize the invisible influences in their lives, question their assumptions, and embrace a mindset of curiosity and critical thinking.

Blastland’s insights inspire a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the importance of considering the hidden dimensions of our experiences.

This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the uncertainties of life with greater awareness and empathy.

BOOK/AUDIOBOOK: https://amzn.to/4iRtTPa