As the winter break gives us a pause from the competition calendar, it’s the perfect time to step back and reflect on the past season. Reflection is an essential skill for any athlete, and event riders are no exception. By looking carefully at what worked well and what didn’t, we can identify the areas to develop and set meaningful goals that will make next season more successful.
Reflection isn’t just about recognising mistakes, it’s about learning from them and turning insights into action. Without this step, even the most obvious lessons can be wasted. The most effective riders aren’t those who never make errors; they’re the ones who can analyse, learn, and apply changes consistently.
The cycle of reflection
A structured approach helps ensure reflection is productive. A simple cycle involves:
1. What happened? – Start with the facts. What were the key moments of your season?
2. Evaluation and analysis – Identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. How did you and your horse perform as a combination?
3. Conclusions – Draw meaningful lessons. What could be improved, and what techniques worked well?
4. Action planning – Translate insights into practical steps for the winter training period.
Returning to the beginning of the cycle after implementing these actions helps you continue to evolve throughout the year. The key is not getting stuck on evaluation alone – it’s the final conclusions and action plans that make reflection a positive, forward-looking process.
Identifying skill-based goals
Reflection works best when it focuses on specific skills rather than outcomes like placings or wins. Look at your performance in all three phases: flatwork, jumping, and cross-country.
Ask yourself:
• Which aspects of my riding were consistent, and which need improvement?
• How effectively did my horse respond to aids and adjust in varying situations?
• Are there physical or technical skills I need to develop before stepping up a level?
From this analysis, you can set small, measurable goals. For example:
• Improving balance and adjustability in the canter
• Developing rideability and responsiveness at fences
• Building confidence in faster or more technical work
Skill-based goals give your winter training structure and purpose. They allow you to track progress, celebrate incremental improvements, and enter the new season with both horse and rider prepared.
Turning reflection into action
Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to make them actionable. This could include:
• Exercises to develop balance, strength, or suppleness
• Pole work and grid exercises to improve technique
• Flatwork routines targeting specific aspects of your horse’s frame or responsiveness
• Rider-focused practice, including fitness and application of aids
Be intentional with your sessions. Each ride or workout should contribute to at least one of your goals. Over the winter, revisit your plan regularly, adapting exercises as skills develop and new areas for improvement emerge.
The benefits of reflection
Taking time to reflect and plan in this way ensures that your winter training is purposeful, structured, and effective. By understanding your strengths and weaknesses, you can:
• Make measurable progress in key skills
• Reduce the risk of repeating mistakes under pressure
• Enter the new season confident and prepared
• Maintain motivation and enjoyment throughout the off-season
Reflection is a tool that can transform how you approach training. The more honest and detailed your analysis, the clearer your winter goals will become, setting you up for a season where both horse and rider perform at their best.
