Progress Over Perfection

Baby steps add up to big steps that result in big changes. You’ve probably heard that before, but I want to focus on reframing it. I want you to think about celebrating Progress and not waiting or chasing Perfection. It is so easy when you are working to improve your horse’s health to focus only on reaching that target goal of perfection. What we can’t forget to recognize is that progress over time is what leads you to that goal of perfection (which is anything really perfect? A discussion for another time).

Let’s say your horse has developed a compensation pattern or body lameness. You have identified the issues and found the perfect team to help you develop a wellness plan. You are so excited! You get to work doing all the things. Improving hoof angles, scheduling regular bodywork, improving saddle fit, setting up ground poles, doing your prescribed exercises day, after day, after day, after day… now it has been 6 weeks and you are still 6 more weeks from completing the wellness plan. You start to get discouraged. I want you to STOP.

​Think back on what has improved since you started. Is your horse making small changes that you failed to celebrate? Do they have an increased range of motion in a limb, or are they starting to stand in a more neutral posture in the pasture, or it has it been easier for you to pick up their feet? THAT is progress! Yes! Celebrate that. Remember to get excited about the small things to keep you in a positive frame of mind as you are working towards your end goal.

To help keep you on track, ask your team to assist in identifying what positive signs of progress look like for your horse. Keep a notebook of those changes as they occur and look back at it as needed to keep moving in the right direction.
You and your horse have got this! Keep going.
 
Blessings,
Amy