Ep 203: Applying the 1% Rule to Your Everyday
In the world of horsemanship, every rider and trainer shares a common goal: the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice who is just beginning your horsemanship journey, the path to success is a continuous feat at all levels. This journey is all about progress, not perfection, and this is where the "1% better everyday" rule comes into play.
1% Progress: A Game of Tiny Margins
The smallest changes can make the most significant differences in our outcomes, or at the very least, in our journey of progression. Perfection may be a lofty aspiration, but it's not a practical benchmark. Instead, let's aim to become exceptionally good a high percentage of the time. If we condition ourselves to only find satisfaction in perfection, we'll be left disappointed more often than not. Remember to keep the right perspective.
Applying the 1% Rule to Timed Events
Now, let's take the "1% better everyday" rule into the timed event context. Think of it as striving to be one hundredth of a second better each day. At first glance, 0.01 might not seem like a significant improvement, but in the timed event realm, it can be the difference between 1st or 10th place. Consider this: if you could consistently shave off 0.01 seconds from your performance every day for 30 days, that accumulates to 3 tenths of a second. In the timed event world, that seemingly small amount of time can add up to big results in a hurry.
Gaining Traction One Day at a Time
The key takeaway from the "1% better everyday" rule is to keep gaining traction. Progress is not always about giant leaps; it's often about taking small, consistent steps forward. When you're slow-working your horse and receiving those soft, willing responses, remember that transitioning to speed involves an additional step.
When speed comes into the equation, your horse must shift from the reacting side of its brain to the thinking side before you can ask for those same responses. Establishing a trigger that prompts this shift is crucial.
Speed: The Challenge of Maintaining Composure
Speed presents unique challenges in horse training. Horses can quickly enter fight or flight mode, and if they feel compromised, they may brace themselves and push back. It's essential to stay patient and provide consistent signals, even when adrenaline tempts you to act quickly and strongly.
Resist the urge to speed up your hands; instead, stay composed and continue to offer steady, clear cues. In the heat of the moment, maintaining your composure and conveying unwavering signals can be the difference between a successful run and a missed opportunity.
Conclusion
In the world of horse training, it's not about seeking perfection in every ride, but rather about striving for continuous improvement. The "1% better everyday" rule reminds us that progress is often made in tiny increments, but these small gains add up over time. So, keep the faith, stay patient, and embrace the journey of becoming the best horseman you can be—one repetition at a time.
“Be Your Best Horsemanship” is brought to you by Silver Lining Herbs, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery, Better Horses Network, Purina, Healthycoat, CINCH, Starbar, and Clarifly. These brands have been part of the Phil Haugen Horsemanship team for many years, and their products continue to play an integral role in the success of our performance horse training program. To support these brands, visit our Sponsors tab.
