What is motivation and how does it affect us as riders and our horses?

---

Motivation is the force that drives our actions, inspires us to achieve goals, and take on challenges. We’ve all experienced moments where energy and enthusiasm led us to success, as well as times when it was hard to find the will to even start. In equestrianism, motivation plays a key role for both us and our horses. But does the same thing motivate all of us? And does our motivation stay at the same level throughout the year?

Does the same thing motivate everyone?

Motivation is a very individual matter. For some, the driving force will be the vision of a specific goal—achieving high results in competitions. For others, it’s the joy of daily work with the horse, building a relationship, trust, and harmony. Some people are motivated by the routine of training, observing progress, and the constant development of skills. We’re all different, so it’s worth asking yourself: What motivates me? What makes me get up in the morning, eager to go to the stable, even in cold and rainy weather?

The same differences can be observed in horses. Some are more motivated when the training is varied and engaging. Others, however, need clear structure and repetitive exercises to feel secure and comfortable. Understanding what drives both us and our horse is essential for harmonious and fruitful cooperation. You can’t expect something that works for one horse to work the same for another.

Is our level of motivation steady throughout the year?

Motivation, like many other aspects of life, isn’t constant. Every rider experiences highs and lows in motivation. In winter, when days are shorter and the weather is less favorable, many of us struggle to maintain regularity and enthusiasm. The lack of sunlight, cold, rain, or snow can impact our drive, which is completely natural. However, for some riders, winter competitions can become extra motivation to train harder during the colder months, even though it requires more effort.

In contrast, during spring and summer, when the weather is perfect for long, intense outdoor training sessions, our motivation tends to rise. Warm days, pleasant weather, and the competition season bring more energy and desire to work. The goals we set at different times of the year can also influence our level of engagement. It’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to moments of lower motivation. Unsuccessful training sessions, difficult phases, or a horse’s health issues can also be factors that lower our enthusiasm. The key is to find balance, seek support from your surroundings, and regularly reflect on what drives you.

How to motivate a „lazy” horse?

One of the most common questions that come up in training is: How do you motivate a horse that seems lazy? The answer to this is not straightforward because it’s a highly individual matter, much like with people. The most important thing is to first make sure that the horse is healthy. A lack of motivation or energy can sometimes signal hidden health problems or discomfort. That’s why it’s worth starting with a consultation with a veterinarian or physiotherapist to rule out any underlying conditions.

If the horse is healthy, then consider a few factors that might be influencing their motivation:

1. Daily routine – Think about what your horse’s daily routine looks like. Does it need more variety in its training, or are there too many stimuli that disrupt its concentration? Some horses respond better to stability and consistency, while others need new challenges to stay engaged.
2. Time of day – Every horse has a preferred time of day when they are most focused and ready to work. Some horses perform better in the morning, while others are more focused in the afternoon. Try to observe when your horse seems most active and use that time for training.
3. Training difficulty – Is the training you provide interesting for your horse? Perhaps the challenges you set are too easy and boring, or on the contrary, too difficult and overwhelming. Horses that don’t feel stimulated or confident during training may lose motivation to cooperate. Try adjusting the difficulty to their abilities and encourage them with small but steady progress.
4. Training environment – How does your horse feel in the place where you train? Maybe the environment is stressful or uncomfortable for them. Horses are very sensitive to their surroundings, so the training location can greatly impact their willingness to work. Try changing the scenery or adding new elements to the environment.
5. Expectations – Sometimes, we may unknowingly project our ambitions and expectations onto our horse, forgetting that not every horse can thrive in every type of training. Tailoring tasks to the horse’s build, abilities, and temperament is essential for success. Some horses excel in calm, steady training, while others need more dynamic challenges. The key is observation and flexibility.

Each horse, like each rider, is different. Motivation is a dynamic process that changes depending on many factors, for both humans and animals. The key to effective cooperation is understanding what drives both you and your horse. This allows you to better adjust the training, find the right balance between challenge and comfort, and enjoy the work together. Remember that a flexible approach and readiness to make changes are crucial if you want to achieve long-term success in equestrianism.

 

Ola Najman

---