The Perfection Trap in Horse Training: Embracing Progress Over Precision
- Loz
- Jan 24
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Why Letting Go of Perfect Might Be the Key to Unlocking Greater Learning and Enjoyment for You and Your Horse
Perfection is an alluring concept, especially in the world of horse training. Many riders and handlers strive to achieve that flawless halt, the seamless transition, or the perfectly timed cue. But what if our relentless pursuit of perfection is actually holding us back—both in our progress and in the joy we find with our horses?
The Academic Approach: Progress Through Perfection
In some academic or classical training circles, there’s a philosophy that you should only move on to the next step or movement once you and your horse have mastered the current one down to the tiniest detail. This might feel like you are both endlessly repeating a micro-movement, like a half-halt or a flexion at that one specific joint in the neck (cervical spine), waiting for it to be 'perfect' before being 'permitted' to attempt something new.
On the surface, this approach seems logical. After all, building a strong foundation is vital for both safety and skill. But when perfection becomes the only benchmark for advancement, things can stall. The training arena starts feeling more like a laboratory, and less like a place for connection, learning, and fun.
Reflections on the Academic Approach to Horse Training: Personal Perspective on Training Methods
I am prepared to be honest about my feelings and observations here. My intention is not to criticise training methods, but rather to broaden my awareness and considerations in this area. And yes, we are human if we experience frustrations and lows in our equine journey (just as we have exhilarating and happy moments too).
Challenges with the Academic Approach
My 17-year-old gelding, a Friesian x Stock Horse (SH), is a robust, heavily built horse bred primarily for pulling carts. Due to his natural conformation, he is inclined to pull from the front rather than push from the hind end. This makes it particularly challenging to train him to achieve the 'ideal classical horse' movement, which places emphasis on engagement and power from the hindquarters. The academic approach, with its focus on these ideals, has proven demanding for us both.
Over the years, I have attended numerous Academic approach clinics. Almost every lesson was conducted at a walk, in-hand, concentrating on micro-level shifts of his weight in his shoulders from the ground. Throughout these sessions, I found myself overwhelmed by the complex anatomical terminology, resulting in mental overload and making it difficult to absorb information in a more straightforward way. I believe that an exceptional coach can recognise this challenge and translate technical concepts into the student's language, avoiding unnecessary jargon. While I admire the depth of the coach's knowledge, I have found that I learn best through the 'learning in 3s' method (and this has been scientifically proven as how humans can learn best). When presented with too much information at once, I experience brain freeze, which hinders my ability to retain or comprehend more details. I often say "can I please pause to 'lick and chew' on this" which is my way of saying politely to the coach "I am overwhelmed and need time to stop, reflect and try to understand in a way I can digest".
I do understand how some micro-movements can improve a horse's functionality. However, I also notice my horse's frustration at the expectation of "perfection" from both of us. This pursuit of mastering minute changes often leaves me questioning our progress, enjoyment, and the likelihood of achieving my goals. While I enjoy being challenged, I find that being inundated with technical jargon is not stimulating but rather discouraging, making me feel inadequate and unintelligent—though I know this is not the case. As someone who works in IT, I recognise the importance of adapting communication for the audience. I avoid using technical acronyms with non-IT people, and I believe this is a skill that would benefit all conversations, including those in horse training. So, why do we often expect students in horse training to simply “get it” without similar adaptation?
The Importance of Tailoring Learning Approaches
Personally, I can better influence and feel my horse's movements when riding, rather than working solely in-hand. While I acknowledge the value of improving my in-hand skills, I believe academic coaches could sometimes allow horse owners to work within their more advanced skill sets—particularly when this would maximise the session's effectiveness for the horse. Of course, exceptions should be made if the horse is in pain, lame, or if there are other significant concerns.
Conversely, I recognise that rushing ahead and forcing progress is unrealistic and can be detrimental for both horse and rider, potentially leading to injury or other issues. Gaining as much education as possible is helpful. Still, I challenge others to reflect: when starting a new job or hobby, do you not jump in, give it a go, and build on what you already know? It feels as though the Academic Approach expects a level of mastery before allowing progression. While I appreciate the importance of strong foundations, enthusiasm for learning can wane when progress becomes a chore.
Individualising Training Methods
Ultimately, perhaps my main point is that not every horse or rider fits the cookie-cutter Academic or classical approach. Both coaches and students need to consider individual needs and adapt accordingly. Simpler, more flexible methods may sometimes be more effective and rewarding for all involved.
Has the Internet Flooded Us With Too Much Information
I believe that with the Internet offering access to "all the things," we are now inundated with an overwhelming amount of data (including this blog post, correct?). This is evident as people are less engaged with posts, opting for a simple like or reaction rather than writing an engaging response (enter stage left: "doom scrolling"). Additionally, the presence of "keyboard warriors" discourages people from engaging as well. Individuals are increasingly attracted to personal experiences rather than engaging with educational content shared by professionals.
Are we suggesting that we are overwhelmed with information, and this is the broader "lick and chew" response?
Does Waiting for Perfection Hold Us Back?
There’s a growing conversation in the training community about whether this ‘don’t progress until it’s perfect’ mentality actually limits our horses—and ourselves. Here’s why:
Stagnation Stifles Learning: If we only ever practice what we can already do perfectly, when do we ever learn something new? True learning often involves stepping outside our comfort zone, making mistakes, and figuring things out together with our horse.
Perfection Is Subjective: What looks ‘perfect’ to one trainer might not to another. Horses, like people, aren’t machines. Their best will change from day to day, depending on mood, health, and environment.
Loss of Motivation: Both horse and rider can lose enthusiasm if every session focuses on the same micro-movements, striving for a standard that may not be realistic or necessary for their goals. Training can become monotonous rather than motivating. This is especially important for horses that are "external" (you can read more on this here).
Missing the Broader Picture: Focusing too intently on details can mean missing out on the bigger journey—building trust, experimenting with new movements, and simply enjoying time together.
Complexity vs. Simplicity in Training: Are We Overcomplicating It?
It’s worth asking: are we sometimes creating complexities for their own sake, layering technique upon technique, rather than seeking the elegance and clarity of simplicity? The answer isn’t always clear-cut, but examining the pros and cons of each approach can shed light on how we design our training sessions.
Approach | Pros | Cons |
Complex | Can foster precision, deep understanding of nuanced movements, and can unlock higher levels of performance for advanced disciplines. | Risks overwhelming both horse and rider; can delay progress and enjoyment; may distract from the natural communication between horse and handler. |
Simple | Keeps training clear and accessible; encourages confidence and relaxation; allows for quicker progression and adaptation. | May gloss over important foundation skills; can lack the refinement needed for higher-level work; could lead to shortcuts if not thoughtfully applied. |
Striking the right balance between complexity and simplicity is key. Sometimes, the most beautiful results emerge from simple, consistent communication and a willingness to let go of unnecessary layers.
When Perfection is Necessary: Horses Recovering from Injury or Compensation Patterns
While letting go of perfection can foster learning and enjoyment, there are situations where a more precise, perfection-oriented approach is not only helpful, but essential—particularly when working with horses recovering from a major injury or those with established compensation patterns.
Rebuilding Correct Movement: Horses that have experienced significant injury often develop compensatory ways of moving to protect the injured area. In these cases, meticulous attention to detail is required to guide the horse back towards healthy, biomechanically sound movement. Skipping ahead or allowing poor form can reinforce the very issues you're trying to resolve.
Gradual Strengthening: Precision in movement and training routines allows for targeted strengthening of weak or atrophied muscles, fostering safe rehabilitation. Here, the 'perfection' approach isn't about aesthetics, but rather about ensuring each step supports healing and prevents re-injury.
Welfare and Safety: Horses recovering from injury need carefully structured progressions, with each stage mastered before advancing. This protects their wellbeing and sets the stage for a successful return to broader activity.
In these cases, the disciplined, perfectionist mindset serves a purpose: it safeguards the horse’s health while laying the groundwork for future flexibility and enjoyment in their training. The key is to apply this approach thoughtfully and shift gears as the horse’s condition improves, reintroducing variety and play when it’s safe to do so.
Strengthening and Building Resilience Through Precision
For all horses, not just those recovering from injury, moments of precise, focused work can help build strength, coordination, and body awareness. Exercises like correct transitions, balanced circles, and deliberate lateral work, when done with care, contribute to a horse’s physical development and longevity. However, these periods of focus should be balanced with opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and positive reinforcement to keep both horse and rider motivated and happy.
Embracing Imperfection: The Key to Progress and Fun
So what if, instead, we saw training as a series of experiments rather than a march towards perfection? By allowing ourselves and our horses to try new things before every detail is ironed out, we create opportunities for growth, resilience, and fun.
When we give ourselves permission to move forward, even if something isn’t ‘perfect’, a few magical things can happen:
Horses and handlers become more adaptable, learning to solve problems as they arise.
Sessions become more dynamic, which can rekindle excitement and motivation for both horse and human.
The partnership deepens as mistakes are navigated together, building trust and communication.
Striking the Balance: Foundation and Freedom
This isn’t to say that foundations don’t matter, or that we should rush ahead at the expense of safety or understanding. The key is balance: giving due attention to basics, but not letting the quest for perfection stop us from moving forward and having a go at something new.
Consider alternating between sessions focused on refining basics and sessions where you and your horse get to try something novel. You might be surprised at how much your horse learns when allowed to explore, and how much more you both enjoy the process.
Prioritising the Horse’s Welfare
Above all, the horse’s welfare should sit at the very heart of any training philosophy. When we get lost in the pursuit of perfection or in the intricacies of complex routines, it’s easy to forget the physical and emotional needs of our horses. Training should be designed to support their health, comfort, and happiness—never to undermine it for the sake of achievement or ego.
Monitor the horse’s stress and fatigue levels throughout sessions.
Adapt expectations to suit the individual animal’s temperament, health, and learning style.
Ensure variety, rest, and positive reinforcement to maintain motivation and trust.
Remember that progress is only meaningful if it leads to a stronger, more joyful partnership.
Final Thoughts: Progress Is Not a Straight Line
Ultimately, training horses is a journey, not a checklist. Real progress comes from embracing the messy, imperfect process of learning together. By letting go of the perfection trap, seeking simplicity where possible, and always keeping the horse’s welfare at the forefront, we open the door to greater progress, deeper connection, and a whole lot more fun for both you and your horse. So next time you find yourself stuck on a micro-movement, ask yourself: Is it time to challenge ourselves and try something new—and perhaps, to simplify rather than complicate?
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