Welcome back, riders!
I’m Danielle Pooles from Dressage Plus, and in this final episode, number 101 of my 8-part video series on Rider Habits, I’m diving into one of the most powerful habits for long-term rider success—developing a Dressage Rider Mindset for Growth.
This episode is all about helping you reconnect with progress, motivation, and that spark of possibility that keeps you showing up in the arena. I’ll share how adopting a Dressage Rider Mindset for Growth can boost your confidence—even when you feel stuck, plateauing, or off track with your riding goals.
Watch the video below as I talk about this essential mindset shift (alongside a special appearance from little Chloe!)—and how to implement it in a simple, motivating way this week.
The Power of a Dressage Rider Mindset for Growth
Growth is one of the most important elements for building confidence and finding fulfilment in our riding journey. As riders, we thrive when we feel like we’re making progress—whether that’s refining a movement, developing feel, or strengthening our partnership with our horse.
But when life throws us curveballs—like injuries, confidence dips, or horse setbacks—it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s why cultivating a Dressage Rider Mindset for Growth is so powerful. It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about trusting that every step forward, no matter how small, still counts.
This Week’s Growth Challenge
One way to embrace this mindset is by choosing just one small thing to work on each week. It might be a transition you’ve been avoiding, a new lateral movement you want to experiment with, or even spending time visualising a confident, connected ride. That weekly intention brings your focus back to progress—and helps turn overwhelm into inspired action.
This week’s riding challenge: choose a movement you’ve never ridden before (but is within you and your horse’s capability), or pick one you’ve been putting off. Then ride through it in each session this week. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to tap into your growth edge—and reignite your motivation.
Growth Is More Than Just Riding
A Dressage Rider Mindset for Growth is what helps us rebuild after setbacks, show up on tough days, and keep striving toward our riding dreams even when the path feels uncertain. Progress may be quiet and unglamorous, but it’s always empowering.
And remember, sometimes growth happens off the horse too—through mindset reflection, breathing exercises, journaling, and reaching out for support. Progress isn’t just about movements; it’s about who we’re becoming in the process.
Need Support in Your Riding Journey?
If you’re currently feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you’ve lost direction, this is your reminder that growth is always possible. Whether through my free Competition Preparation Toolkit, online courses, or 1:1 phone coaching, I’m here to support you.
Want to learn more about the importance of mindset for progress? Check out this YouTube video by Professor Carol Dweck, ‘Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck‘, where she talks about her concept of ‘The Growth Mindset’.
For anyone into reading, I highly recommend Carol Dweck’s book, ‘Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential‘.
Watch the Previous Video
If you missed last week’s video blog, How Consistency in Your Dressage Habits Can Boost Your Riding Success, be sure to watch it. It’s packed with practical strategies to build momentum and keep moving forward in your riding journey.
Until next time, keep riding with intention and growth in mind.
