In the weeks and months of focused training, when so much emphasis is on the technical perfection of a horse's way of going, it's easy to overlook subtle problems bubbling in the background. Too much arena work or time on the lunge can dull the psychological shine in a horse. A ring sour attitude or boredom can set in, which can lead to counter-productive behaviours such as resistance, balkiness or that flat-eared, tail-ringing defiance screaming for a change of pace.
Riders are as anchored to habit as horses and making a significant shift in routine takes thought, planning and commitment. It also takes courage. The will and determination to try something different and achieve better results does not come lightly nor does it come without a leap of faith. But often with that fresh wave of ideas and a new perspective can come success in degrees you might never have thought of. Last year's challenges and frustrations may dissolve to nothing with a shift in perspective for the New Year with new ideas, new goals and a new vision of how to achieve them.

At a practical level, this might mean a change in training techniques, a new coach or instructor, better management of time and riding schedules, a safer place to ride, a different focus on competition levels, or even a different competition strategy altogether. Making a change is one thing; coping with it requires a few mental checks and balances.

First, take a reality check. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and those of your horse, it is easier to move forward, especially when you set yourself some readily attainable mini-goals along the way.
Enjoy each ride for the experience it offers. A good ride is always satisfying. A ride that does not go as you expected is still a ride from which you will gain valuable experience by learning to cope with that wonderful element of surprise -- the unexpected.
Let go of anxieties -- at least, for the duration of the ride. Concentrate on the task at hand. Before even going to the barn, visualize what you want to do, meditate, use relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. Hold on to that image as you saddle, mount and warm up.

Think successful thoughts. Make a commitment. Be willing to take risks, to change, to fail. Some of the greatest and most valuable lessons have come from failures and, for many successful people, it's not the achievements they remember as much as the failures that led to success. Give yourself time to not only progress toward your goals but to enjoy each moment with your horse along the way.

Above all, keep a sense of humour. Laughter is the music of the soul and the ability to find comic relief in the most frustrating of circumstances can keep things in proportion and your sensibilities sane.

Making a change and striving for new goals, is all about attitude. The monk saw life through the temple flag one way; his buddy saw it another way. Their master, knowing the foibles of being human, knew it was all in the mind.