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For much of his career, US event rider Will Coleman measured success the way many elite riders do: by results, rankings, and what came next on the calendar. The pressure that came with that mindset felt normal—necessary, even. But over time, Coleman realized that the way he was carrying that pressure mattered, not just for himself, but for the horses depending on his judgment.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself in sort of the wrong ways,” Coleman says. “And I think that translated to putting too much pressure on the horses.”
That realization marked a shift toward a quieter, more deliberate way of approaching the sport.
Pressure Has a Direction
Early in a professional career, pressure often feels internal: the need to prove yourself, justify opportunities, or meet expectations. Coleman recognizes how easily that pressure can slip from rider to horse.
When results begin to define self-worth, decisions become reactive. Horses are asked to fit timelines, fill gaps, or deliver outcomes before they are ready. The pressure may be invisible to spectators, but horses feel it in the choices riders make every day.
With experience, Coleman began to notice the cost.
“I think you can do better by the horses when you’re in a better spot mentally,” he says.
That insight reframed how he viewed his own mental state as an essential part of his overall horsemanship.
Contentment Without Complacency
Coleman is careful to draw a distinction between happiness and complacency. He hasn’t lost his competitive drive. He still wants to win. What has changed is the weight he assigns to outcomes.
“I still want to be competitive,” he says. “But I think I’ve become happier trying to train my horses well. And then what comes with that competitively is sort of a bonus.”
That shift allows space for better decision-making. When results are no longer the sole metric of success, riders can take the long view—choosing patience over pressure, preparation over urgency. For Coleman, happiness comes from aligning his standards more closely with what the horses need to succeed.
Gratitude as Perspective
One of the tools Coleman relies on to maintain that alignment is gratitude. Not in a performative sense, but as a way of grounding himself in the reality of a career that, by any measure, has been full.
“I think finding ways to be grateful for what you’re doing and what you have,” he says, “puts you in a better spot to do the job well.”
That perspective doesn’t erase disappointment or loss. Coleman is honest about the setbacks that come with a long career. But gratitude, he believes, keeps those moments from becoming corrosive. Over time, it has also softened how he views success itself. Winning still matters, but it no longer defines whether the journey feels worthwhile.
Better Decisions, Better Horses
As Coleman’s mindset has shifted, so has his approach to horse development. When riders are content, they’re better able to listen to the horse in front of them. They recognize when something isn’t quite right. They’re more willing to step back rather than push through.
“That pressure doesn’t always serve the horse,” Coleman says.
Instead, happiness creates space for nuance. It allows riders to respond rather than react, to see training as a process rather than a series of tests to pass. Horses developed in that environment tend to stay sounder, happier, and more confident in their work.
Perhaps the most significant change Coleman describes is his relationship with outcomes. Losses still sting. Goals still matter. But they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
“I’ve just developed thicker skin,” he says. “If it doesn’t happen, I won’t look back with regret.”
That perspective has allowed him to stay present in the work itself, and enjoy the daily process of training, learning, and partnership. It has also helped him remain open to growth rather than locked into expectation.
“I just want to keep enjoying it,” Coleman says.
In a sport where pressure is often normalized, Coleman’s reflections offer a reframing. Happiness is not a reward reserved for after success. It’s a responsibility that directly affects how horses are treated, trained, and protected.
By learning to carry ambition without letting it dictate every decision, Coleman has found a steadier footing. Not only as a competitor, but as a horseman.
Want more insight from Will Coleman? Listen to episode 470 of The Plaidcast and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for conversations with the most influential voices in the equestrian world.
