Even the best riders in the world have bad rounds. Missing a distance, rushing a line, or forgetting your course are mistakes that are part of riding. According to top hunter rider and trainer Geoff Teall, mistakes are inevitable in the show ring. What matters most is learning from them and using them to improve.
Every rider, no matter their level, will face setbacks in the ring. Learning to handle those moments with honesty, perspective, and responsibility is a crucial part of becoming a better horseman.
Bad Rounds Happen to Everyone
No amount of preparation can eliminate mistakes in riding. Even when riders plan carefully and practice diligently, things can still go wrong in the show ring. A rider chip at a fence or misjudge a distance. These situations are frustrating, but they are also completely normal. Every rider, from beginners to top competitors, experiences bad rounds from time to time. Accepting that reality is the first step toward dealing with mistakes constructively.
When a round goes poorly, riders often feel the urge to find someone or something to blame. It might be the course design, the footing, the judge, the weather, or even the horse. But Teall makes it clear that blaming outside factors prevents riders from learning from their mistakes. Instead of identifying what went wrong and improving for the future, the rider avoids responsibility.
Teall emphasizes that riders should take ownership of their performance. If something goes wrong, the first question should be: what could I have done differently?
Avoiding the Excuse Trap
Instructors often face a delicate balance when working with students who make mistakes. Some riders become overly critical of themselves after a bad ride. Others immediately begin making excuses. Teall argues that neither response is productive.
Being too hard on yourself can destroy confidence, but constantly blaming others is equally harmful. Riders who blame the horse, the instructor, or the conditions are avoiding the responsibility that comes with improving.
Good sportsmanship requires honesty. If a mistake happened because of something the rider did, the rider must acknowledge it. That honesty creates the opportunity to learn and improve.
Keeping Mistakes in Perspective
One of the most helpful attitudes riders can develop is perspective. A bad jump or a bad round may feel catastrophic in the moment, but in the grand scheme of things it is rarely a serious problem. Teall reminds riders that mistakes in the ring are simply part of the learning process.
In fact, riders sometimes take bad rounds far too seriously. A missed distance or an awkward jump does not define a rider’s ability or potential. Maintaining a sense of humor can help. Being able to laugh at mistakes allows riders to release frustration and move forward more quickly.
Avoiding Self-Pity
While reflection is important, Teall also warns riders against falling into self-pity after a mistake. Some riders respond to failure by dwelling on it excessively or feeling sorry for themselves. This reaction does not help them improve and can create a negative atmosphere in the barn.
Instead of indulging in frustration, riders should acknowledge the mistake, learn from it, and move on. Maintaining resilience and emotional balance is part of developing a strong competitive mindset.
Ultimately, learning to handle mistakes responsibly is part of becoming a true horseman. Riders must take responsibility for their actions in the saddle. They must recognize their own role in mistakes and commit to improving their skills. This attitude not only helps riders progress but also strengthens their relationship with their horses.
As Teall explains, riders should use the past to build a better future—learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
