Embrace the Gap: Why Progress Feels Hard Before It Feels Easy

The frustrating middle.

We all love the buzz of a breakthrough. That moment when something clicks and suddenly feels effortless.

But what we don’t love? The bit before that. The gap - where you know what you’re aiming for, but you can’t quite do it yet. Where rides feel scrappy, your brain feels overloaded, and your body isn’t keeping up.

That gap is uncomfortable and essential.

Why the gap matters.

The gap is proof that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone. It’s where:

• Skills are being rewired

• Confidence is being tested

• Habits are being reshaped

It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re learning.

What it looks like in riding.

• Struggling to sit the trot after a lesson that changed your position

• Feeling “worse” after fixing your hand position

• Losing confidence when your new horse pushes buttons your old one never did

It’s tempting to see this as a step backwards. In reality, it’s the brain and body catching up with new information.

How to work with the gap.

• Normalise it: Everyone goes through this phase.

• Take smaller steps: Break challenges into manageable chunks.

• Stay consistent: Repetition builds trust in yourself.

• Don’t rush: Trying to skip the gap only stretches it out.

A message for riders stuck in the gap.

You don’t need to be perfect to progress. You just need to keep showing up, keep listening, and keep giving yourself the chance to catch up with what you’ve learned.

Because once you cross the gap, you’ll look back and realise - the messy middle was where the magic was happening.

The gap isn’t failure. It’s the bridge to your next breakthrough.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the gap, you’re not alone. That’s why the Equestrian Knowledge Hub exists - to give riders honest, practical support that makes sense in real life, not just on paper.

👉 Join our free Hub community on Facebook and connect with others who are learning, wobbling, and growing too.