The Imperfect Ride

Busting the perfectionism myth so you can improve your performance in the saddle.Andrea Waldo—rider, trainer, instructor, and former psychotherapist—is back with her long-awaited follow-up to the bestselling Brain Training for Riders. This time, she tackles the problem of perfectionism, providing a roadmap for riders to identify how the idea of "perfect" interferes with their natural progression and distracts from the day-to-day enjoyment of the equestrian experience. Drawing from research and her own riding life, Waldo helps readers recognize the pros and cons of perfectionism, guiding them toward a healthier perspective. With practical exercises, she encourages self-improvement in a way that benefits both rider and horse by emphasizing that growth necessitates mistakes and the "messy middle"—the phase between mastering a skill and finding the next step. With humor, insight, and her clear love for horses and equestrian sport, Waldo provides tools for riders to set high standards without the pressure of perfection, fostering a more satisfying, successful, and less stressful relationship with themselves and their horses.