How Failure and Neurochemicals Shape Equestrian Training

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, understanding how your brain reacts to challenges and ‘failure’ can make a big difference in your training and progress. Whilst I loathe the word ‘failure’, here I mean a non-success; because all ‘failure’ is really feedback – a way to find out how not to do something!

I’m keen in this blog to talk about the role of neurochemicals in learning, why failure is essential for growth, and how we can use this knowledge to become better riders. 

The Role of Neurochemicals in Learning

Equestrian training involves more than just physical skill—it’s very much a mental game, too. When we train horses, we often have to learn new techniques, adjust to different situations, and work through challenges. At the core of all of this is how our brain processes information, reacts to mistakes and stays motivated. And much of this is driven by neurochemicals—substances like dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), and cortisol that help us stay focused, calm, or energised.

Take dopamine, for example. This is the chemical associated with motivation and reward. Dopamine not only helps us feel good after a win, but it also plays a huge role in keeping us motivated during tough training sessions. When you’re learning something new, like refining your canter or learning a new dressage movement, dopamine helps fuel your persistence. But it’s not just about the satisfaction of success—it’s also about the anticipation of success that keeps you going.

Example: Imagine you’re working on a tricky jump course with your horse. Each time you successfully clear a jump, dopamine is released, and you feel that rush of achievement. But dopamine is also released as you anticipate the upcoming jumps, helping you stay motivated and engaged in the training process. Even if you face a few mishaps, that anticipation of success keeps you going.

Failure as a Tool for Learning

Now, let’s talk about ‘failure’ or non-success. In equestrian training, mistakes are inevitable. Whether it’s an incorrect lead change, missing a jump, or your horse refusing a fence, failure is a part of the learning process. But here’s the interesting thing: failure can be a powerful learning tool. It’s not about beating yourself up; it’s about how your brain reacts to those mistakes.

When you fail, your body releases adrenaline, or adrenaline, which triggers your body’s stress response. But this stress response isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it can actually help improve your focus, memory, and the brain’s ability to learn. This is because adrenaline helps stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new connections. Essentially, the brain is better able to learn from failure and adjust.

Example: Let’s say you’re trying to master a flying change with your horse, but it’s just not clicking. Every time you ask, the horse doesn’t respond as you expect. You might feel frustrated, but each time you fail, adrenaline is working behind the scenes to help your brain remember what went wrong and make adjustments for next time. That failure is actually helping your brain reorganize and refine your technique, making you better prepared for the next attempt.

And here’s the catch: while failure helps us learn, too much stress can lead to burnout or discouragement, especially if you’re constantly facing setbacks.

Understanding the Balance: Too Much Stress vs. Productive Failure

Equestrians are no strangers to the ups and downs of training. Failure is a regular part of the process, but it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with too much stress. That’s where cortisol, the stress hormone, comes in. While cortisol is essential for managing short-term stress, too much cortisol over time can lead to mental fatigue and demotivation.

Think about the times when you’re overwhelmed by a tough training session, whether it’s a new jumping technique or working through a difficult riding pattern. If the frustration becomes too much, cortisol levels rise, and it can start to feel like you’re in a rut. But when training is balanced with moments of success and breaks to recharge, you can use failure to your advantage without getting bogged down by stress.

Example: You’re working on a challenging dressage test. You miss the timing on a transition, and your horse doesn’t respond as you’d hoped. Instead of continuing to push through the frustration, you decide to step back, take a few deep breaths, and allow both you and your horse a moment to reset. This helps lower your cortisollevels and allows you to approach the task with a clearer mindset. A little space and rest can help you come back fresh and ready to tackle the challenge with a calmer focus.

Dopamine and Motivation: Managing Failure with a Positive Frame

So, how do we stay motivated during tough times? As riders, our mindset is crucial. If we view failure as a personal defeat, it can dampen our motivation. But if we reframe failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, we can use the chemical response of dopamine to keep moving forward.

This is where our mindset plays a key role. When we face setbacks in training, if we view them positively and as part of the journey, our brain continues to release dopamine, reinforcing the idea that persistence is rewarding.

Example: You’re riding through a new jumping course and miss a few lines or your horse stops at a jump. Instead of feeling discouraged, you remind yourself that mistakes are part of the learning process. This mindset shift allows your brain to continue releasing dopamine, which motivates you to keep working on your course, rather than quitting or becoming discouraged. You’re framing your mistakes as growth, and your brain rewards you with motivation to keep going.

Building Tolerance for Failure: The Role of Serotonin

In addition to dopamine, serotonin plays a vital role in helping us manage failure and stay calm under pressure. As equestrians, we often face high-stakes situations—whether we’re preparing for a competition or working through a difficult problem with our horse. The ability to remain calm and focused is essential. Serotonin helps us manage stress and maintain a sense of balance, even when things don’t go as planned.

Example: Let’s say you’re at a show and you’re feeling nervous before a jumping round. The serotonin levels in your brain are key to helping you stay calm and focused. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and stress management techniques can help keep your serotonin levels steady, ensuring you stay composed and confident as you approach each jump.

Conclusion: Harnessing Neurochemicals for Effective Learning

Understanding how neurochemicals like dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin affect our learning process can make a huge difference in our equestrian journey. Failure doesn’t have to be feared—it’s a natural part of the learning process that helps our brains adapt, grow, and ultimately become better riders.

So, the next time you’re working through a difficult training session, remember: failure is not the end—it’s part of the process. Embrace it, understand how your brain is responding, and use the power of neurochemicals to stay motivated, calm, and ready to improve.

Thank you for tuning in today! Keep riding, keep learning, and keep growing—both on and off the horse. Be sure to subscribe for more episodes on how science and psychology can enhance your equestrian training.

This blog was based on a paper by by Lauren E. Margulieux, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA James Prather, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, 79699, USA Masoumeh Rahimi, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA Gozde Cetin Uzun, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA  and given an equestrian focus by me!You can read the full article here: https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/143674/preprint_pdf/71ed2b834d1ec1486519a0978fd34a02.pdf