One of the major agreed upon insights of the weekend was that riders who are continually striving for perfection like to do things just right-perfectly. Since perfection can never be attained, this perpetually losing battle destroys their ability to stay balanced or to gain a sense of fulfillment in their riding. The weekend exploration led to some interesting conclusions. The perfectionist is drowning in the never-ending possibilities and details that can never be completed, doubts that cannot be stilled, and decisions that cannot be made. They become tense, strained, anxious, and overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
Riding is then full of being disturbed by worries and fears of failure.
They also agreed that many expect the same rules to apply to everyone else and as a result, can be exceedingly judgmental. There was agreement that the consistent pressure to live up to some ideal standard, or instructor in whom ultimate authority is invested, combined with the tendency to deny or suppress feelings, can create stress and health risks as well as learning frustrations. Everyone agreed that the advantages of striving for perfection are far outweighed by the disadvantages of that striving. Practically, a new perspective on goal setting was reached. While goal setting is needed and extremely useful, it needs to be put aside when mounting the horse.