The Power of Going Slow – Why Rushing Progress Can Backfire

At Unlimited Learning, we say it often: slow is smooth, and smooth becomes fast. But in a world of instant results and overnight transformations, that mindset can feel frustrating—especially when you’re working with horses.

But here’s the truth:

The slow work is the strong work.

Why rushing rarely works

Horses don’t learn through just pressure, they learn through clarity and consistency. When we rush them through training steps just to reach the “fun” stuff faster, we often miss important layers (often called “holes”). That’s when the problems show up- miscommunication, tension, anxiety, refusal.

What going “slow” actually looks like

Going slow doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing the right things at the right pace—based on what your horse is ready for.

Sometimes it means repeating a groundwork exercise until your horse offers softness without resistance.

Sometimes it means sitting in the barn aisle for 10 minutes just letting your horse be.

Sometimes it means ending a ride early because your horse tried really hard—and that’s enough.

It builds trust, not just tolerance

Going slow teaches your horse that you're someone worth listening to. That you won’t skip steps just to satisfy your own timeline.

That you’ll wait, adjust, and try again until you’re both ready to move forward together.

Final thought:

You don’t have to be the fastest.

You don’t have to be the flashiest.

You just have to be present.

Let the work take the time it takes—your horse will thank you for it.

Ready to train with support, not pressure? We’re here when you’re ready.