Keeping track of my equestrian journey has become one of the most valuable habits in my riding life. Whether it’s tracking progress, planning future goals, or simply reflecting on the bond I share with my horse, a riding journal has proven to be more than just a notebook. That’s what inspired me to begin designing my own riding journal. I wanted it to reflect my unique routine, my goals in the saddle, and the little moments that make the equestrian lifestyle so meaningful.
Rather than relying on pre-made journals that didn’t quite fit my needs, I found that designing my own riding journal gave me complete control over what to include. From training schedules and lesson notes to show results and health records, I created a space that’s both practical and personal. In this article, I’ll share the full process of creating a custom journal that helps improve your horsemanship and preserves the moments you’ll want to remember.
Why Keep A Riding Journal?
Before diving into the design process, it helps to understand why a riding journal matters. For me, it became a tool of accountability and insight. I used to struggle remembering details from past lessons or how my horse reacted to certain exercises. Once I started recording things daily, patterns emerged. I could identify what exercises led to improvements, how the weather affected our sessions, or which feeds impacted his energy levels.
A riding journal is also an excellent way to stay motivated. Looking back at old entries and seeing the growth over time helped me stay focused, even when progress felt slow. Designing your own riding journal turns it into a reliable companion, custom-fitted to the way you ride, train, and reflect.
Choosing A Journal Format That Fits Your Lifestyle
The first decision in designing your own riding journal is choosing the format that works best for your daily routine. I’ve experimented with several options, each with its own benefits.
Three Common Formats To Consider:
- Bound Notebook: Great for people who prefer to write by hand and enjoy a tactile connection to their journaling. Easy to decorate and personalize.
- Printable Pages: Perfect for those who want to create structured layouts and organize entries in a binder.
- Digital Journal or App: Best for riders who are always on the go and want to access notes from their phone or tablet.
I personally use a combination. I print custom-designed pages and keep them in a three-ring binder, but I also keep notes on my phone when I’m in the arena and transfer them later.
Planning The Layout And Content
Once I decided on the format, the next step was to figure out what content mattered most to me. I asked myself what kind of information I wanted to track, how often I planned to write, and what sections would keep me organized.
Essential Sections I Included:
- Daily Ride Log
- Lesson and Clinic Notes
- Horse Health Tracker
- Training Goals
- Show and Competition Records
- Tack and Equipment Notes
- Reflections and Gratitude
Each of these became a tab in my binder. I left space to add more over time, and the modular design let me grow and adapt the journal as needed.
Creating A Daily Ride Log
The ride log is the heart of any riding journal. This is where I record what happened during each ride, from the warm-up to the cool-down. I designed a daily log page that includes space for the date, weather, location, horse’s mood, and my own mindset going into the ride.
What My Daily Ride Log Includes:
- Date and time
- Arena or trail notes
- Duration of the ride
- Training focus (flatwork, jumping, groundwork, etc.)
- Exercises performed
- Horse’s behavior and response
- My thoughts and self-assessment
- Notes for next ride
Designing your own riding journal means you can adjust the level of detail. Some days I write just a few sentences, and other days I fill an entire page, especially after a lesson or breakthrough.
Tracking Lessons And Clinics
Lessons are often packed with valuable information, but it’s easy to forget the details once the adrenaline wears off. So I dedicated a section of my journal to lesson notes. Right after each lesson, I jot down what my trainer said, what corrections I need to remember, and what drills I should practice.
Lesson Notes Template:
- Instructor name
- Date and location
- Focus or goal of the lesson
- Warm-up review
- Key exercises
- Corrections and feedback
- Homework or drills to repeat
- Personal thoughts
I even paste in occasional photos or quotes from my trainer that help reinforce a concept. This section has helped me stay consistent and build on each lesson.
Managing Horse Health Records
I quickly realized that having a health log inside my riding journal was extremely helpful. Instead of flipping through vet receipts or trying to remember the last time my horse had his hooves trimmed, I now keep it all in one place.
Health Tracker Pages:
- Vet visits and vaccinations
- Farrier appointments
- Deworming schedule
- Feed and supplement changes
- Injury notes
- Dental work
- Weight tracking
Designing your own riding journal gives you the freedom to format these however you prefer, tables, bullet lists, or calendars. I use color-coded tabs and highlight urgent care items so nothing gets overlooked.
Setting Training Goals
Writing down goals helps me stay focused. Whether it’s something small like improving my posting trot or bigger like preparing for a jumping show, putting goals in writing gives them structure. I created a two-page spread at the start of each month to set goals and check in on progress.
Goal Page Features:
- Monthly goals
- Weekly benchmarks
- Challenges or obstacles
- Motivation tracker
- Reward system
- Review and notes
Seeing goals broken down this way made them feel attainable and kept me from drifting off course. It also made my progress easier to visualize across weeks or months.
Keeping Track Of Shows And Events
Show days are always packed with nerves and excitement, but I wanted to remember more than just ribbons. So I created a competition log that covers everything from prep to performance. This part of designing your own riding journal made a huge difference in how I prepared for future events.
Show Log Includes:
- Event name and date
- Class list and results
- Notes on warm-up routines
- Performance review
- Tack used and outfit worn
- Lessons learned
- Post-show care
I often tape in my number, print photos, and reflect on what I would change next time. These entries become a timeline of accomplishments and growth.
Notes On Tack, Equipment, And Fit
I’ve found that keeping a record of my tack setup prevents a lot of headaches. A quick reference page helps me remember things like when I last adjusted my stirrup leathers or which bit worked best in winter versus summer.
Equipment Notes Page:
- Saddle and pad details
- Bit and bridle setup
- Girth style and fit
- Seasonal gear swaps
- Blanket changes
- Repair or replacement history
This also makes it easier when trying out new products or deciding what to pack for a clinic. All the small details add up to better performance and horse comfort.
Reflecting On The Journey
Beyond all the practical tracking, my favorite part of the journal is the reflection section. Some of the most heartfelt entries happen here. On days when riding is hard or progress is slow, this is where I work through my feelings and remind myself why I love it.
Reflection Prompts I Use:
- What made me smile today?
- What frustrated me, and how can I improve?
- Did my horse teach me anything new?
- What am I grateful for this week?
- How does this moment fit into the bigger picture?
Designing your own riding journal gives you space to be honest and present. It becomes not just a tool but a friend that holds your thoughts and memories over time.
Adding Creative Flair
Part of what makes journaling enjoyable is the ability to make it truly yours. I’ve seen riders decorate their journals with washi tape, stickers, pressed flowers, and doodles of horses or jumps. I print motivational quotes or include small snapshots from trail rides.
Creative Additions:
- Inspirational quotes
- Monthly photo sections
- Color-coded ink or highlighters
- Art pages or watercolor sketches
- Handmade dividers with equestrian fabric
The more personalized it is, the more likely I am to stick with it and enjoy the process of writing.
Tips For Staying Consistent
Even with the best intentions, I sometimes found myself falling behind. So I set small goals, like journaling three times a week or filling out the health log after every vet visit. Designing your own riding journal helps because you’re only including the pages you’ll actually use.
Habits That Helped Me Stay On Track:
- Keep the journal visible and easy to grab
- Use short entries on busy days
- Set reminders after rides
- Reward consistency (treat yourself or your horse)
- Review old pages to see progress
Even if I miss a few days, I just pick up where I left off without guilt. The key is to make journaling a regular part of barn life, not a chore.
Sharing With Your Trainer Or Team
One unexpected benefit of keeping a detailed riding journal was how useful it became when sharing information with my trainer or farrier. I could show patterns in my horse’s behavior, highlight health concerns, or remind myself of previous lesson topics.
If you ride in a team environment, consider adding a shared section where multiple riders can log their rides or health updates. It’s especially useful in lesson barns or co-op stables.
Conclusion
Designing your own riding journal is more than an artistic project, it’s a way to deepen your connection with your horse, stay organized, and celebrate every step of your equestrian journey. With a little creativity and planning, you can build a tool that supports your riding goals and grows with you over time.
From recording the smallest triumph to managing the big picture of your training plan, a well-designed journal can be your best ally in the barn. The joy of flipping back through pages filled with lessons, goals, and memories is worth every moment spent creating it.
