Training a horse as an adult amateur is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. From my personal experience, the initial days are all about building trust with the horse and establishing a communication foundation. By day 6, having the first day of actual riding is a major milestone that reflects progress and strengthens the bond between rider and horse. During training, it's important to focus on consistency and patience. Horses respond well to calm and clear cues, so even when you're excited or nervous about showing at Congress, maintaining a relaxed demeanor helps the horse feel safe and confident. I found that integrating groundwork exercises before riding sessions significantly improved responsiveness and readiness. Additionally, tracking daily progress with hashtags like #horsetraining, #horsebackriding, and #aqha can connect you with a community of enthusiasts who share tips and encouragement. Being part of such a network is invaluable for motivation and learning new techniques. If you're an adult amateur like me, remember that every small success counts. Celebrate the first day riding as it marks the transition from groundwork to active riding. With dedication, consistent training, and support, showing at events like Congress becomes an achievable and exciting goal. The journey is just as important as the destination, filled with moments of joy, learning, and growth in horsemanship.