Level Up Like Boyd Martin: Move Up Checklist for Riders

What Would Boyd Do? 

Ever wondered how Olympic legend Boyd Martin tackles the nerve-wracking leap to the next level?

Spoiler: it’s not about chasing ribbons or perfect scores—it’s about smart, honest horsemanship and a little bit of scrappiness. If you’re eyeing that next big step in your riding, this is the playbook you need.

Boyd’s Philosophy: Progress Is a Process (Not a Sprint)

Forget the Fast Track

Boyd’s cardinal rule? Take your time. "I like to spend a year at each level," he says, “so by the time you’re ready to move up, the level before should be pathetically easy.”

• Translation: Don’t rush. Let your horse marinate at each level until it’s boring.

Train Higher Than You Compete

Boyd’s secret sauce: “If you’re competing at novice, school training-level questions at home. The show should feel easy.

“When you walk the course and think, ‘This is a joke,’ you know you’ve prepped right.”

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Survival, Success, and Self-Honesty

Expect to Feel Like an Imposter—At First

That first event at a new level? White knuckles, big jumps, and a brain full of static. Totally normal.

• “Your first move-up is survival mode. By your fourth or fifth, it’s a walk in the park.”

Results Aren’t the Whole Story

Boyd’s warning: don’t be fooled by a clear round if it felt sketchy. “Be brutally honest with yourself—sometimes a clear on paper hides a lot of ugly moments.”

• Keep a notes app or journal to track what really happened, not just the scoreboard.

Boyd’s Top 10 Rider Takeaways (Bookmark These!)

• Train a Level Up: Make home harder than the show.

• Survival is Success: First time at a new level? Just finish. That’s a win.

• Pick Soft Venues: Choose forgiving courses for your first move-up.

• Adapt or Bust: Plans are great—until your horse has other ideas. Stay flexible.

• Prioritize Recovery: Let your horse (and you) decompress after every show.

• Process Over Placings: Focus on execution, not numbers.

• Document Everything: Write down what worked, what didn’t, and what to fix.

• No Shame in Stepping Down: Sometimes, dropping a level is the bravest move.

• Mindset Is Muscle: Don’t get too high or low—champions ride the emotional middle.

• Lean on Your Tribe: Ask local experts and use your community for advice and support.

Real Talk: When It Goes Wrong (Because It Will)

Boyd’s biggest lesson? Champions own their mistakes, learn fast, and don’t get stuck in the emotional weeds.

• “If you bomb out, look for the good, own the bad, and be honest: was it rider error, horse confidence, or just bad luck?”

• “Never be afraid to go back a level. Confidence is built, not bought.”

FAQ: Boyd’s Quickfire Wisdom

How many events before moving up?

“I like a year at each level, but it’s about feel, not numbers. If you only get to four shows, make your schooling count.”

What if I have limited facilities?

“Champions have trained on two acres and gone to the Olympics. Use what you’ve got—consistency beats fancy facilities.”

How do I prep green horses?

“Get them off the property—multiple times—before their first show. The first event shouldn’t be their first field trip.”

How do I handle nerves?

“Expect to feel overwhelmed. Survival is normal. Each event gets easier.”

Boyd’s Best Quotes (Stick These on Your Fridge)

• “Train a level higher than you compete.”

• “Don’t let a clear round fool you if it felt terrible.”

• “Be brutally honest with yourself. The scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story.”

• “Confidence is built, not bought.”

Action Points for Riders

• Prep harder than you compete—make shows feel easy.

• Finish your first event at a new level. That’s the goal.

• Write down what you learned, not just your result.

• Ask for help—your community is a resource.

• Be ready to adapt your plan, always.

• Prioritize your horse’s recovery and happiness.

• Own your mistakes, but don’t dwell.

• If in doubt, drop a level and build confidence.

• Remember: progress is personal.

Final Thoughts: Ride Like Boyd

Moving up isn’t about bravado or chasing numbers—it’s about honest prep, emotional resilience, and a willingness to learn from every ride. As Boyd Martin proves, the real champions are those who train smart, stay flexible, and always put the horse first.