Level Up Like Boyd Martin: Move Up Checklist for Riders

boyd martin eventing Jan 15, 2026

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.