Horse Riders Are Athletes

reflecting them back to us in subtle or not so subtle ways. Because we set the tone for these interactions the ability to understand and regulate our own emotions is a key mental skill for equestrian athletes. Our state of mind controls all these skills emotional regulation focus being grounded being present and much more. However this critical piece of preparation is often forgotten amidst the many demands of training in horse sports and underprioritized due to our tendency to credit our horses as the most important part of our team. If we do not see ourselves as an equally significant element of the partnership then why invest in ourselves? Unfortunately this type of thinking results in so many equestrians struggling to progress in their riding or feeling a lack of control over their improvement and success.
This is not to suggest that horse care is not important only that selfcare is equally important. As an athlete I have personally experienced the way an exhausted mind can sabotage even our finest efforts. Despite the best training and preparation it can be incredibly challenging to succeed when your mind is tired depleted anxious and full of selfdoubt. As a coach I have seen the frustration of clients when their hard work does not produce results in the ring because of anxiety and low confidence. As a mental performance consultant I have come to understand the power and inevitable influence that our state of mind has on our success. With poor mental preparation we can be thrown off course by the smallest of bumps in the road. But with excellent mental preparation we can succeed and progress regardless of the situation.
Below are examples of the negative effects of not looking after our state of mind. Have you experienced any of these?
Rollercoaster of emotions
Sense of no control
Hopelessness
Always playing catch up
Poor recovery from setbacks
Overwhelming sense of failure
Not enjoying riding anymore or as much
Inconsistent riding aides
Unfair frustration with your horse
So how do we begin to shift this identity within ourselves? How do we find the time inside our busy hectic horseloving lifestyles to prioritize our wellbeing? What does a healthy and helpful state of mind for equestrians even look like?
Below are some examples of the benefits of learning to manage our state of mind. When in your life have you experienced these?
Emotional stability fewer up and downs
Quick recovery
Ability to turn setbacks into opportunities
Maximizing opportunities
Maximizing effort in