When we compete, it’s easy to feel the pressure to get good results. We feel like all eyes are on us and our horses. After all, that’s how success is measured, right?
In this article, I suggest a perspective that shifts our focus to a more productive place, releases the pressure to meet external results, and puts our awareness and effort where it’s most influential – on the partnership with our horse in the show pen.
Because of my background and training in mental skills, for years, I’ve said that the only job we have when we show is to get ourselves ready, get our horse ready, and then go in the show ring and be present during every part of our ride.
That’s still true. Nothing has changed for me – except – how to focus on achieving that.
I will digress momentarily when we practice at home before the show. Typically that is thorough as possible, and we have a plan for show day.
At home, we focus on our horses, hopefully not only on what we want them to do but also our relationship with them.
Our relationship matters because, by nature, as prey animals, horses are extremely sensitive. While it may not always seem like that, they are perceptive to us, our moods, focus, and energy.
Now back to show day.
Our horses need us to be the same person at the show as we are at home – and – they need us to be perceptive about their fears and worries at the show.
When our focus shifts from concern about how we will do to preparing ourselves and helping our horse be ready and tuned in to the job at hand, we set both of us up for success.
Our horses need us.
They know when we are focused on them and when we’re not. I’m not saying they won’t do an excellent job for us when they know we’re consumed with ourselves, but by nature, when we focus on them, they feel safe and comforted because they know we have their back.
Getting ourselves ready, focusing on our horses to do the job at hand, and staying present in the moment is the recipe for performing at our highest level for us and our horses.
cialis and blood pressure
cialis and blood pressure
Dear Barbra,this is so true. My horse even shows me that he does not like it when I am focused on something else than him. When I am with him he want’s to be the middlecenter and then he is working so excellent for me. Otherwise he is fuzzy. Love Vera
I applaud you for putting the horse first !! When I’m riding I sure try to read them and bring my best to them . If I’m not ready why would they be . ? People sometimes forget they need us to be their best partner . They are so smart and if we don’t show ourselves as a calm and cool rider they will 9 times out of 10 be more likely to not perform their best . I also love that you use your breathing , something I need to do more .
Great message, Barb.