When the going gets tough
WHILE RIDERS HAPPILY invest in lessons to develop their skills and train their horse, few devote any time or money to improving their mindset. This is often the case even when they are struggling with negative self-talk, have had their confidence knocked following a bad experience (falling off, for example), or have become anxious or fearful in certain situations.
“Ignoring mindset means we are ignoring the most powerful component of the human body. Considering our positive focus and managing our emotional self will in turn influence our communication with the horse and effectiveness as a rider. It means that we will set ourselves up for success to get the most out of ourselves and our horse but, fundamentally, enjoy our riding optimally,” says sport psychologist Jo Davies.
How the cycle develops
The brain is designed to respond to danger around us and is always trying to protect us. It will remember negative experiences like a horse bolting, rearing or a nasty fall, and start to associate danger with situations that perhaps weren’t previously fear-inducing. This, combined with us
