Walking through the in gate at a big show feeling focused, excited and ready is a skill that all riders need. In fact, it is often this ability that is a major factor in separating the competition on any given day. So, how do you approach your greatest horse show challenges? [read article]

In order to handle your show nerves successfully, it is helpful have some strategies in place before you even get there. Use the following five performance tools to reduce your nervous energy and channel the remaining good energy into things that can help you in the ring.[read article]

It is not unusual for riders to approach a lesson differently than a class at a horse show. Unfortunately, this discrepancy does little to help them make the most of their skills in the show ring, when it counts. We have all heard the phrase, “You play the way you practice.” So how can you handle your lesson challenges in a way that strengthens the mindset you strive for at horse shows?[read article]

In riding, perfection can appear on the horizon as a tempting mirage, but using that term can distract us and damage our confidence. Even our best rides contain small flaws that can be found with careful examination. You are riding at an excellent level when you are managing flaws effectively, but they are there, and they will always be there. Once we have accepted that, we can embrace learning and recovering from our mistakes as necessary and vital skills to improving as a rider. [read article]

The USEA Annual Conference in Colorado Springs was terrific and I was happy to have been invited there to present. A beautiful setting, thought provoking sessions, and an overwhelming enthusiasm for the sport made for a fantastic event. [read article]

Riders frequently tell me that they use imagery to enhance their performance. However these same folks often (and unknowingly) leave out some of the most important facets of the skill having never truly learned the fundamentals. How about you? [read article]

If we treat the medal final as an ‘exam’ of sorts, we will need to ‘study’ the physical side (lessons, cross-training, etc.) and the mental side of the sport (focus, a positive attitude, etc.). Thankfully, your trainer is with you every step of the way to perfect your physical and technical skills; but do you have a clear plan for your mental preparation? [read article]

The goal for this issue's column is to help you use sport psychology to track your progress and build the quality of your schools between lessons and clinics. To set the stage, let's focus on one feature of the sport of eventing we know to be true: Eventers, more often than many other equestrian disciplines, school and jump their horses on their own. [read article]

In a typical 8-hour day, how much time are amateur and junior competitors actually in the ring? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? This is the nature of horse showing, and it creates an interesting challenge. How can you best prepare yourself and get focused for the ring when it is finally time to ride? [read article]

Summer is here, and so is the heart of horse show season. The CDS Dressage Championships, the Menlo Charity Horse Show and the Oaks are just some of the competitions that can make even the most seasoned exhibitors feel some nervous anticipation. [read article]

Tonya Johnston has turned the love of horses and riding into a productive career as a sport psychology consultant. [read article]

Tonya explains a basic breathing control technique called Circle Breathing to improve relaxation, confidence, and focus in competition. [read article]

As we look forward to the rest of this year, it is important to set new goals and plan strategies for achieving them. Be mindful that as you set new goals you include both the mental and physical aspects of riding. [read article]

The key to success in competition doesn't have to be focused on 'winning' per se, but rather on developing the attitude and self-belief that will lead to success. For this issue we sought the expertise of US equine sport psychology consultant Tonya Johnston in looking at creating a positive state of mind, and learning techniques and exercises for focusing and relaxing during competition. [read article]