Posted in Articles on May 15th, 2008 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Eventing USA May/June 2008
“Why do you ride and compete?” Ask two people that question and you are sure to get different answers. However, what is most important is for you to understand your own reasons for eventing. Therefore, in this article we will explore why you ride and compete. We will examine both the value you place on competition (your philosophy) and your drive to take action (your motivation). read more »
Posted in Articles on May 15th, 2008 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Equine Wellness May/June 2008
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.
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Posted in Articles on April 1st, 2008 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in The Plaid Horse, April 2008
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?
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Posted in Articles on March 15th, 2008 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, March/April 2008
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.
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Posted in Articles on January 15th, 2008 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, January/February 2008
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.
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Posted in Articles on September 15th, 2007 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, September/October 2007
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 more »
Posted in Articles on September 1st, 2007 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Hunter Jumper Magazine, September 2007
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 more »
Posted in Articles on July 15th, 2007 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston
Appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, July/August 2007
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.
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Posted in Articles on July 1st, 2007 by – Be the first to comment
by Tonya Johnston, MA
Appeared in Hunter Jumper Magazine, July 2007
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?
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Posted in Articles on June 1st, 2007 by – Be the first to comment
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 more »
