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?
Have you ever felt ‘blah’ before or during a lesson? Have you wondered, “Why do I feel so flat, and what can I do about it?” Perhaps you have felt a lack of focus as you waited your turn to jump the course in your group lesson, finding yourself worrying about homework, a small crisis at work, or an exciting event that you were looking forward to that weekend. In addition to these types of challenges, you may also have a casual approach to lessons that persists even though you know you should be working hard and feeling driven to succeed.
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?
Challenge: The Energy “Blahs”
Solution: Learn how to manage your energy, and lift your intensity level.
If you feel a bit too relaxed and nonchalant in your lessons you may be setting yourself up to be taken by surprise at the horse show in gate, where your excitement and energy get a natural lift. Not only will your lessons be less productive, you are also not practicing how to alter your energy level (either up or down) so that you can feel more confident and in control at your shows.
To lift your energy and intensity there are several things you can do before you get on for your lesson and once you are riding.
Before you get on:
- Use an upbeat music playlist in the car or while tacking up to help you increase your energy level.
- Be sure you have eaten and hydrated recently to keep up your strength – fruit, protein and/or complex carbohydrates are all good options.
- Imagine the environment of your next show – the buzz of the warm-up ring, the spectators, and the show ring – and allow yourself to enjoy the excitement and anticipation.
Once in the saddle:
- Stretch your muscles with arm circles, ankle rolls, two-point, reaching to touch your horse’s ears, etc. in order to make energy flow through your body.
- Use some complete breaths (inhale through your nose, pause, exhale longer through your mouth); focusing on inhaling power and strength while you fix your gaze on a focal point at the end of the ring.
Challenge: A Lack of Focus
Solution: Create goals that include specific strategies to work on in lessons and shows.
In a lesson your trainer works to create interesting exercises, explains things effectively and clearly, and makes sure you are getting great feedback on your skills. It is your job to arrive at the lesson with a good attitude, focused and ready to work.
By setting specific performance goals and strategies for yourself, you can begin any lesson you take with an idea of what you want to accomplish and a direction for your focus. For example, you have set a performance goal of landing more into your heel off of your jumps. Your strategies are: 1) Find and use focal points to help keep your eye up; 2) Use the cue word “Heels” in the corners; 3) During your warm-up or the flatwork portion of your lesson pay special attention to feeling long and anchored in your lower leg and heel.
The performance goals you set will give you a specific place to put your focus in your lessons, no matter what the exercise or courses your trainer has you jump. The sense of control and problem solving will keep you engaged and active with respect to your concentration. The process will also allow you to practice integrating your goals into your course plans – just as you do at horse shows.
Challenge: Your Casual Attitude
Solution: Visualize success and simulate the horse show environment to enhance your motivation to ride well.
When you imagine yourself riding well at your next show it is a good idea to link it to the successes you have in lessons. Found a great forward distance to the single oxer in your lesson? Now imagine that same ride at the show ground you will be at next. When you can clearly draw a link between the quality of your riding at home and your rounds at shows you will be motivated to adopt a proactive and determined attitude. In addition, put some pressure on yourself in your lessons and implement a “get it right the first time” attitude that you will expect of yourself in the show ring.
Simulating horse show specifics, either with riding exercises or just in your mind’s eye, can also give your mindset a boost. Create a specific starting point for your courses or exercises, the in gate to your ring is an obvious good choice; do a formal opening and closing circle; try warming-up in a different ring than you jump in during your lesson. If your lessons are more fixed in structure you can make some adaptations simply with your mental approach. Before you take your turn in your lesson imagine the in-gate of the ring you will show in next, imagine the feel of your show clothes, go through the deep breaths you normally take while the horse ahead of you finishes their closing circle at the show – anything that helps set the stage and creates a ‘show’ mentality will be important.
All of the lesson challenges posed above are common occurrences. What is not so common is for a rider to seek out and employ solutions to those problems on a regular basis. Who does that most often? It is frequently the riders with know-how, the riders who strive to succeed and the riders who win.
Tonya Johnston, MA, is a sport psychology consultant and hunter/jumper competitor who has specialized in working with equestrian athletes for the past 15 years. Her consulting sessions provide support and insight for riders while helping them develop personalized routines. Tonya’s clients have attained competitive success at every level, including national titles and awards. She conducts “Sport Psychology for Riders” clinics throughout the country as well as phone consultations with individual clients. Phone: 510.418.3664. www.TonyaJohnston.com.
