Articles by Tonya Johnston
Mental Skills Training Articles
“Problem Solving” with Sport Psychology
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in Eventing USA, February 2010 The field of sport psychology is thought of in a variety of ways by the general public. One commonly held idea is that it assists those who "Strive for Excellence". This attracts people who look high and...
Sitting (and Staying) ‘On Top’
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse January/February 2010 There you are, at the bottom of the list to come back for round two, or last to enter the ring for the work-off. What does that mean? In a millisecond it registers in your mind (and the...
The Audience Effect
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in Showbiz Magazine January/February 2010 You ride beautifully at home, even in group lessons with people watching and waiting their turn - so why is it that the horseshow spectators can feel so different? While it is true that...
The Competitive Edge
by Kelly Sanchez Appeared in The Equestrian News June/July 2010 Watching Olympians Beezie Madden or Steffen Peters as they put their horses through their paces, it's tempting to imagine that they were simply born great. These riders work hard, to be sure, but through...
Rediscovering What Inspires You
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse, January 2010 Imagine yourself going through your daily routine at the barn or a horse show and then ask yourself this question: What inspires you? What brings you joy, helps you work hard toward your goals, and...
The Night Before…
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse, March 2010 It's a dark night outside, and you are bundled into your hotel. Tomorrow you have to be at the show grounds at ____ (early!!). Your most important class goes first, and you are hoping you feel prepared and...
Staying On Course Or “Where’s the GPS on this thing?”
by Tonya Johnston, MA appeared Eventing USA, July/August 2008 OK, let's not pretend. Famous or not, international or local - it has happened to all of us. You know it, I know it, your friends, family and trainers know it. (Heck, it has even happened to many of those...
Believe in Yourself!
by Tonya Johnston, MA appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, July/August 2009 What do you think you can accomplish on a horse? Do you believe you can be calm and focused in your stadium round next week? Are you going to get strong enough to sit your horse’s trot for more...
What Are You Thinking at the Back-Gate? Part 1: Before Your Round
by Tonya Johnston, MA appeared in The Plaid Horse, August 2009 In the ideal world you are always confident, focused and positive right before you go in the ring. However, most of us live a world with a bit more variety. Some days are terrific, some not-so-good. How...
Perfecting the Lines of Communication – Part II: Your Riding Team
by Tonya Johnston, MA appeared in Eventing USA Magazine, July/August 2009 My last article on communication focused on the way you communicate with yourself. The goal was to help explore your core beliefs, your self talk, the use of affirmations, and changing negative...
Going to a(nother) Clinic? How to Ride Your Best and Have a Great Time
by Tonya Johnston, MA appeared in Eventing Magazine September/October 2008 Think back to the best clinics you have ever attended. (If you have never gone to a clinic, try to recall terrific lessons from your past.) What memories stand out from those experiences? Why...
A Team Effort: Helping Parents Help
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in Showbiz Magazine, May/June 2009 It's safe to say that getting a junior rider to the ring is a team effort that includes a lot of parental support. Whether it is emotional support, organization, time management, transportation,...
Inside Your Ride
