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...
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,...
By Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse, May 2009 Chipped so hard to the first jump it made the earth move? Rode around the warm-up ring for 20 minutes with a mane comb stuck in your horse’s tail? Forgot the halt after the trot jump in the...
By Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in Eventing USA, January/February 2009 If I had a dollar for every time one of my clients told me how much they hate the warm-up ring, I would be writing this article while floating in my infinity pool that overlooks the ocean on my...
by Tonya Johnston Appeared in Eventing USA March/April 2009 Have you ever felt wildly misunderstood by your ______ (horse, trainer, or friend)? Have you ever been too hard on yourself? Have you ever reflected on your communication skills and wished you could do...
By Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse January/February 2009 Can you remember when you first did a full jumper division, including the Sunday classic? Or your initial outing in the open equitation division? What about your debut in the short stirrup...
by Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in Showbiz January/February 2009 Riders of all ages and abilities share something that helps them strive for excellence in the ring: good old fashioned competitive fire. Passion to succeed will vary widely by person, but the...
By Tonya Johnston, MA Appeared in The Plaid Horse October 2008 Horse shows are always challenging, but some carry more weight for us than others. Let’s face it; a local A-show will not have the same impact as a medal final you have never been to or your first...
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....
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...
