Believe in Yourself!

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

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

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...
A Team Effort: Helping Parents Help

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,...
Mistakes, Embarassing Moments and Brain Bloopers: How to Let Go

Mistakes, Embarassing Moments and Brain Bloopers: How to Let Go

  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...