Question of the MonthHeather asks "I stay focused in my lessons, but when I show I think about a million different things and completely lose my concentration. Why can't I focus when it counts?"
Daniel Stewart
Original Post Date: 04/30/2013 - 11:48 | Last Updated: Tue, 2013-04-30 11:48
Question of the Month
Pamela asks "How can a rider prepare for a competition when they feel a lot of pressure to succeed - in part based on past failures?"
Memories of past experiences can make us want to get-up or give-up. It's up to each of us to decide how we're going to interpret these memories - especially if they're associated with a poor or frustrating past performance or outcome. While it's understandable to feel a little disappointment from time to time, allowing a negative past memory to interfere with our future potential is something we must all work hard to prevent.
Original Post Date: 03/28/2013 - 10:36 | Last Updated: Thu, 2013-03-28 10:39
Rene asks "My trainer keeps telling me to get into the zone. I've heard of this in other sports, but can it happen in riding, and if so, how do I do it?"
All athletes, including riders (yes we are athletes!) can get into the zone. It's the sensation of being able to ride your best in an effortless and automatic way. You don't have to work, think, or try hard because everything just seems to fall into place. This sensation is called your Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning - IZOF for short - and is what allows you to ride and/or compete at your peak.
Original Post Date: 03/04/2013 - 15:08 | Last Updated: Mon, 2013-03-04 15:32
Jean asks "I ride well in my private lessons but get really nervous when I ride in front of crowds. Is there anything I can do to find my confidence in a crowd?"
This kind of performance anxiety is really quite common and can happen for many reasons including placing greater importance on your competitions than your lessons, trying to impress those watching, and/or a fear of failing in front of spectators. Regardless of the cause, it's important to recognize it and work hard to overcome it because it can rob you of your confidence, focus, and enjoyment. Luckily, there are just as many ways to solve it as there are that cause it.
Original Post Date: 01/31/2013 - 10:05 | Last Updated: Thu, 2013-01-31 10:05
Question of the Month: Theresa asks “I get so distracted when I show. I know I shouldn't focus on the crowd; but even things like noises, other horses, and water trucks distract me. What can I do?”
Original Post Date: 11/27/2012 - 16:03 | Last Updated: Tue, 2012-11-27 16:04
Rebecca Asks "When I was a beginner rider I never used to worry or stress out. Now that I'm a little more advanced I find that I'm worried, frustrated, and disappointed all the time. What could be causing this?
Original Post Date: 11/08/2012 - 11:31 | Last Updated: Thu, 2012-11-08 11:32
Question of the MonthKathy asks "I went to a show and a certain rider showed up and it ruined my whole ride. I did not even speak to her, I just had to see her. What makes me do this?"
Original Post Date: 10/01/2012 - 16:36 | Last Updated: Mon, 2012-10-01 16:38
Question of the Month - Martha Asks "My trainer says I'm a perfectionist. I work very hard and really want to do well, but I get very disappointed when I make mistakes or when I don't do as well as I know I could have. Does this mean I'm a perfectionist?" Tip of the Month - Overcoming Perfectionism. Trying to be too good for your own good!
Original Post Date: 08/29/2012 - 09:50 | Last Updated: Wed, 2012-08-29 09:59
Question of the Month - Jeremy Asks "I have a really hard time dealing with mistakes. I seem to make a lot, and when I do I get pretty frustrated and disappointed. Do you have any suggestions that can help"?
Original Post Date: 07/31/2012 - 12:35 | Last Updated: Tue, 2012-07-31 12:44
Question of the Month: Donna asks "My instructor is encouraging me to set goals. I think it's a good idea, but I just can't seem to get into the habit. I've spoken with a few other riding friends and they can't seem to get into it either. Is this normal"? Tip of the Month: Setting Goals For Success
Original Post Date: 07/02/2012 - 10:29 | Last Updated: Mon, 2012-07-02 10:29