Nervousness Can Be Contagious, Even For Horses!

When a rider is filled with anxiety, tension and nervousness they are not the only one entering the ring distracted and at risk of delivering a sub par performance. Horses instinctively sense exactly what we are feeling even to the point that they seem to even be aware of our thoughts . The reason most riders struggle with this is because of one powerful interfering  program that lies deep within their mind. And you can learn to delete and install in it’s place a new, much better way of thinking which will address the nervousness, tension and anxiety tendencies and have you operating in a more effective and controlled manner. Because there is such a strong bond that is established between the horse and rider it is critically important that the person with control of the reins also has some semblance of control over their emotional state. Because no matter how good of a poker face they display, they are simply unable to disguise what is going on inside of them. There is no fooling the animal beneath them.

   Equine athletes possess a highly refined nervous system and there is no way of disguising your emotional mindset. Whether it be a jumping event where with every stride closer to take off your concern increases and a fraction of an inch are the difference between a clean round and a rail down, or a barrel racing event where even a slight miscue can upset a barrel and time means the difference between winning and running out of the money, and especially during a Dressage class where you both must be totally in sync and your mount is so tuned into your every nuance that even a hint of movement on your part will affect performance. Or even in a race the jockey is communicating confidence or a lack of at every moment from the time their feet touch the stirrups. In these situations and many others it becomes clear just how critical it is to enter into the arena, the show ring or the starting gate with the right mindset and maintain that same steady focus throughout the event. And this is not a problem that can be resolved by another lesson or workout and it for sure is not something that will ever fix itself. In Equine competitions where a fraction of a second or a mere point or two is all that separates the winners from the losers it seems that the importance of taking care of the mental preparation can not be stressed enough. Allow me to show you just how doable it is to be able to control and maintain a state of mind that will enable you to handle the pressure that some may feel that interferes with optimal performance throughout all Equine sporting events.  You and your mount are all alone out there with all eyes in the crowd focused on every move you make and this compounds challenging situations where often very little space separates you from your competition.

One thing we will teach you is that Performance = Potential – Interference , which I’m guessing is very easy for you to understand, and it is the Interference part that I can help you with because that is so often the very thing that is keeping you from the success that you might otherwise achieve. It often is the only difference between success and failure. Let me show you how relatively easy you can enjoy the sweet taste of victory. Now when I say easy I am comparing it to the amount of effort that goes into having a successful Show Barn or Racing Stable. Of course there is still a bit of work required on your part in order to up your mental game. Imagine yourself leaving the ring with the Blue Ribbon, or the show as Reserve or even Grand Champion. Or picture yourself loading up and leaving the Rodeo with the prize money tucked away in your pocket. And the best way to finish a race is with a trip to the Winners Circle.

The next step is to discover your limiting beliefs and change them. What’s holding you back? I can help you. Call for your free consultation at 609 575-7656 or email me at

Now is the time to improve the future of the rider in your life! Because after all Winners Win in Advance!