About Equine Reflections Life Coaching
I used too - but......
Remember the excitement you felt rushing to the farm to see your horse, that sweet smell of hay and horses that so many of us cherish. Bringing him in from the field, grooming him, and tacking him up made you feel alive. When you rode, it was like soaring through the sky, a pure moment of joy. But then something changed. It’s that unspoken moment we all fear—you lost your nerve while leading him in from the paddock. You got cornered in the stall and fell off when you were just walking. That incredible feeling of joy has turned into dread and uncertainty. I understand how frustrating it must be to hear others say, “Just get over it; that was a year ago.” It’s not that simple, is it? You're not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to take the time you need. Healing and regaining your confidence take time, and every step forward matters.
Breathe
There's a fascinating science behind why your instructor or coach reminds you to breathe. Let's dive into the details together! Here's the short version!
- There are two essential keys to transforming nerves into a powerful asset: breathing and active relaxation. The advice "don’t forget to breathe" is just as crucial as any technical guidance you might receive. Holding your breath is a common physiological response to anticipation, which leads to inadequate oxygen supply and erratic heartbeats. This response sends a clear signal to your brain that you are in danger. Consequently, blood rushes to the emotional centers of the brain, bypassing the logical thinking areas and hindering your focus. The great news is that breathing is entirely within your control. By practicing rhythmic and deep breathing, you can positively influence your entire nervous system. Active relaxation goes far beyond simply putting your feet up. Tension often accumulates unnoticed in the hours, days, and even weeks leading up to a competition. This can prevent your brain from effectively controlling your muscles, resulting in poor timing and unexpected behavior from your horse. To combat this, cultivate self-awareness by systematically assessing your body—starting with your forehead, eyes, jaw, neck, and shoulders. As you identify areas of tension, exhale through your nose to release it and soften your muscles. Now that you’re feeling calmer let’s tackle the mind.
The mental challenge
- Once you’ve established control over the physiological aspects through breathing and relaxation, the next step is to hone in on "positive focus." This strategy is about directing your attention so that nerves work in your favor rather than against you. Some riders confidently embrace challenges with a clear plan. While it may seem like there is little within our control, the best athletes excel at tuning into those subtle details. They concentrate on taking positive action instead of suppressing their nerves. Embrace this mindset and watch your actions change the moment you breathe.
Connection
There are numerous effective methods for training horses, and it's essential to recognize that not every technique will work for every horse
After years of training, I have developed a deep understanding of what truly resonates with both horse and rider. I’m proud to have learned from exceptional instructors like Kevin Babbington and Lisa May, and I continue to enhance my skills under the guidance of Thierry Durrand. Additionally, my in-hand work with Frits Shactler, along with the TRT Method developed by Tristan Tucker, has reinforced my training approach. Every clinic, training session, audit, and lesson offers invaluable insights, and I firmly believe in the importance of listening to our horses. They provide crucial feedback and can guide us toward what they need. The TRT Method is particularly effective in establishing a strong connection, fostering confidence for both horse and rider. This journey begins on the ground—where we build the foundation for a successful partnership. With the right approach, we can unlock our horses' full potential and elevate our riding experience together.