Coming from a sporting background, mountain biking, skiing, hockey, cricket and
rugby to mention a few, I knew riding a horse would fulfill my desire for that
adrenalin rush you feel when you push yourself to the extreme.
Learning to ride a horse was probably the hardest
thing I have ever done. Not only did I have to control my feelings, emotions
and fears but I had to think about the horse’s feelings, emotions and fears. I
realised this was a science, the ultimate challenge of the mind and body and
the combination intrigued me.
I remember watching a lesson for the first time. I
found it fascinating.
The intricate movements that had to be made, the
rethinking process when things did not always go to plan, the shear dedication
it took to listen to your trainer, implement the strategy and keep level headed
really stood out for me. Riders had to think out of the box, attempt every
training session differently, critically analyse each session before and after.
Riders had to maximise their time white juggling a job, training in the early hours of the morning or
after work, come rain or shine and manage
a competition schedule. Fitting everything in and staying confident and resilient
required sheer determination.
So, what steps should you take to stay confident
and resilient? One think comes to mind. I have seen this happen repeatedly with
the clients I have worked with. Not only in the equine world but also within my
corporate training business. We take the stresses and distractions from other
areas of our lives and take it into the arena with us. A bad day at work,
arriving late for your lesson, a disastrous morning commute, extra family
demands, or being asked to deliver an additional piece of work that will
require you to work late into the night. However, you need to ride because you
have an all-day meeting tomorrow.
Day to day stresses cause physical and mental
tension that continues to affect you long after the event. Your stress then
transfers into your horse, your lesson, your patience and your ability to learn
and digest new information and processes.
What can you do to minimise the effects of everyday
stress? One technique that immediately comes to mind is taking 5 minutes “out”
and take yourself to a place that puts a smile to your face, a memory, a
person, that perfect holiday. Breathe deeply from the bottom of your stomach in
through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this several times. Give your
mind a holiday. Notice, the effect it has on your thoughts, stress and mind?
Find the positive, the reason why you ride and love your horse. Go on and Be
the Change for yourself.
