From the Hoof

 Spring is just around the corner.  We have been lucky to have such a mild winter where those of us without an indoor school have been able to ride outside . . . and that meant me, too. I have enjoyed the on/off riding although I really like to bring my horses back into work and school them progressing daily. I did make our nonconsecutive schooling sessions fun. 

 This month I want to talk about our state of mind and body. We riders are athletes and are governed by moods, temperament and fitness but what makes us different from other athletes is that we have to rely on another living being (our horse) to get the job done. Owning and riding horses requires a lot more commitment than most other sports and our motivation can be split into extrinsic and intrinsic factors.  Extrinsic factors are winning money (superficial reasons for riding) whilst intrinsic factors are the joy of riding, having fun and the love we have for our horse(s). 

 The latter factors are ones that get us going best and we sometimes forget why we own and ride horses, get stuck in a routine and things become stale. If you don't feel motivated towards your riding or horse, then try to remember why you liked riding and being around horses in the first place. Was it enjoying the countryside whilst on a trial ride, the excitement of going fast and/or jumping or just taking care of your horse?

 Whatever sort of rider or horse owner you are there will be times when your head isn't in gear. This could be due to losing confidence or letting your problems at home or work/school affect your performance and we need to get our mind back on track.  We often get stuck in a mind set and are reluctant to change, but we need to if we want to improve our riding and the way our horse goes.

 Horses are prey animals and like to live in herds, so when they sense danger or get scared their natural reaction is to spook or take flight. As riders/owners we can loose confidence through falling off, the horse bolting, losing control of a situation, embarrassing ourselves in front of parents, friends or other riders, not achieving our goals, owning/riding a horse that is too much for you to handle, and equating your self worth with your riding performance (if I do ride bad, I must be a bad person).  

 So how do we get our confidence back? Tackle things you know you can handle with your skills and experience, therefore not allowing yourself to fail. 

 Measure your performance against your own standards rather than other peoples. If you need help then seek a good trainer or an experienced barn member so that you gain confidence.  Keep a positive approach. Negative thoughts and talk are destructive and don't serve a useful purpose. If you have not been able to ride for a while and then decide to take up lessons or go riding, don't think I am going to be useless as I am unfit and haven't ridden for ages, turn this negative thought around and think, I haven't ridden in a while and I feel refreshed and ready to get going again. 

 You need to focus, so leave your worries, arguments at home and tiredness behind. If you can't concentrate then you can hardly expect your horse too. 

 Be positive and have fun!