Equestrian Mental Performance Training
Why do equestrians need mental training?
Because equestrian is an incredibly challenging sport that puts big demands on the body and mind of a rider.
Just think about it, the rider has their own mind to manage alongside the mind of their equine partner. To excel in equestrian sport, a rider needs to manage mistakes, emotions, and frightening experiences.
They need to bounce back from setbacks and develop strong mental habits to support them through the inevitable ups and downs of a life with horses.
They need determination, courage, clarity of purpose, patience, and perseverance. Equestrians are busy people and as a result, mental skills training is rarely prioritised.
However, it is becomingly increasingly popular as equestrians begin to recognise the life-changing benefits of learning to manage their minds. Riders are experiencing improved results, improved experience of their sport, and improved relationships with their horses after engaging with mental skills training.
“Before I started working with Annika I was frustrated and scared when it came to my riding. I had an unfortunate injury that took months to rehabilitate which created a lot of fear when I got back in the saddle jumping again. After working with Annika for a short time myself and my coach noticed a huge difference in my riding! I am able to be confident in my decisions and my horse is much happier and is back trusting me. My mindset has completely changed and I find myself wanting to jump the big or spooky jumps that used to scare me! To anyone struggling with their riding or who just want to enhance their performance, I highly suggest Annika. She listens, is kind, and will give you some very valuable skills!”
-Madi Draper, Equestrian, Vancouver Island, BC.
When might mental skills training be helpful to equestrians?
To optimise performance in training and competition
When you are experiencing low confidence
Managing nerves in competition and at home
When you are struggling to maintain or find motivation
When you are moving up a level/grade/height
When you are returning to riding after a long break
When recovering from an accident/fall/ or traumatic event
When competing as part of a team
Preparing and planning for a career in equestrian sport
To build a more harmonious relationship with your horse(s)
When facing big decisions regarding your sport
What to expect from working together:
An evaluation of your current challenges and mental fitness
Working together to train and develop your mental skills
A developing awareness of how to coach yourself through challenges and difficult experiences
Tangible skills you can practice in and out of the saddle
Optional support implementing those skills in the saddle (virtually or in-person)
Optional support implementing at competition (virtually or in-person)
I like to think of riding as a team sport, because you are in a partnership with your horse. Often when riders are experiencing challenges, those challenges are not