We would all like to climb the success ladder as quickly as possible, but the truth is, there is no race in perfecting an art form. That is especially true when that art happens between a horse and rider – two free-willed beings who can make mistakes and lack communication. That’s what makes success so sweet in this industry. All of the pieces have to come together to make it happen.
Horse shows are a magical atmosphere where yesterday’s leader can quickly become today’s loser. As blunt as that may sound, we all realize that this sport that we love so dearly is entirely controlled by an animal’s willingness to participate, which is not always an easy task.
Emotions run high in and out of the arena, so keeping every helpful reminder and advice in mind when tensions rise is essential. Here are five simple tips that can help you improve your riding and mindset in the new year.
Tip #1 – Master the Basics
The first habit of good riders is to be in the saddle as much as possible, as often as possible. Riding as much as possible helps you develop the strength needed to compete effectively and enables you to form that essential connection between horse and rider. California Trainer Kellie Egkan-Hinely says that saddle time is key. “Practice and riding with your trainer will help your riding abilities.”
AQHA Judge and Trainer Kelly McDowall agrees with Hinely. “The most important habit of good riders to me is that they schedule lots of practice time in the saddle with a good eye watching them,” McDowall states. “It’s tough to get good unless you practice a lot. Good riders also know it is hard to practice correctly unless they have someone with a good eye for the event(s) they are practicing for, watching and helping them.”
Trainer Beth Clemons adds, “Everyone wants to practice a lope over and they forget to work on the lope off. The basics between obstacles or maneuvers, even on the rail, make everything easier in the long run. The key to success is in the work you’re avoiding.”
“Take each ride one at a time and remember to see how far you’ve come,” says Oregon Trainer Chelsea Carlson. “As we embark on the new year, I feel like having clients reflect on the previous year and their goals is helpful and encouraging. It’s sometimes easy to think you’re not making progress if you don’t view the whole picture.”
How you’re practicing at home is what your horse will carry into the show pen. Practice consistently so the horse has some muscle memory when you go to the show.
Tip #2 – Learn from Mistakes
Additionally, realizing that no one is immune from making mistakes is essential. Amateur Johnna Letchworth Clark notes, “Good riders do not assume they are the only ones that get nervous or the only ones with a little bobble. If you sit and watch your peers, you will see people and even trainers make mistakes. One of the best habits a good rider can have is learning from mistakes.”
Amateur Paige Wacker says she loves watching videos to see precisely the mistake and then visualizing what she can do to either 1) correct it, or 2) prevent it.
APHA Breeder and competitor Jenna Tolson says, “Legends are built on lessons learned from failures. This is my reminder that even our idols have slipped up. What makes them legendary is how they turn those slip-ups into stepping stones. Every mistake is just a chance to level up.”
Don’t take a mistake as something terrible. Mistakes make better riders. Reframe it into a positive. Ohio Trainer Missy Thyfault says, “Use it as a lesson on how not to do something. Use it as a building block on your way up, kick some dirt on it, and move on. Please don’t dwell on it because everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of the pathway to success.”
Tip#3 – Control Your Mental Game
Amateur exhibitor Carey Nowacek notes, “Good riders can control their mental game. I think that’s huge for any athlete. Being able to brush off a mistake and move on to the next ride or maneuver is what separates the great riders.”
In addition, good riders are mentally able to handle the unplanned. Therefore, they do not let unexpected events prevent them from performing to the best of their ability.
Johnna agrees, “Things will not always go as planned – that’s what you get when you pick a horse with its thoughts as a teammate. But, once you are in the show pen and maybe your horse zigged when you wanted to zag, the only thing you can control is how you handle it.”
“This is a tough one. It’s hard for some riders to come back mentally at a show when things go wrong,” Ohio Trainer Melissa Shetler says. “Sometimes you have to regroup and maybe reevaluate goals. Making small goals after a tough day or show is sometimes the way to add some positivity. Bad days and bad shows pass. We all go through it. As a professional, I often remind customers that I also go through it myself.”
AQHA Judge and coach Holly Hover says, “I think mental struggles with competition are real for all of us. The first thing we all focus on is ‘what I did wrong’ or ‘you should have done this.’ A long time ago, a sports psychologist friend gave me some very positive tools for myself as a competitor and my effectiveness as a coach. She told me my first question should be, ‘Tell me five things you did well in this pattern or performance? Now tell me what you would have wanted to do better?’ She said that we all have shelves that hold our mistakes, our doubts…our weak links. Every time you compete, remove at least one of them..one at a time…and concentrate on not letting that issue return to your shelf. I always loved this advice.”
Tip #4 – Work Out
Ohio Trainer Missy Thyfault and AQHA Judge Kendra Weis say that riders should invest in themselves by working out. “Lift weights and treat yourself like an athlete because you are one.” Hinely adds, “Pilates has been helpful with my clients who don’t ride often.”
Physical fitness is invaluable to every athlete’s success and potential to improve their skill set; the same goes for equestrians. Whether your goal is to show at the highest level or enjoy riding for pleasure, your fitness level is paramount to your health and ability as a rider.
Jenna Tolson, who is also a fitness coach, said that the number one thing that equestrians should keep in mind when establishing fitness goals is to “make it realistic. Someone could give you a dynamite plan to follow to get into the best shape of your life, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t remain adherent to it. We must remember to be realistic about what we think is sustainable.”
Improving your health through working out is not an overnight phenomenon. Understanding your capabilities, goals, and the time it will realistically take to accomplish them is essential to creating a workout plan that will help you find success, both in and out of the saddle.
Though showing horses is not necessarily as physically demanding as Olympic-level gymnastics, it does require a significant physical and mental contribution from the rider that can become exhausting after continual effort. Working to improve your physical fitness away from the barn will undoubtedly enhance your stamina and abilities on horseback, whether on trail rides or in the show pen.
Starting a new fitness routine is most definitely a worthwhile challenge. Whether you are a youth, select, trainer, or non-pro, something can be gained from improving your physical well-being. Jenna summed it nicely: “It is never too late to start. You are never too old to start. You are never too far gone to start. You are never too different to start. You are never too busy to start. You have to start!”
Tip #5 – Have Fun
AQHA World Champion Trainer and Judge Jamie Hartman says, “Aim high, but accept that it is a process and don’t put too much expectation on your horse because they don’t know what that means.”
Having fun allows you to enjoy the entire experience of a horse show. By being positive, your experience doesn’t rely on the score that you receive in the arena. Instead, your joy and peace can come from within, sharing your barn family’s good and bad moments.
Positivity will keep you excited and coming back for more to see what you have learned and where you can improve. Amateur Kaleena Weakly agrees, “It’s always great to remind yourself you’re only competing against yourself and better than your last ride, no matter what season you’re in, whether an old broke horse or a young green prospect.”
APHA Amateur Elizabeth “Spike” Brewer says that anyone showing horses struggles with staying positive. “As I have gotten older, I’ve embraced a much more laid-back approach and truly am thankful if I get lucky to have a horse to show. I try to raise most of the horses I show, so as any small breeder knows, many things can go wrong. So, if you get lucky enough to have one make it to the show pen, that’s a huge accomplishment. Anything else is a cherry on top. Enjoy the process and enjoy the ride even more.”
“What I enjoy most is the bond with the horse and the growth that occurs over time, both in the ability of the animal and myself,” says Patty Bogosh, an amateur from Illinois. “The amount of trust and love that evolves is irreplaceable. I do this sport because I find a deeper connection with the animal than just a tool to win a prize, and it’s important to me that the horse trusts me and knows I have their back. I started doing this so many years ago because of my intense passion for animals, and no matter the talent level, the connection is what’s most important.”
Finally, youth exhibitor Estelle McParlan says that she loves how many people she’s met and the friendships she’s made because of showing. “Some of my best friends are part of this industry. Every aspect of showing horses makes me happy. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember; I can’t imagine my life without horses and showing.”