These days, it’s hard to stay in the moment due to constant distractions and thinking about the future. Many people have trouble concentrating on the present and what’s happening now. Equestrians are very proactive, competitive, and goal-oriented. As the famous saying goes, “Sometimes we all need to stop and smell the roses.”
Our industry experts have helped us identify three tips to help you stay in the moment with your horse, both inside and outside the show arena. One of the biggest regrets many past competitors have told us is that they should have enjoyed the time with their horses more.
Mindfulness Meditation
Exhibitors have a lot of hurry up and wait at horse shows. During your downtime, take time to meditate before you show. There are Apps like Calm and Slowdive that you can download to your phone and choose certain meditations or breathing exercises that will get you in a relaxed, focussed state before you show.
Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing them to pass through without getting caught up in them. Use controlled breathing to bring your focus back to the present. Mentally scan your body, noticing sensations in each area.
“Find spots where you’re going to take a deep breath to keep yourself focused,” Trainer Alex Bryner says. “I would repeat this while on the horse, preferably where you will show the event. Before showing, be ready early. If available, watch some other runs before your class. Run through the pattern while closing your eyes and remembering to take deep breaths. Use this while visualizing the best outcome. Keep getting yourself out there.”
Lauren Crivelli, a top amateur on the show circuit, said to focus on your horse. “Working on being present during your run can help to calm the nerves. Focus on each stride, what you feel your horse doing, and what the next move should feel like.”
Spend Time with Your Horse in Nature
Be aware of your environment and actively take in details about your surroundings. Engage your senses: Pay close attention to what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in the moment. This grounding exercise will help you concentrate on the here and now.
“Just spending time with and handling my horses helps me build a bond with them. And lots of pets and treats,” Ashley Dunbar-Clock laughs. “I do occasionally hang out with my horses in their stalls. Sometimes, if it’s been a rough day, just hanging with them helps calm things down in my head. Horses are my therapy. So, hanging with them in their stall helps me to feel I am building a bond with them.”
Oftentimes, if there are any open fields, that’s a great place to be in the moment with your horse. Take a walk or ride with your horse outside the arena at shows. Try to enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes, it can feel like a business transaction between a horse and rider. Some equestrians miss the beauty and connection of spending time with their horse and forget why they started showing horses in the first place.
“Showing them love and affection during that downtime is equally important. That bond also starts on the ground,” youth Estelle McParlan says. “I love my horses deeply and show them that love through confidence and consistency so they always know they can rely on me and trust me.”
Take time to bond with your horse. Always remember that showing horses is supposed to be fun. If it’s not, then you may need to reevaluate and determine the steps to develop positive ways to enjoy the time with your horse in the show arena.
Eliminate Distractions
“Do not concern yourself with outside interests, i.e., judges, spectators, friends, and family,” Oklahoma trainer Leigh Berryhill told us. “On that note, people new to the show environment often get quite distracted when friends and family show up to watch. It puts undue pressure on some to impress these folks and usually causes mess-ups. It’s best to eliminate all outside distractions. It’s just you and your horse.”
Also, multi-tasking often distracts and stresses people out. Give your full attention to the activity you are currently doing. Studies show that productivity decreases by 40 percent, and mistakes increase by 50 percent when someone tries to do more than one thing at a time.
Mozart once said, “The shorter way to do many things is only to do one thing at a time.” Focus on one maneuver at a time, one class at a time, one day at a time, one show at a time.
Don’t get distracted by negative thoughts or mistakes that may happen. Practice gratitude: Appreciate the positive aspects of your life in the present moment.