Regarding competition, everyone appreciates the little things that may give them a leg up, whether physical or mental—sometimes even superstitious. Trainer and AQHA judge Carmen Mayabb of Ocala, Florida, suggests embracing these five habits for success in the saddle, the show pen, and beyond.
1. Set a goal every day
Mayabb says it’s essential to know the purpose of that day for you and your horse before mounting up for a ride. Without a clear goal, wasting time and accomplishing nothing is easy. “Even if that plan is just to cruise around that day, know what you want to accomplish before you start,” Mayabb says.
Additionally, break down significant goals into more manageable and specific ones to avoid overwhelming your horse and yourself. For example, instead of a broad statement like “I’m going to work on showmanship,” consider where improvements can be made and focus on something small related to that. “I’m going to work on pivots, increasing speed in the second half of each spin.”
The goal may be to increase the speed of the entire pivot the next time. Breaking down a big goal into a series of attainable steps helps both horse and rider feel successful rather than frustrated.
2. Plan for the peak
Related to item one above, map out your show season in terms of what shows are most important for success. These are the shows you’d want horse and rider to be performing at their peaks. Plan backward from that desired “peak” date to determine weekly and daily goals leading to the big show.
“Understand that horses cannot be peaked and show-ready every day,” Mayabb cautions. “Be aware that these are animals with their minds, so ride the horse you have that day and remember that not every day is going to be great.” Expect it and be okay with it.
3. Spend as much time as possible in the saddle
There is no better alternative to improve riding skill and ability than time spent in the saddle. “Muscles we use riding are different than those used while working out or lifting weights a lot of the time,” Mayabb says. So when it comes to being ready to perform physically, “maintaining the best physical fitness you can always helps,” but time aboard your horse is irreplaceable.
Accomplished horsemen and women will always say that riding as many horses as possible will improve your skills and horsemanship, so if it’s a rest day for your horse, hop on anything you can get your hands on to keep improving yourself. At the same time, your equine partner enjoys a mental and physical reprieve.
4. Strengthen your body
Get in the habit of riding for strength. Strong legs are a non-negotiable, so aside from being generally strong, find ways to improve leg strength, and it will pay off in dividends, especially in Equitation or Horsemanship.
“Riding without stirrups is always beneficial for balance, seat and leg position, and two-pointing is also a great strengthening tool,” Mayabb says. Posting at the walk is another idea; try posting the walk the length of the arena during your warm-up or cool-down and increase or decrease that amount as needed. To build leg strength on the ground, add lunges, squats, and abductor raises to your day; find a daily activity to link these exercises to and do them then (like brushing your teeth, for example).
Additionally, incorporating yoga into your weekly routine can help balance and provide an opportunity for a mental reset. Core exercises will also pay off in the saddle, giving the strength to hold a firm line with good posture, so consider alternating the leg exercises above with things like supermans or high, low, and side planks.
5. Embrace opportunities for reward
Without a doubt, riding and showing is a physically taxing hobby for both you and your horse. But don’t forget how mentally “on” both horse and rider team members need to be to achieve success.
Without a mental break, everyone can get a little sour. After large circuit shows, horses in the Mayabbs’ care enjoy well-deserved time off. “I think it helps clear their minds,” she says. “We love turning horses out if they’re used to that; I think it’s great for their minds. We also go through many cookies, carrots, and sweet potatoes here,” she says.
Additionally, learn to be okay with a short ride. If your goal for the ride was accomplished, don’t be afraid to end earlier than usual. “Always remember horses learn from reward. Ride until it’s good and quit – 15 minutes or an hour – and let them know that the rest is their reward for being good. And always quit on a high note.”
Improving as a rider is a forever process, but embracing any or all of these habits as part of the normal routine is certain to set the stage for success.
