In the high-stakes world of competitive horse showing, success isn’t built overnight – or only in the saddle. Behind every polished performance is a series of quiet, consistent habits that riders rely on to stay mentally sharp, emotionally connected, and physically prepared. These microhabits – small actions done regularly – don’t take much time, but they compound over time into significant results.
We talked to several passionate non-pro equestrians to learn the simple things they do every day that make a big difference in the show pen. Here are five microhabits they swear by, and why you might want to start using them too.
1. Visualize Your Ride Every Day
Microhabit: Spend 3–5 minutes mentally riding your class or pattern.
Why it works: Visualization helps build confidence, reduce nerves, and create muscle memory, so you’re better prepared under pressure.
How riders use it:
Amateur Patty Bogosh begins visualizing before she even gets on the horse. “I think about my body position, the horse’s body position, and how to stay present in each maneuver,” she says.
Veteran top competitor Olivia Medows credits visualization as a “game-changer,” a habit she picked up while competing for the Auburn Equestrian team. She even talks through her ride out loud with her trainer, Brent Tincher, to reinforce the plan.
Evie Doles physically walks her patterns at big shows, pairing visualization with movement. She also uses a mantra, “I’m a great rider and I have a great horse” to center her focus and calm her nerves.
Johnna Letchworth-Clark agrees: “When I can see it, I can do it. Visualization gives me things to work on and helps set realistic goals.”
2. Polish One Detail Daily
Microhabit: Choose one small thing, like your hands, posture, or a transition, and give it extra attention.
Why it works: Progress is found in the details. This habit keeps improvement constant, even when time is short.
Patty explains that she identifies a single focus for every ride. “Before I get on the horse, I think about what I can do to improve my communication. Focusing on the result helps me adjust my approach instead of expecting my horse to adjust to me.”
Vanessa Froman shares a similar strategy: her coach, Jenell Pogue, encouraged her to master just two things each time she shows. “Those two things keep changing as I improve, but focusing on a couple of specific goals has made a huge difference.”
3. Practice Gratitude for Your Horse
Microhabit: At the end of every ride, acknowledge one thing your horse did well.
Why it works: Keeps you emotionally connected, builds trust, and helps you stay positive, even when rides don’t go perfectly.
Patty personalizes her gratitude. “One of my horses likes verbal praise, and the other prefers pets. I’ve found that when I keep a positive mindset, the horse recognizes the reward better.”
Johnna reminds herself of the “why” behind it all: “Rides are so much more fun when you take time to enjoy the animal. That’s why we all do this, isn’t it?”
Vanessa made gratitude a daily practice after realizing how much negativity can drain joy and energy. “I was miserable for a season. My husband told me, ‘You work too hard and spend too much money to be this unhappy.’ That was a wake-up call. Once I focused on gratitude, the positive impact reached beyond the show arena.”
4. Log Each Ride in 1–2 Sentences
Microhabit: After each ride, write a quick note – what went well, what needs work, or what you learned.
Why it works: Tracking helps you notice patterns, stay objective, and plan smarter.
Patty uses this habit to avoid being overwhelmed: “Trying to focus on too much at once gets stressful, for both me and the horse. Logging helps me identify progress and what we need to work on next.”
This short reflection creates a sense of continuity in training, builds long-term awareness, and helps you become your own coach.
5. Do a 30-Second Mental Reset Before You Enter
Microhabit: Right before entering the pen, take 3 deep breaths, roll your shoulders back, and use a focus cue like “stay soft and ride forward.”
Why it works: It centers your energy, quiets nerves, and builds a consistent mindset for competition.
Patty uses a deep breath to control her heart rate and get present. “Staying in the moment, not thinking ahead, helps me communicate clearly and avoid confusing my horse.”
Vanessa practices breathing techniques she’s refined over the years. “At first, it took me counting to 30 to feel ready. Now I can center myself in just 5 counts. Consistency and practice made that possible.”
Evie combines her mantra with calming techniques for a pre-ride reset. “It’s made such a difference in my show nerves.”
Why Microhabits Matter
Success in the show pen isn’t just about talent or expensive horses…it’s about what you do every day to build your mental strength, improve your communication, and deepen your connection with your horse.
These riders prove that five minutes of focus, a single deep breath, or one sentence of reflection can go a long way. So the next time you step into the arena, remember: it’s the little things, done with intention, that set champions apart.
