Every rider knows that winning in the show pen takes more than talent, time, and training. Behind every successful pattern lies a strong, focused mind. One that can manage pressure, perfectionism, and perspective. While horses are our partners, our thoughts are our real competition.
We spoke with several top non-pros and trainers about how they stay mentally strong and focused when things don’t go as planned. Their answers prove that the best competitors aren’t just great riders, they’re great thinkers.
Staying Positive and Present
When the pressure mounts, Katy Jo Zuidema has learned to “outthink” negativity by changing her state of mind…literally. “If I’m in a bad mood or feel things slipping, I make myself pretend to be in a good mood for an hour,” she says. “It sounds silly, but it works. I talk back to negative thoughts with positive ones. It takes discipline, but it’s powerful. Eventually, it becomes contagious to everyone around me, including me. And if all else fails,” she jokes, “there’s always wine.”
For longtime breeder and exhibitor Elizabeth ‘Spike’ Brewer, gratitude is her greatest reset button. “Anyone showing horses struggles with staying positive,” she says. “But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to take a more laid-back approach. If I get lucky enough to have a horse to show, especially one I’ve raised, that’s already a win. Anything beyond that is just the cherry on top.”
Reframing Perfectionism
Every serious competitor wants to ride their best but, perfectionism can quickly turn from drive to discouragement. Amateur exhibitor Ashley Hadlock says she’s learned to reframe her mindset in the saddle. “If I focus on the negative, it only grows,” she explains. “Now, I make myself find one positive, no matter how small, and build on that. My horse feels that energy. They don’t want you picking apart what went wrong; they want you to show them you appreciate what went right.”
Amateur Grant Mastin agrees that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. “Navigating a competitive environment can be challenging,” he says. “The pressure, if not managed well, can become your downfall. You have to seek positives in every situation, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and foster a growth mindset. It’s about staying open, learning from others, and finding an escape when you need to reset.”
Connection and Gratitude
Sometimes, a healthy mindset means leaning on others. Select Amateur Kathy Tobin says talking things through can make all the difference. “When I’m frustrated, I vent to my husband or friends,” she says. “They help me see things clearly. And I always tell riders to watch the trainers show. They go off pattern, spook horses, and make mistakes, too. It’s a good reminder that no one is perfect.”
Faith helps Tiina Volmer stay grounded no matter what the scoreboard says. “Even if things don’t go the way I planned, I thank God every day that I get to do this,” she says. “Struggles are challenges, not failures. Horses have a way of humbling us and reminding us we’re never done learning. When things don’t work, I try the opposite, even if it doesn’t make sense. It gets me thinking creatively and helps me get out of a rut.”
Reset and Refocus
For Amateur Rachel Kooiker, the simplest tools are often the most powerful. “Counting is my favorite way to reset,” she says. “I’ll count in patterns, up to 100 and back down to one. It takes just enough focus to derail negative thoughts.”
When her inner critic gets loud, Kooiker has another trick up her sleeve. “I label the thought, then contradict it with something true and positive. It’s like playing the opposite of devil’s advocate.”
She also reminds herself, and her students, that it only takes a few seconds to shift a negative mindset. “If you catch yourself ruminating, set a timer and do something to break the thought cycle for 30 seconds. A quick dance party always works,” she laughs. “And if all else fails, be a goldfish. They only have a ten-second memory.”
Finding Balance and Grace
As a veterinary student balancing academics and competition, amateur Paige Wacker has learned that her mindset affects every aspect of her riding. “When I’m mentally drained, I don’t ride,” she says. “I’ll groom my horse, take him for a walk, or just spend time with him instead.”
At shows, visualization helps her stay grounded. “I’ll walk the lines of my pattern and picture every step,” she says. “It helps me focus on what’s in front of me instead of what could go wrong. I’m a perfectionist, so I’ve had to learn to give myself grace when I make mistakes. My horse is green, and every ride is a lesson for both of us.”
Routine and Reflection
Top coach Holly Hover agrees that the key to mental toughness is structure, and perspective. Decades ago, she learned a powerful tool from sports psychologist Grace Hoyt. “Grace told me to start by naming five things I did well before mentioning what I wanted to improve,” Hover recalls. “We all carry shelves filled with doubts and mistakes. Each time you show, take one of those things off the shelf and don’t let it return. Reward yourself first, then refine.”
Hover still uses that approach today, with herself and her students. “If you focus only on your mistakes,” she says, “you’ll miss the progress that’s right in front of you.”
The Common Thread
Every rider we spoke with shared a slightly different approach; counting, reframing, faking a smile, praying. But, the message is the same – success starts in the mind.
Mental strength isn’t about ignoring mistakes or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about learning to reset quickly, embrace imperfection, and keep showing up with intention.
As Hover puts it, “Take one mistake off your shelf each time you show.”
Because in the end, that’s what the most successful riders do: they learn, they adjust, and they ride again. One thought, one pattern, one day at a time.
