The word, “affirmation”, is defined as emotional support or encouragement. At every horse show, riders will dwell on defeat before even entering the pen, which can cause a downward spiral of mindset. On the Power of Positivity Facebook page, a list of affirmations was given to better someone’s day. However, we can use these affirmations in the horse world to help better our odds of succeeding by creating positive energy. From that positivity, we can then prove to the judges we have what it takes to be successful.
1. “Every Ride We Get Stronger”
Think back to the very first ride on your current horse. It was likely nowhere near as successful, or as connected as you are now. With every ride together, our bonds with our horses grow stronger as we learn something new almost every time out. The same can be said for every horse show. You will not only learn something new at every horse show, but you can also improve and become a stronger competitor each time you step into the show pen. Reminding yourself that you are a better rider today than you were yesterday will give you an extra confidence boost.
2. “I Am Free of Worry and at Peace”
Even when faced with a difficult pattern or set of maneuvers, the more we practice, the better it will turn out. Though it is only human nature to worry or get panicked upon completing a difficult task, practicing and repetition will only help to ease your worry. The more confident and peaceful a rider can stay, the better the horse will feel and perform as they can typically sense our stress. It is no secret that horses can pick up on our vibes and by remaining calm and collected when faced with difficult situations will help you to not only relax, but your partner as well.
3. “Something AWESOME is going to happen to me today”
It is all too often that we step in the show arena with a, “Here goes nothing!” mentality. However, this is often untrue and the first sign of accepting defeat. Instead of setting low expectations and hoping for the best, sometimes it can be more beneficial to prepare for perfection and plan on performing with all we’ve got. Dedicating to a more positive mindset, we are already challenging ourselves to ride better than ever before. Thinking and planning for success will help to push harder for your dreams to come true. Having a positive attitude is one key to have a great ride every time.
4. “I Have a Lot to be Thankful For”
Inside or outside of the show pen, it’s safe to say that we all have a lot to be thankful for. We can too easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of horse show chaos and dwell on the negative aspects. However, just having the time to be at a show is a blessing in itself. Being healthy enough to ride and compete can be a small feat in itself when it comes to soundness and other issues that many show horses have. No matter the outcome inside of the arena, we still must count our blessings and stay humble.
5. “I Am Strong, I Can Get Through Anything”
Sometimes as riders, we underestimate ourselves. Other times, we underestimate our horses. When faced with difficult obstacles that make us second-guess our skills, the best thing to do is to reassure ourselves of our strength. Showing horses is meant to challenge us. If we weren’t up for the challenge, we would stay home in the comfort of our own arenas instead of venturing out to compete on the main stage. When the going gets tough, remind yourself that you can accomplish anything you choose. If anything, judges can recognize confidence and self-assurance can give you the upper hand.
6. “I Love So Many Things About My Horse”
Not all horses are created equal, and some have more to give in certain areas than others. This being the case, a good horseman can look at a horse and pick out its features that should be highlighted over its traits that need work. In many classes, an exhibitor can choose to play some maneuvers safer while really showing off their skills during other parts. Knowing and accepting that your horse won’t be perfect all the time does not need to deter from loving their positive qualities. Reminding yourself that you love the horse you are on can be great assurance.
7. “I Am In Charge of my Ride and I Choose to Make it Great”
We have all come out of the arena and heard riders blame their bad riders on a multitude of things which can include, their horse being fresh; the arena footing being less than desirable; their trainer’s lack of preparation; the pattern’s toughness or even the most well-known, “the judges don’t like me.” We have all heard these excuses before but what everyone needs to remember is, you are in charge of your own ride and dwelling on the negatives will not improve you, but committing to excellence will. Choose to make your ride memorable for the better and set the bar as high as possible.
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These affirmations are all great reminders that can perk our spirits and boost our confidence when show time comes around. Keeping these on hand can be an easy reminder to remain calm, ride strong and set the bar as high as you can. Not everyone has the opportunity to show at the highest level, so taking advantage of every class can help make the most of each horse show.
About the Author: Samantha Armbruster is a 22-year-old student from Sunbury, Ohio who is currently pursuing a degree in Public Relations from Franklin University. She currently shows her Quarter Horse gelding, Oops I Am Good, also known as “Hudson”, on the Quarter Horse circuit. Samantha rides with Judd and Jennifer Paul/ Irongate Quarter Horses and loves being involved in the industry from lending a hand to the younger kids to learning from the top professionals. In 2016, Sam and her horse Hudson won an NSBA World Championship in Trail as well as a Quarter Horse Congress Championship in Showmanship.
