Attitude Check
Manage Your Butterflies,
Control Your Focus
By Tonya Johnston, M.A.
alking through the goals for things in your control. image in your mind’s eye you may even
W
in gate at a big show For example, an extremely busy feel your energy – or butterflies – start
feeling focused, and high-pressure warm-up ring can up as you imagine standing at the in-
excited and ready is be an environment that triggers your gate of your ring. This is excellent; you
a skill that all riders adrenaline response. (Talk about have created an ideal opportunity to
need. It doesn’t matter if you are in a things that are out of your control!) practice maintaining your focus while
novice equitation class or a World Cup By thinking ahead of time about your harnessing your excitement.
qualifier, the ability to harness energy goals – based on things in your control Additionally, positive affirmations
or adrenaline and direct it to your – you can come to that setting with a built on your performance goals can
riding skills is essential. In fact, it is sense of purpose and clarity. You may remind you of skills and qualities you
often this ability that is a major factor want to: walk in two-point for a minute possess (or what you are working
in separating the competition on any to focus on your securing your lower towards) that will help you ride
given day. So, how do you approach leg; pick out focal points so you get successfully. In the warm-up ring
your greatest horse show challenges? straight to the warm-up jumps; and use example from above your affirmations
Is your extra energy a surprise that the cue word “eyes” to remind yourself may be: “My leg is strong.” and “I
makes you feel ‘nervous’? Or do you to look up early in the corners. These ride a straight track to the middle of
concentrate on feeling ‘ready’? goals are anchors for your focus, and every jump.” and “My energy helps me
To begin, it’s helpful to identify you will feel more confident heading focus!”
exactly what you can control and what to the warm-up ring knowing you have Remember, your energy ‘comes up’
you can’t, so you can channel your specific strategies for directing your in important situations to help you
energy and attention wisely. One way energy and attention.. face your riding challenges; it’s up to
to do this is to create a list of things When you anticipate extra nervous- you to use it wisely!
‘out of your control’ and ‘in your ness at particular shows it is important
control’ with regard to your riding. to prepare mentally as well as physically. Tonya Johnston, MA, is a sport psychology
Brainstorm the ‘out of control’ things Visualizing yourself riding with consultant and hunter/jumper competitor who
first (weather, competitors, courses, confidence at the show before you has specialized in working with equestrian
judging, etc.), and then make a list you get there is an effective strategy. Make athletes for the past 15 years. Tonya’s clients
CAN control (attitude, organization, courses, work-offs, or jump-offs to have attained competitive success at every
focus, you and your horse’s preparation, ride in your mind with vivid pictures of level, from local shows to national titles and
etc.). Once you have these lists it is easy the exact ring you will be riding in, and awards. Phone: 510.418.3664.
to identify areas to expend your energy imagine achieving your performance
www.TonyaJohnston.com.
on and craft specific performance goals. When you create a vibrant
A horse show mom accepts us for who we are, believes in
who we can be, and loves us during the in between.
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