Attitude CheCk
‘A Team Effort’: HelPing Parents HelP
success and performance under pres- If a parent can contribute to the team
sure: When teammates feel that their in ways that make use of their talents
I t’s safe to say that getting a ju- efforts are backed by true faith that (photographer, design work, etc.) it can
nior rider to the ring is a team effort they will be successful over the long be a positive way to help the parent
that includes a lot of parental support. term, good things happen. feel valued (for more than just writing
Whether it is emotional support, orga- a check) and it can be a tremendously
nization, time management, transpor- TIPS FOR CREATING HAPPY, enjoyable experience for all.
tation, financial backing – or a big mix HELPING PARENTS.
of all of these factors, most juniors ► Create opportunities to air feelings and
owe a big debt of gratitude to their ► Give parents clear roles and tasks. tweak the plan. No plan, role or bound-
parents for making their competitive Whether it’s holding the water bottle ary should have to remain static for-
lives workable and successful. and hunt coat, or staying in the stands ever. Try to check-in with each other
with the video camera, it is helpful to periodically to make sure the parents’
Now, does that mean that the team talk about what contributions you (the role is working for everyone involved.
cohesion between parent and child is junior rider) and your trainer would
perfect and the team runs like a Swiss appreciate. Try to have this conversa- ► Encourage parents to follow their inter-
watch? Perhaps, but it is also possible tion well before the show or at least ests/hobbies/exercise routines at the shows.
that the parent-child relationship, as it ahead of time, in order to facilitate a Happy, fulfilled parents make happy
relates to horse shows, could benefit positive response and avoid miscom- teammates – see if you can encour-
from a small tune-up now and then. munication. age them to spend down-time at the
shows doing things that they especially
TEAM FACTORS: WHAT WORKS? enjoy so that their goals are being ac-
complished too!
Look around at sport’s best success
stories – whether true ‘team’ sports
(like basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.) Tonya Johnston, MA, is a sport psychology
or other individual sports that require consultant and hunter/jumper competitor who
a ‘team’ to get one athlete to the com- has specialized in working with equestrian
petition field (tennis, golf, figure skat- athletes for the past 15 years. Her consulting
ing, etc.) – and you will see some uni- sessions provide support and insight for rid-
versal truths: ers while helping them develop personalized
performance routines. Tonya’s clients have at-
1. Championship team players ► Define boundaries that work for every- tained competitive suc-
have roles: The best teams have people one – trainer, rider, parent, etc. By planning cess at every level, in-
involved who enjoy fulfilling their role, where, when and how the team will cluding national titles
no matter how big or small. communicate you ensure that every- and awards. She con-
2. Communication is essential: one, parents included, know what will ducts “Sport Psychol-
Each team-member feels that they are be most successful for all team mem- ogy for Riders” clinics
heard and that their input is valuable. bers. For example, hearing feedback or around the country
3. Support comes in many observations on your ride from your as well as phone con-
forms: There is tangible assistance (a parent when driving back to the hotel sultations with indi-
ride to the horse show at 6 am) and is be better than in-between classes or vidual clients. Phone:
intangible assistance (an upbeat tone at the back gate. 510.418.3664. www.
of voice and smile) – both are invalu-
TonyaJohnston.com
able to the overall performance of the ► Promote parents utilizing their strengths.
team. Occasionally your barn can benefit
4. Trust is crucial for long-term from your parent’s expertise or skills.
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