Coaching
GOING IT ALONE
LINDA DUROCHER
The ‘do it yourself’ path is a tough one to follow. Here are coach Linda’s strategies for a happy outcome
T
here is nothing tougher than going it alone. Whether by choice or circumstance, showing without a trainer can be stressful in the very least. If it is a chosen path then the pressure can be even greater and a little tempered insanity can be an asset.
Circumstances are not relevant, but what is important is how a rider approaches their situation. If a trainer is normally involved and is unable to be at a show, then they can prep the rider to weather the storm in the best way possible. Being confident and knowledgeable is important, but hearing the haunting voice of the trainer resonate in the subconscious can be the most useful tool. Hearing their guidance and feeling their presence can bolster a rider into the winner’s circle. Being able to think through each step is invaluable and if the trainer has done their job then the rider should be able to think,
reason, react and manage their tools. If thinking and reasoning takes a vacation, then just having fun and getting through the show will become a valuable lesson in itself, and each show thereafter faced alone will seem easy peasy. Now, if for some insane reason a rider wants to ‘do it all themselves’ or can’t afford the luxury of a trainer and showing, then reality needs to be their best friend. Not standing back and doing reality checks frequently can lead a rider into dangerous territory. They
may actually believe they are doing great when they actually suck. The brain has a way of lying to us in order for us to feel good. Don’t believe the lies, seek the truth. Most other trainers and riders on the showground will give out a few tips if asked. The problem may be shutting off the flow of ‘do this, don’t do that,’ from those sources once the tap has been opened. Take what works and leave behind what doesn’t. Any time everything goes to Hell in a hand basket go back to the foundation of what needs to be rebuilt. This process gives the rider renewed confidence and it will alleviate confusion on the part of the horse. Never be afraid to go backwards to go forward; the foundations of any discipline are where all the answers and solutions lay. Breaking things down into a process that can settle the nerves and solidify the manoeuvers will always work better than forcing an issue or
Having fun and getting through the show will become a valuable lesson in itself
20
May/June 2012
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