3 Mental Tips For A Successful Horse Show

1. Engage in daily check-ins with yourself and your horse.

Each day, take a moment to check in with both yourself and your horse. Where are you both currently at? How are you both currently feeling? Do you need to do anything to get where you both need to be in order to ride at your best? Oftentimes, we tend to just go through the motions and rush through the show day. Taking the time to pause and assess the current state of yourself and your horse brings intentionality to the moment and allows you to effectively prepare for what’s to come.

2. Mentally and physically prepare for and recover from each show day.

This is your “behind the scenes” work that goes into having a successful ride. Make the time to both get ready before and unwind after a show day. Cover the basics, such as getting a sufficient amount of sleep, eating healthy meals, adequately hydrating, and limiting screen time. Keep your energy level in mind and take intentional actions to be at your most optimal physical and mental state. Prepare for each round by having a plan and working to carry out that plan. Make sure to recover after each show day by taking care of yourself and taking some time for yourself so that you approach each day with a fresh mindset.

3. Do what you know works well for you and your horse.

Stick to your plan and what you do at home. Shows aren’t the time to start switching your technique up. Instead, emphasize your strengths and ride how you typically ride. Transfer your skills to a new environment and stick to them. Try new techniques when you ride at home, and have the efforts of all of your hard work shine at the show. When in doubt, stick to the basics of how to properly execute a course. The environment, jumps, competitors, judge, and warm-up ring may change, but the principles of riding stay the same no matter what.

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