The Legal Equestrian

17 things you should be checking out this summer

By Jordan Nassif.

—

milkMILK Face Spray: I was a bit skeptical of this product at first. I went into Sephora looking for an affordable alternative to the Dior primer spray I had been using for a while. There was a representative there at the store who just happened to hear and offered up the $38 Blur Spray. The selling point of their products to buyers is their cruelty-free, pro LGBTQ[IA+] makeup (i.e., If you buy their Glitter Stick online, they will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Transgender Youth Community Center). I was pleased with the product after one use. Not only does it function as a primer, but it also doubles as a setting spray which, like a BB cream, nourishes your skin as it primes.

Le Fash Sunshirts: I recently ordered a Paulo Alto shirt in black and white from Le Fash because of its similarity to the Equiline Catherine shirt without the $198 price tag. The Paulo Alto, while certainly still expensive, is cute and a fabulous take on the classic sunshirt with mesh sleeves (Editor’s Note: The mesh is super durable, so it doesn’t catch on sharp things like other sunshirt mesh.). While it doesn’t boast the “stable to street” versatility that their breeches do, it’s still a nice shirt.

denimDenim accessories: Although denim shirts and chambray have been making appearances on the runway since 2012, I’ve only begun embracing the trend in the last year. Aquazzura’s denim and crystal Christy flats made their debut in my closet about six months ago, and even with their statement piece status, make regular appearances in my outfits. Valentino, Stella McCartney and other big names have also embraced denim accessories, reinventing the denim bag that Louis Vuitton debuted in the 90s. In equestrian fashion, denim breeches have been around for about 8 years, but only recently have brands been rolling out fresh-takes on the dated denim breech. I decided to give Le Fash’s Uptown/Downtown City Breeches a try (they are based off of denim, as is their Williamsburg City Breech – their newest denim print piece) and was pleased with the breeches’ interchangeableness from street to stable. However,

Christy flats.

Christy flats.

the material is a little thin and is not real denim. If you are looking to add a pair of denim breeches to your wardrobe, I suggest looking at Horze breeches. I purchased a pair for around $70 and get compliments on them all the time. And yes, you can wear them outside of the barn.

Longchamp’s S/S 2017 Ready-to-Wear: I only recently discovered that Longchamp sells more than expensive plastic bags, and I waited for weeks for their Spring/Summer 2017 line to go on sale. Longchamp’s clothes and accessories this season are easily recognizable with their bright pink and blue stripes and creamy florals. I ordered these flats to match a salmon-colored wool Gucci blazer.

Lana del Rey: Okay, I’ve been following Lana since her Lizzie Grant days, but to be fair her new music this summer has revived her sad strums of summertime blues out of my car’s speakers. Her new song, Summer Bummer feat. A$AP Rocky, set to be released on June 29th before her new album’s debut in July, has me checking YouTube every day for leaks. Ever since Lana worked with Rocky on her song Ridin’, and the rapper appeared in her National Anthem music video, I have been obsessed with the pairing. Unlike Lana’s previous albums, however, the music this summer is set to be more upbeat with her title track Lust for Life feat. The Weeknd.

solowSolow Sport clothes: I don’t want this obsession to be misleading— I hate everything about exercise, except the clothes. I love lounging in cute exercise clothes, whether at school or at home. I love the idea of a messy ponytail, sporty Alexander Wang bag and all-white exercise ensemble. Solow combines the comfort of exercise clothes with street style. They are priced around the same as Lulu Lemon but with an edgier look and darker colors. Like most boutique brands, they run about a full size small, so definitely size up. You can also check eBay for discounts and deals. Add a leather moto jacket and a nice pair of tennis shoes to your exercise outfit, and you’ve got an outfit worthy for dinner.

equifitEquiFit leather half pad: I’ve been using EquiFit products for years (girth, boots, pads, etc.), and I’ve owned two or three of their back pads over the course of that time. But every summer I remember how much I love my low-maintenance, clean-looking, extremely helpful half pad. It cleans up with just water, stays clean, protects my horses’ backs and doesn’t look sloppy like some other brands. It’s barely noticeable underneath a saddle.

Blaze Pizza: My mom got a coupon for this pizza place in the mail which promoted $8 pizzas with whatever toppings you can imagine. Each pizza is handmade in front of you according to your specifications (goat cheese,  garlic cloves, extra pepperoni and parmesan is my favorite combination), baked for a couple of minutes and served to you. It really is a good deal, and the pizza itself is actually delicious. As it turns out, Blaze Pizza is located all over the country. I was skeptical, but now I know where to go whenever I want a cheap, but good, full meal.

grapefruitFruity drinks: I feel like I don’t even have to explain this one. I freakin’ love fruity cocktails in the summertime. My favorite flavor this summer is grapefruit. A vodka grapefruit soda goes perfectly with breakfast, lunch or dinner. (Editor’s Note: Grapefruit does have an adverse reaction with some medications. Make sure to check the interactions with any medications you are on before indulging in grapefruit-based drinks or talk to your doctor.)

blzersColorful Summer Blazers: Black and grey blazers are so tired. Give your funeral ready-to-wear a break this summer and invest in a few colorful additions. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to invest in a certain part of your work wardrobe it should be in blazers. Add a nautical-pattered blazer with white and blue, like this one from Equipment, or a brightly colored one like my favorite salmon-colored blazer from Gucci. For less expensive options, check out LOFT or J. Crew Factory, which frequently hold major sales events. ‘Wow’ your coworkers with a floral embroidered pink blazer, white silk twill pants and a white button down. Tie it all together with a belt with a small crystal accent and peach-colored shoes. It’s so easy to get creative this summer with just a couple of bright blazers.

Pokemon Go: Yes, to answer your question, I “still play that.” Nothing, not even my own health, has motivated me to get up and go outside like the Pokemon Go app has. And with Niantic’s release of 80 new pocket monsters and Gym raids, there are more reasons than ever to get walking. I have actually stayed in shape because of this little game. And my dog loves going Pokemon-ing with me, too.

stellaStella McCartney: This could possibly be my favorite brand of all time. Not only is the Stella McCartney brand such a fabulous and youthful 100 percent vegan high-fashion brand, but she also does a collaboration line with Adidas that makes runway-worthy exercise clothes. Stella’s signature chain-lined vegan bags are trendy yet quickly becoming a classic in the same way that Valentino’s Rockstud and Chloe’s Drew purse lines are becoming classics. Stella also brought us the platform oxford tennis shoes this year.

bedSleeping: Here is your daily reminder to close your laptop and go take a nap. We often do not get enough sleep during the summertime as fun events and longer daylight keep our minds stimulated way past 9 p.m. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something this summer or want an extra ‘oomph’ for the coming school year consider investing in a new mattress pad or Tempurpedic pillow. After all, if you can’t relax in your own bed then you’re likely to stay tightly wound. I love my white linens and the clean lines in my bedroom which keep the atmosphere crisp and refreshing. Loud colors and patterns in your safe space can sometimes affect your breathing pattern or keep you from relaxing. Consider cleaning up the clutter so you can be prepared for the busier fall and winter seasons.

graphictBrooklyn Edgy with Uptown Chic: RHOBH’s Erica Girardi brought us the chunky Chanel necklaces and Moschino shirt dresses with the classic glam of a pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps this year. My style inspiration this summer is graphic tees and pumps, baggy Wildfox sweaters and classic heels. I love the classy/trashy wardrobe mash-up. First, your outfits double when you mix mediums, and besides that, most of this trashy-chic looks can crossover from daytime to nighttime. Pull a graphic tee from your closet, add a pair of leather pants or black or dark wash jeans and finish the outfit off with a clutch and pair of classic black pumps for an updated chic look.

Bai Water: I have two packs of these (28 ounces each/packs of 12) auto-shipped by Amazon every two weeks. Not only is the autoship convenient, but it holds me to a sort of water schedule to make sure I drink plenty of fluids each day. Bai’s “anti-water” is antioxidant-infused electrolyte water that tastes better than any type of bottled water I’ve ever tried. I keep them on me at the barn, at work, in my bedroom and in the car so that I always stay hydrated.

revolveREVOLVE: It’s no secret that this is my favorite online store. Actually, I do most of my shopping online. Revolve is perhaps the greatest online boutique for someone who likes anything from boho chic to edgy downtown style with brands like For Love and Lemons, Giuseppe Zanotti, WILDFOX, Stuart Weitzman, Fenty by Puma and more. Use the code CANDY to get 10% off of your order, plus 2 day shipping is always free. 

Stealing mints at work and bringing them to the barn: I’m not advocating employee theft, but my horses just really like those soft little mints.

 

All photos courtesy of + property of Jordan Nassif. Do not use without permission.

How to maintain fitness while off the horse

By Peyton Bodziak.

—

Contrary to what many in the world believe, equestrians are athletes. Being an athlete involves practicing on a daily basis, monitoring your health, and doing whatever it takes to make it to the top.

The hard part about “practicing” riding, compared to other sports, is that for most of us we cannot go in our backyard and “pass the ball with our dad.” There are others ways, though, to develop a better seat.

My trainer, Kathryn Hope, (besides being an amazing instructor) has a workout business as well. She is especially tuned in on equestrian workouts and helped immensely with this article. I would definitely recommend Kathryn Hope Beyond Fitness to anyone asking.

One way to maintain our riding fitness is to work out. Like every other sport, there are many different workouts specifically tuned to the muscles that equestrians use. Running everyday may help your cardio, but it isn’t helping the exact leg muscles you use when riding.

The most common muscles used in riding are the obliques, the transverse abdominus, psoas, ilicaus, piroformis, and the gluteus muscles. Cross-training is the key to getting in the best shape possible. It works the many different muscles that equestrians use everyday.

Here are a few equestrian workouts that you can do at home with minimal supplies:

  • Yoga. Besides just being relaxing, yoga works many different muscle groups and strengthens your flexibility. Flexibility makes the muscles stronger, as well as makes you less likely to get injured while riding. It focuses a lot on abdominal strength, which is a key component in balance and a good seat. Besides taking a class, there are many YouTube videos that teach yoga. My recommendation is Sadie Nardini’s channel.
  • Cardio. Running and biking are primary examples of good cardio. Although when it comes to running, it can stiffen the hip flexors and other joints that need to be supple while riding. Walking on an incline is good cardio as well.
  • Core & Stability. This is especially tuned towards hunter/jumpers who need the strength to elevate their core with the horse’s rhythm. Stability will help balance going over fences and just in general.

Working out does not have to be a burden.

It can be made fun by listening to music or making a game out of it. You have to think about the big picture, not just what’s going on in the moment. Get a group of friends together and do group yoga. My barn has a group workout twice a week where we focus on getting into the best shape for the upcoming show season. Besides just getting into shape and being active, we are bonding and everyone has a great time.

So, if you want to improve your riding, get off the couch and go hit the gym! But remember: Think about the big picture.

Product Review: B Vertigo Breeches

First day wearing the breeches paired with the Horze short-sleeve show shirt.

First day wearing the breeches paired with the Horze Blaire Short-Sleeve Show shirt.

I’ve always wanted to try a pair of B Vertigo Breeches, but never got the chance – until now.

Horse kindly sent Scope Network members an awesome short sleeve show shirt (It is the Blaire Women’s Show Shirt, and it is super comfy, suitable for shows, flattering, and COOL, which is great for hot summer show days!) [retails for $34.95] as well as a pair of breeches ($179.95).

Horze is a brand I have never tried, so I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of quality, fit, fashion, look, etc. I was very, very surprised and pleased. Their breeches have become part of my staple in my breech collection – and I have A LOT of breeches!

When mine came in, I was excited to see they were tan. I need more tan breeches, and if they were good quality, they were coming to shows with me. I tried them on, and I immediately felt the benefits. They were stretchy, but not too stretchy which means if you are a size 26R in some other breeches, a size 24R in B Vertigos may fit you. They were not super long on me. They were flattering and fit me super well. In fact, they were so comfy that I kept them on for a few hours after getting them even though I had zero plans to go riding.

Another of the first day they arrived.

Another of the first day they arrived. B Vertigo Breeches + Blaire Short-Sleeve Show Shirt.

I decided to really put these breeches to the test. My first test was wearing them out on a day I would be riding both Luther and Monte (and whoever else my trainer gave me to ride). Why not throw them right into an intense environment? We are in shedding, mud, and dust/dirt season here in the northeast, so this was PERFECT. I believe it rained that day, too. Plus, one minute it’s so hot you’re sweating; the next it’s windy/chilly, and you’re cold. The breeches held up perfectly. There were zero stains, even during the times I forgot and rubbed my hands on them. They also did not stretch out to where I needed to wash them to make them fit me properly again. I got tons of compliments on them from other riders at my barn and my trainer. I wore them 3, yes 3, days in a row to really test them out… and seriously, no problems whatsoever. No saddle stains; no sweat stains; NOTHING.

3 days after consistent riding, sweating, grooming, mud swimming, rainy weather, shedding, dust, etc.

3 days after consistent riding, sweating, grooming, mud swimming, rainy weather, shedding, dust, etc.

I didn’t wash them when I got home, and I let them sit for a little bit. Two days later, I took them out again for a ride. Stretching? No. Smelly from sitting and not being washed? No. Dirty? No. They looked just like they had when they arrived at my house. I took them for a lesson. This particular day the horses were especially muddy and dirt-covered as it had rained the entire week before AND they were shedding massively. Hair doesn’t cling to them. Dirt doesn’t touch them. Mud doesn’t even phase them.

5 days of no washing. No smelling. No stains, No stretching. They fit and looked like the first day I put them on. I just so happen to be wearing the same socks I was in the same photo - I wash my socks, I swear.

5 days of no washing. No smelling. No stains, No stretching. They fit and looked like the first day I put them on. I just so happen to be wearing the same socks I was in the same photo – I wash my socks, I swear.

I LOVE these breeches, and I desperately need another pair. I’ve only found one other pair of breeches that stands up to being worn 3 days in a row, ridden in 3 days in a row, and exposed to dirty/mud/sweat/hair 3 days in a row and shows NO signs. These breeches are a must have for your collection, especially if you are looking for a tan pair to show in that won’t stain easily, that won’t stretch, that is flattering and will fit you well, and is just the overall package. In fact, I just bought myself a new pair of B Vertigos; the turquoise Olivia Luxury Women’s Knee Patch pair with Swarovski crystal accents ($179.95).

 

 

 

 

Treat yo’self… right?

10 unique ways to improve your equestrian wardrobe

By Jordan Nassif.

—

I figured that I would write my first piece for this blog in regards to something that I imagine everyone would like to know: In a sport where money gets you just about everywhere, and people can indicate their location on the equestrian totem pole via their wardrobe, how the hell does one save money trying to keep up? Is it even worth it?

There are certainly plenty of riders out there who couldn’t give a fig about what they wear and have probably saved themselves a world of trouble for it. Perhaps this is not the article for them. I admittedly can be spotted riding in garden shoes and a sports bra on our farm. In many cases fashion eludes me too.

As women, we deal with a lot of ‘first glance’ types of judgements. I am certainly guilty of this. This doesn’t mean that one needs to dress to the nines for schooling at home. Some days I go to the barn all dressed up because it makes me feel good. It’s the same logic I employ when I study in the library. There’s something about wearing an outfit that you feel good in and having your hair done nicely that makes you feel like a million bucks. Some of my most productive midnight study sessions have been accomplished in a full face of makeup. However, some days I could care less what I look like at the barn. I have made enough appearances at the barn in yesterday’s makeup and dirty breeches to probably make some people think that I live out of my car.

The point is, do whatever it is that you do looking however it is that makes you feel your best. Studies have shown that looking your ‘best self’ increases confidence and cognitive ability. It explains that extra ‘zing!’ you feel in your show clothes or even when your horse is looking particularly well-turned out one day. And quite frankly, if you feel your best in a chicken costume, well then I can’t tell you that it’s wrong for you to wear it. 

You probably already have an idea of what you feel your best in, or what you would like to see more of in your riding wardrobe. So it is now my job to help you put those items in your closet without leaving you broke (and some of these tips may apply to your horse’s closet as well).

1. eBay: It might as well be a crime to buy something online without checking eBay first. There is almost nothing for sale at Dover or SmartPak that you can’t find on eBay. I have purchased Back on Track, Le Fash, Tailored Sportsman, Edgewood, joint supplements, etc. from there. I’ve saved thousands of dollars doing this. Many people have raised concerns about buying faulty or fake products from eBay. This is not an issue at all. I’ve made some six hundred orders from the website in the last four years, and only one or two times have I had an issue. PayPal and eBay both have Money Back Guarantees, so if you are unhappy with your item, and you send it back you won’t be out any money. eBay also has an Authenticity Policy which keeps sellers from listing fake items. There are many tack shops that have opened eBay stores to list their items. Even if you cannot find a discounted version of the item you want, many stores don’t collect tax or they will ship for free, which still puts more money back in your wallet.

2. RetailmeNot. Most of you are probably familiar with coupon websites. This website searches thousands of brands to provide up-to-date discount codes for you.

Here are a couple I found when I typed ‘Dover’ into the search bar:

– $25 off of $150 with code CM17RIDE

– $10 off of $75 with code TENOFF

SmartPak also has at least ten codes listed under their search query. Sites like horse.com, horseloverz.com, and places like Hobby Horse Clothing, and Adams Horse and Pet Supplies are some of the names that appear when you type in “horse.”

3. Buy your summer gear in the winter. This applies to every clothing purchase, ever. Buy your bikinis in the fall when they are all on closeout. Buy your winter coats at a sports shop during the summer. There is no reason to buy something as soon as it comes out, unless you just have to have it. Almost every item you want will go on sale after everyone has had their go at it and moved on to the next thing.

Clarino padded TS belt paired with ten TS breeches.

Clarino padded TS belt paired with ten TS breeches.

4. When building your wardrobe, don’t focus too much on the trends. There is a time and a place to buy a Le Fash bomber jacket or a pair of denim breeches. If you are satisfied with your horsey closet then, by all means, purchase away. However, if you are just starting to build your wardrobe, it is better to start small. When I first started taking an interest in my riding clothes, I spent the first year and a half just replacing my old clothes with new staple pieces that would never go out of style AND would last. This meant a couple of nice pairs of tan breeches, a couple of sun shirts (necessary in this Texas sun), a nice black belt, and maybe one or two ‘fun’ purchases. I don’t think any trend will ever outlast the timelessness of a pair of clean tan breeches and a black pebbled leather Tailored Sportsman belt (or an equivalent).


5. Tee shirts! Polo shirts are so 2012, if you will. Some of you may still like them, but I often find them   unbearably hot and tight. No one should ever underestimate the power of a couple of graphic tees in your graphictee2closet. Not only can you wear them just about anywhere, but they can create many different riding outfits with just one pair of breeches. And they’re cheap! I’m not talking about the thick tee shirts that yougraphictee lay around the house in. The perfect graphic tee should be a ‘tissue’ tee with thinner and nicer material to keep you cool in the saddle while still ‘dressing up’ the tee shirt look. You can find these types of shirts at Target, J. Crew, Ann Taylor LOFT, etc. My favorite graphic tee brands are Wildfox, MinkPink, and Junk Food.

 

6. Belts. Okay, lets abandon the black or brown belt with tan breeches imagery for a second. You can

Colored belts add some flair to any equestrian outfit. Pictured here is one from Shop Hunt Club paired with TS Breeches & Hunt Club graphic tee.

Colored belts add some flair to any equestrian outfit. Pictured here is one from Shop Hunt Club paired with TS Breeches & Hunt Club graphic tee.

breathe new life into a riding outfit with a new belt. Adding just two or three different colored belts to your wardrobe makes for several new riding outfits. Plain white shirts and tan breeches aren’t so boring with a patterned belt. You can get a wide belt at Target for $15. If you have the money to splurge, I also suggest Gucci. I bought my first Gucci belt two years ago, and I wear it almost every week. It looks timeless with a pair of breeches or edgy with a pair of leather pants.

This TS quilted Clarino belt adds some color to tan breeches.

This TS quilted Clarino belt adds some color to tan breeches.

The best riding clothes are the ones you can wear everywhere. And if you decide to go this route, don’t you dare buy one without checking eBay first.

7. Goodwill. I would not be making my mother proud if I did not include thrift shopping in this list. I just want to start out by saying shoutout to the Bellaire Goodwill for selling me a $200 Ralph Lauren crystal pony polo shirt for $10. You can find SO much at Goodwill. Belts, shirts, you name it. I would also suggest donating your old riding gear to Goodwill if you can’t find anywhere to send it. There are many Christian Charity shops in my city that sell all sorts of items, typically donated by their wealthy church-goers. I would advise making the trip to the nicer part of town in your area to go thrifting. These areas typically have a few high-dollar items that have been carelessly tossed into bins.

8. Sell your old stuff. Yes, predictable advice. But here’s a perk to slowly adding nice, albeit expensive items to your wardrobe— they have a high resale value. If I was to list a pair of my Le Fash breeches on eBay I could easily make $200. That’s over 50% of the original cost. This is because they are a trending item. People are willing to spend $300 on them and they’re more than happy to snag them at less than retail. Another example, I sold a pair of Equifit boots that I purchased for $100, for $45. That money goes into my next pair of boots. There is truly something to be said about buying ‘brands.’ What will the resale value be? I advise heavily considering this when buying an item. I have made over $3,000 in the last two years selling my old stuff at leisure. And yes, the money went towards replacing it. (Editor’s Note: Poshmark is another great way to sell used or new clothing items. If you want to give it a try, use my code GRGUR when you sign up for an account. You’ll get $5 to use towards your first purchase!)

9. Make lists. I understand that “setting goals” for your wardrobe may make some of you laugh at the frivolity of my suggestion. But if it’s something you want to improve, then set goals for yourself. Make a realistic list of some items that you would like to buy in 2017. Having it written out makes it easier to track sales for the item. Websites such as Polyvore are designed to help you keep track of what you want and when it goes on sale. You can easily add an item to your Polyvore list by clipping it with their browser tool.

10. Do your own thing. I wouldn’t feel right compiling this whole equestrian fashion list without dropping in a note about how you’re dressing to impress yourself. Seriously. Don’t buy the item because someone else told you to. Don’t go broke trying to impress other people who will judge you regardless. At the end of the day, if you think about it, it’s kind of stupid how horses have blown up into this huge classist society. Do I love Gucci belts? Yes. Do YOU need to wear one because I (or anyone else) am wearing one? No.

Finding success by winning the mind games

By Miranda Akins.

—

It’s no secret that we all face mental blocks as equestrians. Because honestly, we ride 1200 pound animals and jump them over fences.. some taller than we are. We’re all just a little (ahem, a lot) crazy.

Photo Credit: Miranda Akins Photography.

Photo Credit: Miranda Akins Photography.

We can sit a buck, growling and laughing at a animal with the power to kill us and dare them: “Try it again, let me see you try to get me off.” We can throw a 50 pound feed bag over our shoulder like it weighed as much as a feather pillow. We are pretty strong; we can hold on to a galloping animal with the muscles in our thighs.

But, what happens when your mind has doubts? That you can’t do it, that you’ll fail?

Your heart pounds against your chest so loud you think someone can hear it; your stomach turns into knots, and it feels like you have butterflies pounding against the insides of your body. Your palms sweat, maybe your legs even shake, and your mind goes into overdrive. Visions of crashing through a fence, your horse spooking and skidding, a stop that sends you over the fence alone. You are melting down on the inside like a nuclear plant as you stare at the course you are supposed to begin. This can happen in the blink of an eye or be ongoing for days, weeks, and even months.

How are you supposed to perform when the part of your body that controls your actions is frozen? How are you supposed to ride when all your mind wants to do is run wild? Fear is an incredibly strong emotion.

Gary Mack, author of the sports psychology book Mind Gym wrote: “The desire to succeed needs to be stronger than the fear of failure”

It’s hard. Riding is an incredibly hard sport. Your teammate doesn’t speak English (okay but I’m convinced they can interpret the word ‘cookies’). You can’t say “move your shoulder over” and poof! Your horse is going to move into a shoulder out. Your body has to do all the talking. Whether you are a hunter, jumper, eventer, dressage rider, reiner, barrel racer, etc., you will have challenges. You will fall. You will get bucked off. You will come in last place. You will get discouraged. You will be scared.

And guess what? That’s okay. That is fine. That is normal. You’re not crazy for being afraid. Everyone – yes, everyone – is afraid at some point. Even Olympians, even Grand Prix riders.. they have been scared; maybe they are scared. And, they even have the added pressure of the media and a spotlight that a majority of us don’t have.

What makes them so successful is not only their talent and drive but their mastery of the mind games. They know how to settle the butterflies, the sweaty palms, and the fears. I’m no master myself, but helping crack the secret to the mind games is finding “your thing.” You have to find your zone, the sweet spot, the happy place. To ride well you need to think about anything but the ride.

Crazy I know.

My zone is in my music. Before I ride, it’s earbuds in, everything else out. I let my mind escape and fill it with lyrics. When I get out of the truck to ride, I have left all my problems and stress of the everyday world behind me. My mind is ready to work. I know that when everything else is gone, all I can focus on is the ride. Sometimes they stay in for a course walk or if I’m humming while cleaning tack. Music isn’t for everyone though… try a few things out and see what works for you. A game on your phone, a book, even sleeping. The goal is to clear your head and have a blank slate to work with.

Once you get your zone, visualize, visualize, visualize. Go through every step of your course, every fence, every turn. Run through your dressage test, every change, every transition. Ride that cross country course, that barrel run. Go through every. single. second.  Put yourself on the back of your horse, and think of the view between their ears. Get your plan, go out there, and ride it. Don’t let your mind shut down, don’t let it think of a fall, of a miss, of a crash. It’s all about the plan. Think of the plan. That’s all that is allowed in there until you finish. Let your mind run on overdrive of success not failure.

Your mind is in control. When you step into a show ring your trainer is not there to hold your hand, they’re not the one cantering towards a fence. It’s you, it’s your body, and it’s your mind. They better be working together.

Win the mind games, and you will win the ribbons. Let the crazy horse girl win over human nature. You are capable of winning the mental war between instinct and the crazy passion we have for riding these 1,200 pound animals.

Learn to control your emotions or they will control you. – Edgar Martinez

What have you done to overcome mental blocks? Share below!

tweets

facebook

facebook