April 5, 2017

Finding success by winning the mind games

By Miranda Akins.

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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.

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!

November 16, 2016

Bullet journaling: The latest way to express yourself, keep organized, and improve your mental health

Written by Katie Stone, assistant editor.

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Erin Condren Life Planner. The planners are fully customizable down to the metal binding color!

For the last two years I have bought two Erin Condren Life Planners and used them. However, in the past few months I had been struggling to find a planner for 2017 that would be versatile for my life. I am extremely picky about the planner I use and after searching online and in many stores, I was still unable to settle on one that I liked and fit my needs. During this time of research and searching, I found the bullet journal idea on Pinterest!

For me, bullet journaling is my way of creating a planner that has everything I need and nothing I do need. It allows me to keep everything I want and need in one place, whether it is travel information, reminders for school, or important horse information. This method is also not confining. I can design my weekly page however I want, and I can include a page of notes or a big to-do list wherever I want.

One example of bullet journaling.

To bullet journal, any notebook or type of paper can be used. However, it is common to use a notebook that is dotted to help create straight lines without it looking too busy (This is also the method I prefer). I purchased a hardcover Moleskine from Amazon for around $20.00. Another common brand is Lechttrum 1917 (available at Amazon here), which is a little more pricey (some models are $29.99 while others are less) but does have numbered pages and an index.

Personally, I use a pencil when journaling because I have found that pen bleeds through my Moleskine journal. (Note: It bugged me so much when I saw how bad it bled through!). In the Moleskine, the pages are not numbered, so I numbered them myself and created an index. After doing those tasks, I began with a monthly calendar for October. After the monthly calendar, I created a weekly one for the first week of the month. For the monthly calendar, I used a single page, and for my weekly layout, I had to use the 2 side-by-side pages. During my bullet journaling, I was going to be traveling, and I put all of my travel information, the weather for my destination, and a packing list on one page. I am also the media representative for my IHSA team, so I have a page of the riders, their divisions, and their class standing to help when I have to do write-ups after a busy weekend of showing. I am only on page 19 of my bullet journal; I haven’t really done much “fun stuff” yet.

Another example of bullet journaling from Buzzfeed.com.

If you are looking for some inspiration or ideas for your own bullet journal, definitely check out Pinterest and Instagram. These mediums and their content can inspire you. However, be sure to make your bullet journal unique to you and your preferences! It is worth noting that bullet journaling isn’t for everyone. If you want to ascertain if bullet journaling is for you, take any notebook or piece of paper and give it a try. The great thing about bullet journaling is that you can design it however you would like. It can range from little notes that you jot down or a full-on spread of everything in which you are involved.

For more information on this journaling technique, you can visit one of Buzzfeed’s many articles on how to bullet journal (or simply google ‘bullet journaling’).

July 25, 2016

What to do during a course walk

Written by Joscelyn Richards.

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Course walking is my one of my favorite things to do at a horse show. I always feel like a hardcore equestrian who could go tackle a Grand Prix course after I course walk (even if I’m just walking my 3ft hunter course). However, sometimes course walks can be overwhelming, especially if it is a big class. Through my years of experience I have developed tips for what you should do during a course walk.

Picture Credit: @jlrequinephotography

Stay with your trainer

Your trainer is like your “tour guide” during the course walk so do not lose them. They will be able to give you helpful insights during the course walk that will help you succeed during your round. In big classes there will dozens of other people walking the course at the same time as you, so make sure you stick next to your trainer. If you’re a short equestrian like me you know how difficult it can be to match your trainer’s walk. I have found that looking down at their legs while they walk and counting the strides out loud helps me stay with them.

Ask questions

The course walk is like a sneak peak to how your round will go! Make sure you have the course memorized before you course walk. This allows you to focus on planning out your approaches and distances before you go into the ring with your horse. Course walks are the golden time to ask your trainer any questions you have about your course. If you have a question about the striding of a line or what turn to take, your trainer can show you how you should ride it in real life.

Bring a crop with you

Okay this might sound weird, but trust me it helps. I always carry a crop with me so that I can point to the different jumps while I’m walking. I point and move the crop around the course like it is me and my horse. I have never gone off course after using a crop to point and go over my course. Plus, if your trainer gets on your nerves you can give them a tap on their behind (just kidding don’t do this unless you want no stirrups for a month).

Be aware of your surroundings

There will be other trainers and students walking the course at the same time as you. Don’t be that rider that walks the course while using SnapChat and texting their friends. One time at WEF I saw a rider run into a trainer, who was walking a line, because she was taking a selfie. Be courteous to other riders and trainers, and pay attention to where you walk. Also, make sure you wait your turn to walk a line, don’t cut in front of people.

Picture Credit: @jlrequinephotography

Don’t Stress Out

Course walks are supposed to help you during your rounds, so take full advantage of them. If you’re feeling nervous about your course, tell your trainer, and they can help calm your nerves. Remember, anyone can feel nervous about a course. I’ve even seen some big name riders look worried about a course. Just have fun and do your best!

What do you do during a course walk? Let us know in the comments!

July 17, 2016

Summer Courses 101

Written By: Katie Stone

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Taking college courses over the summer may not be the most fun, but they will be very rewarding! When I take classes over the summer, it allows me to take one less class during the fall and spring semesters. Since I am an athlete, I do not have as much time on my hands to do a lot of schoolwork. So, only having to take three classes instead of four, helps to reduce my work load dramatically.

While taking summer courses is great, do not take them if you know you will not have the time to put forth the effort the course needs. It will be a waste of money and a poor grade in classes will lower your cumulative grade point average. The following tips will help to ensure you do well in your summer courses.

PRINT & USE the syllabus!

The professor has handed you the golden ticket, use it! All due dates, expectations for the class, and contact information for the professor are all included in a syllabus. Make sure to always have it handy whenever you’re in class, since professors tend to make adjustments to it.

Set time aside to complete assignments.

Start homework before it is due to ensure you are not scrambling last minute, or stressed because you do not understand the material. If you wait until the last minute you also won’t have time to ask and receive help. This could result in getting a bad grade on your assignment, which could hurt your grade. (Editor’s Note: I recommend using a planner to help keep you organized and to schedule your day.)

Work extra hard in the beginning.

I know that summer is supposed to be all about no responsibilities, but start off working extra hard in your classes. Always maintain a positive attitude and put 100% effort into your work. It’s a slippery slope, do not begin sliding head first.

Do not be afraid to ask for help.

That is what the professor and your peers are there for! I am sure someone else has a similar question or would benefit from clarification. Also, make sure to visit your teacher, or teacher assistants, during their office hours if you need extra help outside class.

Meet ALL requirements.

I frequently had discussion posts that required a minimum word count and an in text citation. It was very rare that peers actually met those requirement, and it negatively impacted their grades. Following all the requirements on assignments will help you get an A on them.

June 1, 2016

How to handle negativity, hate, and bullying from other equestrians

One of the biggest themes I, and other equestrians, have noticed in this community is the propensity for equestrians to be negative and hateful towards each other. It can be about a horse, a riding or training style (Note: This does not include abusive techniques, which should be spoken up about), choice of apparel, financial status, or another opinion the equestrian may have. A lot of this negativity occurs on social media, but boarding and riding facilities have also been known to advertise that they are “drama free” because drama is so prevalent in the horse world in person as well.

Negativity is always present, no matter how much we try to advocate for positivity, love, and support towards each other. If you have experienced negativity and drama, you will most likely experience it again. If you are experiencing negativity, you will most likely continue to, or once it has ended, you will most likely experience it again.

So, if you have experienced it or are, what can you do to soften the blow and continue to live your equestrian life drama free?

Ignore it. This is the hardest advice to give, but perhaps the most effective. Ignoring the negative things another equestrian has to say is the best method of dealing with negativity. Why? Because giving them attention for their negative words is only feeding them. A lot of times hatred comes out of the need for attention, and giving attention to that hatred and drama is only giving that equestrian what he or she wants. Ignore it. Don’t engage in it. You may be so tempted to respond, especially if what is being said is especially cruel or hateful; however, let them continue to hate on you without you responding. A few things will happen. First, they will make themselves look like jerks because they are being hateful while you are maintaining your composure and not responding. Two, you will look more mature and put together because you are not engaging in drama. Three, they eventually will stop because they are not receiving the attention they are craving.

Kill them with kindness. Another way to handle negativity is to be extra kind to the hater. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘kill ’em with kindness’? This could work here. If someone has something mean to say to you, compliment them. They may be so surprised they won’t know what to do and will stop hating on you.

Delete/block/report them. A mentor of mine, Gabby Bernstein, has a saying for when she receives hatred online: “Forgive and delete.” On social media, you can always remove a person from your friends’ list or followers. You can also mute them and block them. If the hate and drama gets especially frequent and hurtful, blocking, reporting, and removing that person from your followers list is probably the best way to go. Additionally, if the drama/hate is abusive or extremely out of line, you can report the person to the social media company.

Know they are coming from a place of insecurity. A lot of times when a person is hateful towards another, it’s because they are insecure or jealous themselves. They may deny this, but it has been proven through studies. I’ve also received anonymous comments where people have admitted they hated on me because they were jealous of me. Although this may not be complete consolation, especially if the hate is especially bad, know that the equestrian that is causing you drama is probably doing so because they are jealous of your specific situation, asset, horse, etc.

Be confident in yourself. Sometimes someone will harshly criticize your riding, training, horse, or even your trainer (this has happened to me). If you’re not being abusive towards your horse, and if your trainer has the credentials (and even if they don’t, but you are benefitting from them), be confident in your abilities and what you have. No one knows you but you and your trainer. Additionally, social media presences are often curated. We tend to post only certain things, so unless someone teaches us or sees us ride/work with our horse every day, they really have zero idea what goes on in our riding lives. Remember that.

Ask them to stop. If the bullying/drama/hate is especially bad, you can always ask the equestrian to stop bothering you. This may not always be effective, but it is worth a try. It’s also worth mentioning that if you are bullying someone, and you are asked to stop, and you continue to bully/hate on them, you can be charged with harassment. Is a legal charge really worth it? Hint: No.

Most importantly, be professional. Try not to engage in drama or negativity. Don’t bully other

Being unprofessional can stop you from receiving coveted sponsorships, catch rides, ambassadorships, and more. Photo is of McLain Ward, one of the most professional riders out there, & the late Saphire.

equestrians. While you may not be looking for sponsors or ambassadorships now, you might one day, and your social media activity can come back to haunt you. When I first started out, I responded to every single piece of hate I got. I was confrontational. I was dramatic. It gave me a bad reputation. I have since revamped myself, and although I am still working on being less opinionated and confrontational, I have drastically improved which I think has helped people online like me more. Additionally, I moved to a barn that does not have drama associated with it, and if there is some minor drama, I do not engage at all. Professionalism is key in this sport, and you never know when you will be under a microscope for a sponsorship, ambassadorship, or something else where your conduct will be at play.

The Legal Equestrian

Finding success by winning the mind games

Bullet journaling: The latest way to express yourself, keep organized, and improve your mental health

What to do during a course walk

Summer Courses 101

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