Returning To The Saddle As A More Confident Horse Rider After Lockdown

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Improving Rider Confidence Exercise 1 - Using a past memory

 

We all know that time away from riding can have a dramatic affect on our confidence and right now, as many of us can't really do much with our horses at the moment, I decided to record this for you.


It is absolutely the ideal time to start developing some good strategies to build confidence. Some of you will already know this exercise as I've been using this on and off for the past 10 years, but if you can do this one at least 3 times a day (exercise only needs a moment), then changes in your confidence will start building now.


I really like this one, it's easy to do, but if you do struggle at all, stay with it and your focus will improve! If you don't like visualisations, don't worry, I will be doing lots of other bits soon!
It was a bit scary doing something so new for the first time...but hey, sorted myself out with a few deep breaths! Amanda

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'Back at square one'? I don't think so!

 

I often hear riders who are struggling saying they are 'back at square one' and will never regain their confidence, usually after they have suffered set back. But unless you completely and utterly believe this (and repeat it to yourself over and over), this is not the case!

When I work with riders, be it at camp, workshops or privately, we look for evidence that this is certainly not the case. In fact, some setbacks will make you stronger.

For example, it's certainly true that if you ride those difficult strides when you jump, even if it's so uncomfortable at the time, you become more balanced and can cope better when they arrive whilst competing.  Many riders wish for the 'perfect stride' and tell themselves they are getting it wrong if they don't see it.  What you are actually doing is learning to ride anything that comes along. (Gosh, we all wish for the 'perfect stride' everytime, it just doesn't happen!).

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3 Day Riding Confidence Camp - Hartpury, Gloucester

Another wonderful confidence camp at Hartpury with twelve lovely riders and their ponies and horses! Lots of firsts achieved at this camp with a good handful of returnees who are going on even further and making such amazing progress with their new goals.

This time we added in Sunday morning Tai Chi which was held out in the grazing fields in the early morning sunshine. It was glorious! This, alongside the rider psychology sessions, human massage sessions, guided visualisation and mindfulness, made this confidence camp such a wonderful all-round experience for everyone.

We now offer 'exclusive' confidence camps which are open to only a small number of riders (generally just 6). This is to ensure in that you get even more individual attention in small groups with the maximum amount of confidence sessions and additional 'options' to choose from!

We are often told these camps are a truly life changing event, not just because of the confidence building aspects, but also because long-term friendships are formed and riders feel heard, supported and become part of a team.

If you would like a talk, workshop or camp in your area, do contact me and I'm sure we can look to arrange something for you.

See upcoming events here

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Anxiety Prior To Getting On Your Horse

Anxiety about mounting is such a common problem with riders, however, it is entirely possible to overcome this with some simple exercises.

I have been a hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, confidence coach, instructor and NLP practitioner working with riders for over 30 years. I have found that so many riders get ‘stuck’ because there is the anticipation of something going ‘wrong’.

Conscious or subconscious?

You may be very conscious of a past, bad experience perhaps, or your horse could be difficult and you are worried about the very real possibility you could be hurt.

Or, it might lie purely in your subconscious, an association that has been formed from either a real or imagined trauma, leaving you with a feeling of dread but not knowing why.

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17 Tricks To Remember Your Dressage Test!

We all have our favourite ways of learning a dressage test, and usually riders stick to one or two methods. However, the more choices you have in learning a test and using different options, the more likely it is you will be able to remember it, even under difficult or stressful conditions.

I have here a list which I not only use myself, but ideas that have been hugely helpful for the riders I work with. These cover many different learning styles and include practical suggestions and mental strategies with the help of NLP, Hypnosis & Visualisation.

1.   Start to learn your test a few weeks before the competition. The longer you have to learn it, the better you will feel and the less stress will be associated with competing. Remember, anxiety and tension will affect not only you, but your horse. If you know the test by heart, that reduces your stress levels.

2.   I recommend you buy laminated test sheets with diagrams. You can buy these in a folder from the British Dressage Online Shop or at Dressage Diagrams. This makes it easier to ‘see’ where you are going.

3.   Draw the test out over and over again. Different coloured markers for different paces. You can get A4 boards with the markers already printed out. Draw out the test, wipe it off. Repeat.

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11 Tips For The Dressage Competitor

Competing can be a very rewarding experience. There is the excitement of the preparation and arrival at the venue, the competition itself where you get a measure of all your hard work, the feedback for your future schooling sessions and hopefully a rosette or two if it’s been a good outing! It is very addictive and you can easily start to move up the levels and enter teams as you improve. Here are some ideas and tips for you if you are just starting out:

1. Online Dressage

If you are completely new to dressage, or can’t get to a venue, this is an excellent way to start. All you need is as arena or field that is marked out, a friend with a phone that can video your test. It’s a great way to get the feedback you need from riding a test, so you know what scores you are likely to get when you do go to a venue. Remember of course, you can keep videoing your test as often as you want, until you are happy with final ‘take’ before submitting it!

www.dressage4all.co.uk   can give you all the help and advice you need.

2. Be working at home at a slightly higher level than the classes you enter.

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