SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
    • Media Partners
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Friday, November 20 2020 / Published in General

Top Riders Share Their Thoughts on Navigating Course

When I go into the show ring, my mind sometimes takes me on its own journey. I often find my thoughts going all over the place and struggle to get more focused on the task at hand. Does everyone have their mind totally focused on the task at hand when in the ring, or where are their thoughts?

When we talk about the mind, we usually separate it into two parts: the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. These two parts make us who we are. To reach our true potential, it’s important to utilize each part of the brain the right way.

The conscious mind is the way we think. When we do or say something, we’re utilizing our conscious mind. Our conscious mind is, however, limited in its ability to be involved in numerous things at once. We consciously process information very slowly. Moreover, it requires a lot of energy to do so.

On the other hand, the subconscious mind processes information very quickly. The subconscious mind holds the data right below the surface. It is subjective, it obeys the commands it receives from the conscious mind and takes very little energy to follow through. The real purpose of the subconscious mind is to store all the information we’ve consciously learned and use it without calling upon our conscious mind or overtly having to think about it. In sports, we often hear the terms “flow state” or being “in the zone.” These occur when you are just immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement and enjoyment in the process of the activity. 

In speaking with and questioning various riders, some well-known and some up-and-coming, it was interesting to find out where their thoughts were as they navigated their courses.

Jordan Allan 

Jordan spoke about the difference in her mental state when she was a junior rider as compared to now, being an amateur. As a junior, she rode so many horses that her mind would often wander. The repetitiveness of her rides imprinted what had to be done. This is an example of when the subconscious mind guides with little interaction from the conscious mind. Now having only one horse to show, her attention is much more conscious and she focuses on presentation, brilliance and consciously wanting to win. She referred to her show demeanor now as being more serious.

Darragh Kenny

Darragh responded with a laugh as he replied, “My thoughts? What’s for dinner?” He went on to explain that in the less-important classes, his mind wanders. He notices who’s at the ring or he might wonder about what’s happening with some of the horses at home. This is an example of being totally at ease and letting the subconscious mind do what it knows how to do: get the job done. However, when it’s a big class, Darragh speaks about being tuned in to his horse, how he’s going, what he’s feeling from his horse, what he needs to do to go clean. Although there’s help from the subconscious mind, the conscious mind is also at work, quickly going from one thing to another and not focused on any one thing.

Sam Walker

Sam immediately responded with a smile and laughed. He said he sometimes rides around with music in his head: Mario Kart music or the theme song to Ted Talks. Sometimes there are just random thoughts floating through his mind. I specifically asked if he ever counts as he’s riding and his answer was yes, each stride being a syllable in a repetitive word. Moreover, sometimes his mind is totally blank: no thoughts, nothing at all in his mind. This is an example of being “in the zone.” The whole course is ridden with no conscious thought. This is the energized focus and pure involvement sought in all sports. For some, it’s quite natural. For most, it takes time and effort to attain this level of mind-body performance. 

Erica Quinn

Erica laughed as she explained how she mentally talks to her greener horses. There’s also music in her head as she goes around. She guides her horses with mental directions and keeps them calm with her thoughts.

Liza Boyd

“Who’s watching my 6-year-old?” was the laughing response Liza gave. She went on to explain that she does a pre-course prep that consists of visualization and breathing that helps her stay in the moment when on course. She’s always focused on and aware of her horse’s response to her aids and she rides the course — in parts. When it’s a big class, she seeks that time alone that aids her in finding her “zone.” 

Catherine Tyree

Cat responded with a chuckle and said she sometimes sings along to any music that’s playing when riding. But in the bigger classes, she’s super focused on the first jump and then she thinks about nothing. “It just happens!” Here again, an example of being in the “flow state.”

These are individuals that have reached quite a high level of performance in the sport of riding. Most of us will probably never stand on a podium, have a medal hung on our necks or lead a string of horses around a huge field while the cameras follow us. The real question is, how do they achieve this state of mind and can anyone clear their mind and reach the flow state?

The answer is yes!

For the rest of the month, become more aware of your thoughts when you’re riding. We’ll visit the process of reaching “the zone” or “flow state” next month.

Photo:

Darragh Kenny, competing at the Palm Beach Masters, shows his ability to be in tune with his horse while competing in a big class.

Photo by Isabel J. Kurek

Double D Trailers Info

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: jump course, riders, show jumping

What you can read next

Abigail McArdle Leads Zone Five to USEF Prix de States Team Championship
Christine Traurig on Riding & Dressage
Lucy: Rescue of the Month

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Straight from the Sidelines Stallion Guide 🐴 F Straight from the Sidelines Stallion Guide 🐴

Find out more 👉 @hilltopfarminc and view the 2021 Stallion Guide in the January issue of Sidelines Magazine 🤩 LINK IN BIO 🤩

#stallion #stud #showhorse #kwpn #warmblood #showjumper #dressage #eventing #hunterjumper #sporthorse #breed #foalingseason #equestrian #equinephotography
Horse brokers can serve a very useful purpose and Horse brokers can serve a very useful purpose and help ease and facilitate the daunting process of selling your horse. When you enlist the help of a broker, you enter into an agency relationship, meaning that you’re allowing the broker to act as an agent on your behalf in the sales transaction. 

It’s important to keep in mind that in any situation where someone is acting on your behalf, there is risk. Some up-front research and homework can help minimize the risk and can help you navigate matters in the event the sales process does not go as planned.

Read more about the selling process and hiring a broker at the link in our bio!

#equinelaw #horsesale #horseforsale #horseshow #equestrian #consignment #horsesofinstagram #broker #equinephotography #horsefarm #sidelinesmagazine
Anthony Robinson is one of the modern-day master p Anthony Robinson is one of the modern-day master painters, and his love of animals has drawn him into a life where he’s surrounded by them in all shapes and forms. Powerful and freeing brush strokes set his work apart in the ever-expanding world of equine art, and his masterful knowledge of both art and horses creates the perfect landscape for him to display his creative skill. 

Read more about @a4valentino and view his exquisite artwork at the link in our bio!

#equineart #painting #art #artwork #artistsoninstagram #equestrianart #equestrian #horse #horselover #sidelinesmagazine
Jennifer Williams, our February cover rider, is gr Jennifer Williams, our February cover rider, is grateful for MIllione, her longtime partner with whom she won the 2020 Grand Prix National Championship.

"Millione has been such an impactful horse for my life. He's all heart, and I joke that he's my little Viking warrior because he's solid and strong and always ready to give 110%. He loves to work and has such an incredible work ethic. He's so happy and quirky, it warms my heart," Jennifer said.

From the looks of it, Jennifer (@summervalepremierdressage) warms Millione's heart too as evidenced in this photo gem by Sidelines photographer @msfullerphotography of the two sharing a sweet moment.

Catch more exclusive content like never before seen photos and quotes when you sign up for the Sidelines Scoop!

DM us your email to sign up!

#equinephotography #pony #snuggles #cuddles #photography #dressage #grandprix #doublebridle #love #sidelinesmagazine
Load More... Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Footing First
    INTRODUCING THE EQUESTRIAN BUFFER UNDERLAYMENT SYSTEM by FootingFirst For more information about the Equestrian Buffer Underlayment System, or our proprietary dust-free or water-dependent footings, please contact us! footingfirst.com karen@footingfirst.com 914.980.0123 follow us on Instagram at @footingfirst footing,

    [Read more]

  • ASHLAND FARMS
    Ken & Emily Smith Training/Showing/Sales Wellington, Fl / Lexington Ky Ken 561-818-8495 Emily 561-371-1510 Barn Manager: Chrissy 302-521-2476 www.ashlandfarmsfl.com emily@ashlandfarmsfl.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Saying Yes to the Vest – How My Quest for Safety Launched A Company
  • Rutledge Farm Sessions: Phillip Dutton 2019
  • Rutledge Farm Sessions: Will Simpson 2019

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Hunter World Get Ready – Split Rock Jumping Tour to Add Hunters in 2021
  • News from the Alumni Tournament of Champions
  • EQUITANA USA Unveils Month-Long Virtual Program to Celebrate the Horse Online eQuestrian Celebration Offers Sneak Peek for 2021 Exhibition

Category

Recent Posts

  • Ashlee Bond: Family, Faith and Changing Flags

    By Britney Grover Portraits by Kristin Lee Ashl...
  • The Many Hats of Sue Ashe: Judge, Grandma and More

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller M...
  • Selling Your Horse Through a Broker

    By Armand Leone and Jessica E. Choper  Horse br...
  • Anthony Robinson: A Modern Master of Equine Art 

    By Shya Beth  Anthony Robinson is one of the mo...
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp: Shifting Gears

    By Josh Walker Portraits by Alex Banks Liz Hall...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!