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Saturday, January 15 2022 / Published in Sidelines Feature

The Inner Voice of Fear

By Margie Sugarman

I’ve been riding for 30-plus years and for the most part have not found myself concerned or nervous about the danger of the sport—until recently. I’ve become a mother, and since then there is a voice in the back of my head reminding me that if I get hurt it’s not just me who is affected. I know that the voice could cause more harm than good. How do I quiet that voice and ride confidently?

Your inner voice is free to say whatever it pleases—and that isn’t always a good thing. If you’ve ever taken the time to really listen to your inner voice, you’ve probably realized that it frequently focuses on the negative. Because that voice can be so loud, it’s important to be aware of its message and determine if the pattern it’s establishing is building a negative web. If you’re not careful, the web will entangle you and make it difficult to escape and move forward with your thoughts, actions and behaviors. It’s no surprise to find yourself feeling depressed, upset, annoyed and angry. You need to stop and shift the negative thoughts by countering them with positive ones.

Our thoughts have frequencies, and those frequencies impact our mind/body connection. High-frequency thoughts like those encompassing gratitude, peace and empowerment neutralize the low-frequency patterns of that negative voice. Techniques to stop getting stuck in negative energy patterns include doing something physical. When we move around and do something physical, we secrete chemicals from the brain that enhance our mood and “frequency.” Consequently, those negative thoughts and contrary ideas are stopped and replaced by positive higher-frequency thoughts and behaviors. 

Another method to silence the negativity is to talk to a friend. Communicating about something positive that’s going on totally changes the frequency of your thoughts and leaves you feeling positive.

Besides addressing the cognitive perspective, however, is the reality of the possible dangers of the sport. Some fear can be healthy! This acknowledgement can help one retain a healthy respect for this sport. Do you have a good knowledge base? Do you have an independent seat? Do you feel secure on the animal you’re riding? Do you wear safety gear, like a properly-fitting helmet and safety vest? One must address the fear of the unknown by taking as much control of reality as possible. Your knowledge, what you’ve learned through your lessons with a qualified instructor, adds to your feelings of ability and, ultimately, control. 

Think of anything you’ve done in life that can be dangerous: Learning to ride a bike, learning to drive a car or walking across a busy street in the city all can potentially lead to negative outcomes. Nonetheless, we ride a bike, we cross a street, we drive a car. Why? Our attitude is positive enough—our frequency is high enough—to support the endeavor because we’ve accepted the risk that’s been backed by knowledge.

Turn those questions around. Rather than focusing on the “what if this happens?” focus on “what if this doesn’t happen!” Make the answers to those repetitive questions positive. Protect yourself mentally as well as physically. Then, enjoy your ride!

Photo:

If the voice in your head is causing you to fear riding, stop and shift the negative thoughts by countering them with positive ones.

Photo by Ruby Tevis

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Tagged under: Sports Psychology

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Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

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Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
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