Can You Have a “Mental Refusal”?

In short, yes, you can! When a rider’s mind is preoccupied with worry about a stop, it can result in negative anticipation that actually produces the real thing.

Riders need to remember they are leaders in this team called horse sport. Their thoughts are what drive the application of aids, which culminates in a set of directions to their equine partner.

So you have the responsibility to check yourself before you blame your horse.

Whether you are consumed with “what if he stops, what if he ducks out, what if he doesn’t like the look of that jump?” or simply an uncertainty of whether your horse will go, you are communicating. And the message you are sending is confusing. Your partner may feel a shift in your aids that makes him think “hmm, danger?” or decide there is an option coming up—to go or not to go, so to speak.

So how can you combat the “mental refusal”?

Get clear

Why are you having these thoughts? Fear? Uncertainty of how to ride to a particular obstacle? A built up distaste of a particular type of jump?

In order to take the next step and get your thoughts in order, you first must understand why they are going astray in the first place. Talk to your coach and deal head on with the root of the problem.

Plan your thoughts

The more your thoughts direct you to the other side in a confident way, the more likely you are to get there. Try condensing your directions down to keywords that instruct your ride: “forward, rhythm” or “close leg, support, go.” In essence, you want to anchor your mind where you want to go, so you can keep it occupied and away from worry.

Rehearse

Use visualization to see yourself successfully navigating challenging obstacles. Focus on the type of ride it takes to get the job done. Do as many extra “reps” on jumps that are particularly worrisome to you—until they become a little boring. You really can change your perception through persistence and repetition.

About the Author

April Clay is a rider and sports psychologist in Calgary, Alberta. (www.ridingoutofyourmind.com) Want to learn more about mental toughness? Check out the Resilient Rider Online Course and the Confidence Factor at www.outofyourmindcourses.com.