Think Like an Equestrian

Are you tired of hearing your instructor say the same thing over and over again to you. Well it could be that you could improve your riding by improving your own self discipline and I’m going to share with you 3 things to improve your riding self discipline so your riding will improve faster and you’ll be able to ride better.

I was listening to a lesson the other day and was astounded that the instructor had to say:

• Sit up
• Heels down
• Look up

Over, and over and over again. It seemed to be on auto replay.

Now it could be that the student didn’t actually KNOW how to do those things or 

It could be

 That the self discipline of the rider was lacking.

Heels down? 

Who doesn’t know how to do that? Or why you should do that. If you’re not sure check out this video here. https://youtu.be/cZeEGadQh64

1.0 Focus on how you want to be perceived

AND

How you perceive yourself

• Would you like to be perceived as a knowledgeable horse person?
  As a competent rider able to get things done?
  Or
  As a beginner rider who needs to be told to sit up and push your heels down?

When you change your identity you start aligning yourself with that goal.

If you say… 

Like I heard the person in the lesson say,
“I Can’t do that” 

Then you will align yourself with that perception.

If you say, “I can’t do that” – our brain, your “self” will support that statement whether you like it or not. 

YOU will find ways to support that statement.

If however you create an image of yourself as an equestrian,
That CAN do those things (jump a jump, ride a canter pirouette, do correct lead changes

THEN

You will find ways to support that statement.

Your behaviour will change in terms of the IDENTITY (equestrian) you want to embody. Rather than the goals you want to achieve.

Think of yourself as an equestrian.

2.0 Establish Reminders

This can be as simple (and what I used to do and still do)

Every time you go into a corner, do a position check.

• Am i sitting up?
• Are my heels down?
• Am I on the correct diagonal?

AND – if you’re not… then fix them.

Also remind yourself that you are an equestrian

If you can tick off – 

• Sitting up
• Heels down
•  Correct diagonal

Then you can and will move on to more advanced things

3.0 Build New Habits

Start small – 

Don’t wait for the instructor to tell you to do those things.

Get into the habit of doing corrections on your own

• Like when you are in the car

Or

Start establishing a new habit every time you go into a corner do a position check

Or

When the instructor/coach tells someone else to look up you don’t wait for them to tell you.

Or

Start to feel for that diagonal on your own and teach yourself to pick up the lead or diagonal without looking down.

Track your progress

Are you progressing?

If you are looking for other ways to improve your riding then check out my free course right here, 

And

If you’d like to book a free session with me go here

Pick a date and we can go do a position review.

In the meantime,

Think like an equestrian and progress with your riding.

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