Three months ago we began a conversation about riding rehearsals. Since then I’ve introduced you to many unique ways to visualize your riding using different mental perspectives (think camera angles). In case you missed then, here’s a brief summary of the many different camera angles we’ve talked about:
This month I’m going to introduce you to one final riding rehearsal. I like to call this perspective the Movie Trailer and it works like this: The next time you need a boost of confidence, close your eyes and visualize yourself riding using any of the camera angles above, but this time do so while listening to your favorite song! Make sure that song is meaningful and motivating and don’t be afraid to turn the volume way up! Just remember to turn the music off and remove your headphones before you mount.
The goal of this kind of riding rehearsal is to create a sort of movie trailer image in your mind (like the powerful images and music used in movie trailers) because when motivating images and upbeat music are combined they stimulate the release of feel-good hormones (endorphins) that make you feel more calm, confident, and courageous! It’s like a two-for-one sale for riders - when your images and songs are combined, you become one powerful and empowered rider!
As you now know, there is no shortage of different cameral angles you can use to visualize your rides, but there’s also no shortage of positive results that positive rehearsals can provide you with, including:
This wraps up our conversation about riding rehearsals. Perhaps the best thing about them is that anyone can do them, and anyone can do them anywhere! Simply take a deep breath and turn on your internal camera - the popcorn is optional!
I hope you enjoyed the topic of riding rehearsals and hope you’ll give them a try. Next month I’ll introduce you to something new and surprising and really cool, but until then feel free to email me at [email protected] if you’d like more information on how your group can join my summer clinic tour this July and August!
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) continues to monitor the outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in California. Currently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that there are three counties—San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside—where confirmed or suspected cases of VS have been identified.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and United States Eventing Association (USEA) are pleased to announce the dates and location of the 2023 USEF/USEA Eventing Developing Horse National Championships for 6- and 7-year-olds.
The Championships, which will include a CCI2*-S for 6-year-olds and a CCI3*-S for 7-year-olds, will take place at the Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials in Aiken, South Carolina, from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2023.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce updates to the 2023 Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists. The programs are part of the U.S. Eventing Pathway, which is focused on developing combinations to deliver sustainable success in team competition at the championship level.
Four years ago, Megan Weber was feeling discouraged about her event horse who didn’t seem to want to do the sport. She’d made the decision to find a new horse but found she was struggling to connect to the several she’d tried.
She reached out to a friend who had experience with adopting mustangs, and the idea of an untouched, green horse sounded like a fun idea.