Mar 30, 2020

USEA Podcast #254: Sports Psychology Special with Daniel Stewart

By USEA

In this brand new episode of the USEA Podcast, Nicole and Diarm speak to world-renowned sports psychologist Daniel Stewart. Packed full of top tips to manage nerves in training, competition, and everyday life, as well as tips on how to stay positive and motivated during this challenging time in the world, this is a must-listen show for anyone looking to build a positive mindset.

  • Stewart starts us off with a definition of the two branches of sports psychology: clinical and educational. Educational sports psychology, which is the focus of Stewart's work, can be applicable for all riders from beginners just starting out to the high performance competitors.
  • Stewart asserts that in every case, it is important to first define what success looks like. Without a definition of success, it's a bit like having a destination in mind with no road map to get there.
  • Outgrouping, which Stewart defines as "wonder, wish, and worry about others," can be a common roadblock when it comes to defining success. It is important, he says, to focus on things within your control, rather than things outside your control. However, the unpredictable nature of equestrian sports complicates that issue because the rider can do everything "right" and things can still go wrong. To combat this issue, Stewart advocates for focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
  • Stewart suggests defining goals "on a ladder" - going for goals one step at a time. Immediate goals are goals that we can set and achieve in a single day. Stewart says these goals are the "spark that lights the fire," that gets you excited about achieving your ultimate goal. The next "wrung of the ladder" is the short-term goal. There may be several of these, all to be achieved along the way to that ultimate goal.
  • Stewart leads listeners through a program he calls "How Not to Get to Thank You Yet." These tips and tricks are helpful in shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
    • The first step revolves around the word "How." Instead of asking yourself simply to do something, ask yourself how you will do that thing.
    • Tell yourself what to do versus what not to do. Direct your intentions towards the positive instead of the negative.
    • Switch the phrase "have to" with the phrase "get to." Instead of, "I have to go to the barn," say, "I get to go to the barn." It turns obligations into opportunities.
    • Error-based learning is the learning that takes place immediately after making a mistake. Stewart says to say "thank you" to yourself for making these mistakes as they are your greatest opportunity for learning.
    • By adding the word "yet" to the end of the phrase, "I can't do it," you create the belief that you will one day achieve what today you cannot.
  • Stewart rounds out the program by explaining the concept of telescoping bias. We look at our weaknesses, failures, and mistakes as if through a telescope - making them appear larger than they actually are. We also tend to look at our strengths, abilities, and successes through the wrong end of the telescope - making them appear less significant than they actually are. "Turn the telescope around," Stewart says.
  • To read more tips from Daniel Stewart, check out his Tips of the Month.

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May 27, 2023 Eventing News

Auburn Leads, USC Aiken in the Hunt After Cross-Country at the 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship

Chants of “War Eagle” were heard from end to end of the White Oak cross-country course as the overnight leaders and defending champions from Auburn University tore between the red and white flags Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard of the 2023 Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC).

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Horse Owners Urged to Participate in Economic Impact Study for the Equine Industry

The last three years have been a time of great change throughout the country for homes, businesses and industries. Rising costs of living, shrinking of assistance and changes in demographics have affected so much of our world, and that includes the equine industry. However, not all of the changes are easy to identify. This is why the American Horse Council (AHC), together with the U.S. Equestrian Federation, has kicked off what could be one of the biggest studies in more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study (EIS) for the equine industry.

May 26, 2023 Intercollegiate

Tigers on Top: Auburn University Leads 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship After Dressage

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May 26, 2023 About Us

Meet the USEA Staff: Programs, Partnerships, & Marketing

If you have been involved at a higher level with the USEA, you probably recognize the names of the two ladies that spearhead all of the efforts of the USEA’s Programs, Partnerships, and Marketing department: Kate Lokey, Director of Programs and Marketing, and Kaleigh Collett, Marketing Coordinator, but a new member of this team has also joined the USEA staff in Heather Johnson, Programs and Inventory Assistant. If you have considered advertising with the USEA or are involved in the USEA’s Young Event Horse, Emerging Athletes U21, New Event Horse, Adult Riders, Young Riders, Classic Series, or Grooms programs, you probably have or most likely will interact with one of these staff members.

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