Your riding CAN be fun again
A lot of riders come to Mind Matters. They may be very pleased with what they are achieving with their horse(s) at home but , at competitions , 'nerves' may be making it impossible for them to ride effectively. They may even have completely lost confidence when riding at any time at all; every problem is individual. Loss of confidence can often happen after a fall or some other unpleasant experience; it can also happen for no apparent reason . It can occur whether you spend all your time hacking or whether you are highly competitive and concentrate your efforts on competition riding. It happens to riders in every equestrian discipline.
The effects of anxiety vary (a few 'butterflies' is normal and healthy!) and an anxious rider invariably causes an anxious horse. We may even find ourselves trying extra hard NOT to worry for that very reason. Unfortunately this doesn't work and it's largely because we are trying to solve the problem on a conscious level.
Do any of these things sound familiar, I wonder?
- I know I'm capable of riding my horse well at home but everything just goes to pieces as soon as we get to a competition.
- I was really pleased with what we did in the warm up but as soon as the bell rang it was a disaster.
- My mind goes completely blank sometimes in a test.
- I have to keep going to the toilet all morning before a competition.
- I bought my horse to hack but I'm so nervous now that we just stay in the school.
If you feel that you are so nervous at a competition that your riding is affected detrimentally, you are experiencing something of the human 'fight or flight' response and the effects of this on your body can be severe (you can read more about this on the Panic Attack page)
The great news is that EFT can banish crippling competition nerves, allowing you to feel in control and fulfil your true potential with your horse. This is because the signal for you to start feeling anxious is stored in your subconscious mind which is extremely powerful. It is in control of all your habits whether good ones or bad, and being over anxious at a competition has become just another habit - but one that you don't want! As with all bad habits, consciously telling yourself that this has to stop usually doesn't work. EFT is so successful because you are able to totally let go of any stress and negative emotion connected with past experiences and, as blocked energy is released, you are able to approach the future with confidence.. Imagine being totally free of anxiety and tension so that you are free to concentrate on enjoying every stride!
EFT and hypnotherapy (NLP) are successful with general fears regarding riding but it is important that your horse is a suitable one for your personal skills as a rider.
A session lasts an hour and costs £60 (£50 after the first).
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** WE ALSO RUN 'CONFIDENT RIDER' DAY WORKSHOPS a few times a year - you will be part of a small group and we work with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) providing you with powerful tools to take away and use successfully when you're on your own. The day also includes input from Lindsay Wilcox-Reid (Equi-Pilates, author of 'Pilates For Riders') on how to create a safe and relaxed position when you are nervous. This is a popular workshop and if you would like to take part please email as places normally get filled without advertising**
tel: 07904 566953 01773 746502