ASKdr.carrie
Q: A:
I am an equitation/medal rider approaching my last junior year. I have high hopes to compete in all of the national medal finals. If I were to focus on one thing every time I go in the ring, what would you recommend? Riding complicated tracks requires multi layers of focus and each layer requires present-moment awareness. If you have a practice that supports your brain to be present under pressure, you will have access to all of the tools you have honed for your entire junior career at any given moment. This concept is also referred to as “mindfulness” and is most reachable by taking time daily to sit in quietude, disconnecting from narrative thought and focusing on your natural breathing patterns. When the brain is trained to be in the here and now in a relaxed atmosphere, the heightened focus necessary in the show ring comes easily. Additionally, when
Q:
riding and jumping courses, the mind has to transfer seamlessly between intuitive feeling and narrative thinking. Contrary to popular belief, the brain is unable to multi-task or pay attention to many things at the same time. However, the brain can be trained to flow between paying attention to the specifics of a track or a plan, and feeling where you are in time and space while being connected to your horse’s stride. The real trick to this is committing to sit in silence every day to train the brain. Personally, I spend 5-10 minutes every morning soon after I wake up on this task. I am sure that it works because when I skip my morning practice, my attention in lessons is noticeably less crisp. Try it and let me know how it goes!
I am an older amateur rider with an accomplished 1.45 horse that is still young and game to jump the big jumps. I ended the season with a solid round in the 1.20s and really hope to build from there next season. How do I sustain the confidence I had at the end of the season, through the off-season and into the New Year?
A:
Sustaining confidence in and out of the show ring requires designing and committing to an overall selfcare practice that supports your mind and body to have the strength and focus needed, rather than focusing on the emotion you felt after completing that 1.20 class. This practice can include sitting in quietude as I described in the question above, as well as generally living your life like an athlete. Fill your menu with the foods your body thrives on most, eat regular meals, and an early, light dinner. Cross train with cardio and stretching so your body has the strength and flexibility necessary to feel strong on a horse. Commit to an ‘early to bed and early to rise’ routine, as aligning your sleep cycles with the natural light creates energy. Spend time
heightening awareness of all your senses, especially when you are outdoors as this will sharpen your ability to sense what your mount senses, thereby creating an aligned partnership. All of these practices will help you sustain and grow your confidence. This level of self-care communicates confidence to your mind and body and will pay off in spades when under pressure. Confidence and physical prowess present in many ways, and what you closed last season with, will likely shift into something new as you grow. There is courage and confidence in all aspects of the training and showing journey. Keep your mind broad so you can come to know the elements necessary for your personal version of sustained confidence to emerge.
If you would like to ask a question for this column or ask about a complimentary Performance Strategy session, please contact Carrie.
Carrie Wicks, Ph.D. |
86
· january/february
carrie@carriewicks.com
|
drcarriewicks.com