Working with an Equestrian Sports Psychologist
Don’t let your mind get in the way of your dreams.
Working with an equestrian sports psychologist can be an incredibly valuable experience for riders looking to improve their performance, build confidence, and overcome mental obstacles. Equestrian sport is so unique in that it requires a lot of physical skill, and an extremely strong and resilient mental game. It's so common for riders to struggle with anxiety, fear, or self-doubt, which we all know can hinder your performance, or even stop you from getting into the ring altogether.
An equestrian sports psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in working with riders and trainers to address psychological issues that may be affecting their performance. They will help you to develop mental skills such as visualization, goal-setting, and positive self-talk, as well as identify and address any mental roadblocks that may be hindering your progress. It’s really hard to know if you have limiting beliefs or learned behaviors that are holding you back until an external party addresses them for you.
The first step in getting started is to find a qualified professional who specializes in working with riders. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from other riders or trainers in your community, or by doing a search online for sports psychologists who work specifically with equestrian athletes. A lot of them work remotely and use video calls, so you don’t have to limit yourself to someone in your immediate area. Usually the first call will be complimentary, so you can get a feel for this person’s overall philosophy and style, and make sure that it’s someone you feel comfortable with. During this type of work, you can often find yourself feeling uncomfortable or uneasy when addressing past issues or blockers that you need to share in order to come out on the other side of your challenge.
During the first consultation, the psychologist will likely ask you about your riding background, your goals, and any mental or emotional challenges you may be facing.
Once you’ve set up a series of regular sessions, those sessions will include work to develop a personalized plan for improving your mental game, which may include exercises to improve your focus, visualization techniques to help you prepare for competitions, and strategies for managing performance anxiety.
One of the biggest benefits of working with an equestrian sports psychologist is that they can help you build confidence and resilience, which can translate into better performance in the saddle. By addressing any mental obstacles you may be facing and developing a stronger mental game, you may find that you're able to ride with greater ease and enjoyment, whether you're competing at the highest levels or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride.
Think of working with an equestrian sports psychologist as a valuable investment in your riding career. By developing mental skills and addressing any psychological barriers that may be hindering your progress, you can improve your confidence and unlock new levels of performance. One thing I think is safe to say, once you get rid of the mental blockers, you will absolutely surprise yourself at what you and your horse can accomplish. So if you're struggling with mental or emotional challenges that are affecting your riding, consider reaching out to a qualified equestrian sports psychologist today.
Have you worked with a sports psychologist before? How was that experience for you? Let me know in the comments.