Competition could be better - Susan's story
I work with competitors as well and see regular improvements in results
Rachel Cox
Last Update 2 years ago
In the realm of coaching riders, my journey expanded beyond the initial quest of conquering the fear of drowning in competition. Over time, I found immense joy in helping individuals enhance their performance, often more fulfilling than my own ventures in the competitive arena.
One notable client, a skilled rider with a stunning horse, sought improvement in competition results. While consistently earning "ok" marks and securing 3rd or 4th positions in showing, she sensed a latent potential within herself and her equine partner waiting to be unleashed.
Recognizing that dressage offered a ripe ground for tangible changes that could ripple into showing, we embarked on a focused journey. To assess the current state, she shared videos of recent tests along with judge's score sheets.
Upon initial inspection, the apparent areas for improvement seemed elusive. The overall impression score lingered on the lower side, with sporadic comments about lapses in concentration and sloppy transitions.
To gain deeper insights, unbeknownst to her, I attended one of her tests. This firsthand observation unveiled crucial details. Susan, a gracious soul, inadvertently allowed external influences to sway her in the warm-up, engage in distracting conversations on the way to the ring, and receive unsolicited advice before mounting. The lack of a focused approach from the outset translated into a scattered mindset for both rider and horse during the test.
Our collaborative efforts honed a strategic plan—from arrival to test completion to warm-down—that instilled a sense of purpose and concentration for both Susan and her horse. By aligning their thoughts, we transformed their partnership into a synchronized dance of focus and commitment.
Delving into the realm of showing, a similar narrative unfolded. An unfortunate past incident, where someone had callously labeled her as "rubbish" in the show ring, had left a lasting impact. Through our work, we addressed this old wound, empowering Susan to shield herself from external opinions and fostering a resilient mindset.
The transformation was profound. The meticulous work on changing mindset, fostering unwavering focus, ensuring effective communication with the horse, and fortifying Susan against external distractions bore fruit. The results surpassed mere red rosettes, extending to higher marks and commendations on the remarkable partnership they embodied in their collaborative journey.