Self motivation - Derriere Ambassador Riders Erin Orford and Hannah Murray share their tips for being the best...
Horses will always present you with challenges, and very
often once you overcome one hurdle, another one will rise to test you! It is
always beneficial to try to see these episodes as part of your journey in the
relationship between horse and rider, and as you progress, your bond, knowledge
and understanding will increase and become stronger. Confidence is of the
utmost importance for riders, and even if your riding is not technically
perfect, having a positive attitude and belief in yourself will carry you a
long way. It will also convey itself to your horse, who should respond in the
best way possible!
We asked two exceptional dressage riders, the UK’s Erin Orford and Sweden’s Hanna Murray, who both contest para-dressage contests, for their tips:
“There is a good psychological trick that has helped many athletes in different sports, and it translates very well to equine disciplines. Before a test, I like to sit by the arena on my own and ride through the test in my mind in real-time, going over all the tiny details as to how I’ll prepare or ride each step of a movement. If there are certain movements or parts of the arena that are worrying you - for example banners when you’re on a spooky horse - then you can visualise how you might prepare the horse, and in your mind tackle the problem before it happens. Our emotions, particularly nerves, are easily transferred to the horse, so mounting with this positive mindset will also give your horse confidence, and ultimately increase your chances of succeeding in whatever you’re working towards,” says Britain’s Erin Orford.
“Be the best you can
be, and focus on your strengths and build on them; very often the weaker areas
will also improve along the way. For example, if your horse is brilliant out
hacking, set yourself a programme whereby you do all the local routes and
incorporate some of your schooling exercises such as transitions in different
locations into your rides. Do make sure your horse respects you on the ground
as well as when ridden. Horses like and need to be obedient, which will build
trust in your relationship. Make sure the horse is in a steady routine of feed,
turnout and work. A horse that is handled daily is much more likely to be at
ease,” advises Hanna Murray.
To up your riding game,
try to ensure that you are in the right environment. You need to surround
yourself with motivational people who are there to help, are happy to do so and
are, hopefully, more accomplished than yourself! Sometimes what may seem like a
huge problem to you can be easily solved by a professional seeing things from a
different point of view. Owning and riding a horse can be a challenge, no
matter what our physical capabilities and limitations - so rise up to and above
your challenge, be the best, gain success and then enjoy the ride! Remember to equip yourself with the right equipment for
the job - for example, comfy and supportive under-garments and breeches, such
as those from Derriere equestrian.
The correct attire can really boost your
confidence, and make you feel on top of the world!
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