Riding is truly a unique sport, one that involves not only a "partner" in the horse, but a set of challenges inherent to the complex relationship the rider and horse must form.
Together the rider and horse may gallop over long distances, jump imposing fences, or perform complex maneuvers, all the while translating and speaking a "foreign" language to a partner who has a mind of his or her own! Throw in the presence of other riders or maybe a large, noisy crowd, and it's no wonder so many equestrians struggle with confidence, focus, performance anxiety, and pre-show jitters.
The truth is, riders - whether competitive or purely recreational - often forget that they are athletes, and juts like individuals in other sports can fall prety to the destruvtive emotions and negative mental traits that can put their goals seemingly out of reach and their equestrian dreams in a tailspin.
Luckily, sport psychology expert and international riding coach Daniel Stewart has spent a lifetime training equestrian athletes to Pressure Proof their riding. In this book he shares dozens of specific tools and tricks that can be used to manage the stress, nerves, distraction, anxiety, and panic that so often hinder performacne.
You'll find clearly defined, individual stetps to mental and physical success in the saddle, including: positive versus negative "brain babble"; ways to strengthen mental imagery; goal-setting tools; stress management; relaxation techniques; keys to sensory, short-term, and long-term memory; and so much more.
Perhaps best of all, Daniel reminds readers that most importantly, riding is about "doing what you love, and loving what you do." His humor and enthusiasm are certain to inspire, invigorate, and ensure a lifetime of goals attained and fun had with your horse.
Paperback.