On dealing with fear:

A little bit of fear is normal when it comes to riding. If it begins to prevent you from doing the things you love, there are tools to help shift that.

Here are some ideas to assist when fear arises:

1. Ask yourself what you are afraid of in the moment. If you can pinpoint a specific thing, talk it out (even to yourself) and decide if it is worth it to continue on. You might just lack knowledge for what you are afraid of doing. If that’s the case, ask for assistance. Ask for ways to help break down the issue until you find a solution. If you can’t figure out where the fear is coming from, you might need to simply take a step back from what you’re doing. Begin a journaling ritual, talk to friends, ask if anyone else feels the way you do, and go on a quest to find out where the fear is rooted. It could be time for a guided meditation practice or a licensed therapist to assist. I’ve also had amazing results from hypnotists. Be open to limitless solutions!
2. If you a
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1. Practice in your mind, with as much detail, before your show. You can even set up a little arena in your living room and pretend you are the horse. This is great exercise also!
2. When entering at A, create a square turn feeling and send your horse forward towards the judge. Be confident! This forward energy will also help you stay straight.
3. Exhale when you halt and salute, settle, take a deep breath again, and Go For It!
4. Ride into your corners and pay special attention to your geometry. During practice, try and have someone film you to help you review.
5. Breathe through each transition.
6. Have the slightest feeling of leg yielding out to help with your transitions. This will help keep you and your horse stay connected.
7. Steady on your outside rein.
8. Allow yourself to think of a marching song in your free walk. I like the Darth Vader theme from Star Wars, but find your favorite 4 beat cadence!
9. If something goes wrong, breathe and focus on what is next. Every moment counts. Don't let a
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I had a biofeedback monitor on my hand and I was watching bubbles go up and down on the screen.

It was incredible to see how my energy shifts could make this happen.

I was enjoying a computer game called "The Wild Divine". It was designed to help you find your still point and then play with bringing your energy levels up and down.

We have that same kind of experience available to us, when we hang out with sensitive horses. 

How often have you noticed when you're all over the place with your thoughts, your horse doesn't want to be anywhere near you? 

However, when you can get very clear, calm, and focused on exactly what you'd like to dial in for that moment, your horse becomes curious and will often crave being with you.

So how do you cultivate that feeling your horse craves?

The first step: Release unnecessary tension.

If your body is stuck, inspiration/ideas/good feelings will ping or bounce off of you.

If you soften and relax, all that you desire can come and settle in, lik...

There is constant noise and static all around us.

It can be found all around in the media, relationships, daily chores, and even our mind chatter.

What if...

You could get really quiet.

And sit and listen to your breath. 

Would you be okay with where you were physically, mentally, and spiritually?

True acceptance begins with taking a deep breath and knowing that where you are right now, in this very moment is completely okay. It might not be a comfortable place... to sit quietly and just be.... however, this is where you can find your most intriguing answers to life.

Acceptance of your entire now moment can help you figure out where you want to go next. If you're being pushed and pulled and flailed about like a nervous horse with a flag chasing you, you won't be able to hear the quiet connection always at the ready to help you.

All you need do is ask. Sit and breathe... and ask yourself, what do I need in this moment? 

Accepting where you are in life is key to being able to sh...