09/29/2026
Riding Under Pressure: Changing the Way We Think
Pressure in riding doesn’t only exist in the competition ring. It can show up when we’re learning a new skill, riding a horse that feels different than usual, working through something difficult, riding in front of other people, or simply putting pressure on ourselves to ‘get it right’.
When we feel that pressure, our nervous system responds. Our heart rate might increase, our muscles tighten, and our thoughts become busier. We often interpret those sensations negatively: I’m nervous. I’m going to mess this up. I can’t do this.
But that response isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Increased alertness and energy are also ways our body prepares us to respond to a challenge. What matters is how we interpret that feeling and, importantly, where we direct our attention.
One concept I really like is the difference between avoidance-focused and approach-focused thinking.
Avoidance-focused thoughts tell us what not to do: Don’t tense up. Don’t let them stop. Don’t lose the rhythm. Don’t make a mistake.
The problem is that none of those thoughts actually give us something productive to ride toward.
Instead, we can reframe them:
‘Don’t get fast’ becomes ‘Establish the rhythm’…. ‘Don’t tense up’ becomes ‘Breathe out and keep moving’…. ‘Don’t let them stop’ becomes ‘Connect my leg and stay committed’… ‘Don’t make a mistake’ becomes ‘Ride one question at a time’
This is something we can practise during completely ordinary rides. Rather than trying to eliminate pressure or nerves altogether, we can get better at recognizing them, redirecting our attention, and giving ourselves a clear, achievable task.
As a coach, I think there’s a lot of value in teaching riders what to do, rather than continually reminding them what not to do. Over time, that creates riders who are better able to problem-solve, stay present, and rely on the skills they already have, even when things don’t feel perfectly comfortable.
