Competing in Horse Shows -
Mastering the Art of Performing
Often what a horse and rider can do perfectly in practice they cannot duplicate in competition. Why?
Under the stress & pressure of competition many riders cannot access the state of mind necessary to perform their best. Their emotional intensity is too high because they care so deeply about being a good rider. When they go in the ring they believe they are being judged completely - from their riding ability to the strength of their character. They have brought their Complete Self into the ring and are at the mercy of every perceived opinion.
Riders who put their Complete Self in competition demonstrate tremendous courage but are unlikely to succeed. By putting so much of themselves on the line they have unwittingly increased the stress and pressure of competition thereby reducing their chances of competing well.
The Complete Self has a variety of emotions, needs and wants. The problem is that the show ring is not the place for a wide range of emotions. It is not a place where the needs of your Complete Self can be properly met. It is a place where only select emotions will be productive to your riding and where few needs are met until after you have finished competing. It is simply a place to perform.
The best actors don't just memorize the lines. They know how to become the character they are playing. Actors may have a bad day. At times they may even feel opposite to the character they are playing. But great actors become the part even if their Complete Self is tired; sick, nervous, crabby, depressed etc... Great actors know how to leave their Complete Self and its various needs in the wings and perform in character and so do successful competitors.
Skilled competitors know the difference between their Complete Self and their Competitor Self. They don't get distracted trying to meet the needs of their Complete Self when they compete. They are practiced at shifting into the role of Competitor and for a determined amount of time that is all they focus on being. Their Competitor Self is built and honed to handle the pressure of competition.
The Art of Performance is not about pretending to feel a certain way. It is about actually training yourself to access the emotions that produce the best performance. Different emotions produce different physiological responses both in the brain and the body. The emotions of confidence, energy, and excitement deliver empowering physical and mental capabilities whereas the emotions of fear, fatigue and discouragement can undermine and shut down a rider's physical and mental potential.
The good news is -
Since horses have strong reactions to emotions, most riders are already accomplished at generating the right emotions for riding. They simply need to further develop and strengthen these emotions so they hold up under the stress and pressure of competition. Basically when it comes right down to it - Mastering the Art of Performing is: The ability to develop and consistently bring your Competitor Self into the show ring.
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