By Margie Sugarman
I’ve been in Florida for the past three weeks and today my trainer approached me at the end of the day. She had a big smile on her face and asked me to sit down. I sat down, a little excited but also a bit hesitant, having no idea what she was going to say. I’d been riding very well so I knew it couldn’t be bad, but what followed shook me up a bit. She told me I had proven myself and was ready to move up to the next division. Feelings flooded over me. I was happy and excited, yet scared and doubtful. My question is: How do I prepare myself for success and not be intimidated?
First of all, your reaction is totally normal! Moving up to the next division carries challenges—the challenge of riding bigger jumps, the challenge of riding against better riders, the challenge of riding more advanced courses, the challenge of having to focus and concentrate more than you’ve ever had to.
Successful athletes are individuals who typically can regulate their emotions. They can fix their attention and remain highly motivated, self-assured, and consistent in the face of challenges. These behaviors are significant because they are the trademark of the mentally tough, emotionally intelligent athlete and can be grouped under what we call “The Five Cs”: commitment, communication, concentration, control, and confidence.
Of course, these qualities take time to develop. But if you’re being told it’s time to move up, you probably have already begun to develop some of these qualities. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what comprises these attributes.
COMMITMENT
It’s important to be motivated in your riding. Effort, persistence, working to improve weaknesses, developing strengths and resilience are all qualities related to commitment. As you grow in your riding, these qualities will grow as well.
COMMUNICATION
How effectively do you listen to your trainer? Do you ask questions when you don’t understand something? Are you able to discuss something rather than just keep it inside? Effective communication is crucial to growth not only as a rider but as a person.
CONCENTRATION
This quality is related to your ability to focus your attention on the right thing at the right time. As a rider, you have not only the horse you’re sitting on to think about, but you also have yourself and the questions that the course is asking of you. Moving up to the next division will pose new and more involved questions for you. In being committed and able to communicate with your trainer, the concentration will follow.
CONTROL
This area has to do with being able to control and manage emotions and thoughts. Furthermore, it also encompasses learning how to react in a positive way to stress. These abilities are, for some, innate. For others, it can sometimes be quite helpful to speak with a sport psychologist, sports consultant, or psychotherapist. Many riders’ progression involves learning techniques to change negative self-talk and thought patterns into positive thoughts that enable and encourage a positive mind/body connection that impacts results in their riding.
CONFIDENCE
This has to do with a rider’s belief in their ability and the skills to attain their goals. Confidence is riding without the fear of making mistakes and exhibiting positive energy through words, thoughts and, ultimately, actions.
Developing these interconnected skills can give you the mental edge you need to succeed. You might be lucky enough to move up a division, go in and win! However, to continue a winning path, “The Five C’s” will help you to grow and succeed.
Congratulations on your move up! Enjoy the challenges and grow from the experience.
