Craving Control in Equestrian Sport

I dont want my horse to spook at the jumps in the corner 
Our beliefs. Choose to focus on all the evidence you have that demonstrates you are a good capable rider. Choose to back yourself and be your own biggest cheerleader
Our reactions. Choose to react with curiosity instead of emotion. I wonder why that didnt work? Instead of Oh no that was so embarrassing 
Our focus. Choose to look for the calmness of the present moment by focusing on the task at hand. Notice when youre getting distracted by the stories your brain produces and return to the present moment.
Choose an Internal Locus of Control instead of an External Locus of Control 
Having an internal locus of control means deciding that you are the biggest driving influence in the outcomes of your life. From this perspective you believe that no matter what happens to you you will ultimately be able to influence the outcome through your own actions and reactions. This belief is empowering and promotes responsibility and accountability. 
In contrast an external locus of control comes from believing that the events of your life are more powerful than your choices. From this perspective you believe that it doesnt matter what you do or how you react larger forces such as luck or fate will ultimately control the outcomes of your life. This belief can create hopelessness and even a victim mentality where we believe everything is against us.
A rider with an internal locus of control is realistic and understands that she only controls a small list of things. Critically she believes the things she does control are the most important and influential factors shaping her experience and results. Interestingly research shows that people with an internal locus of control are happier and much more satisfied with their lives than people with an external locus of control. There is a lot to gain from taking on this perspective.
Because horse sport carries a real physical risk its important to realise that striving for total control is not the best way to keep ourselves safe. This approach only leaves us increasingly tense and anxious as we inevitably do not achieve the total control we seek. Tension and anxiety then influence the horse and make unwanted behaviour more likely. Counterintuitively we are safest on a horse when we accept that we do not and cannot have complete control. We instead direct our
energy into the things we do control such as our state of mind and reactions which then positively influence the horse and our ability to handle unexpected behaviour.