Ride Interrupted: Staying Sane 'Til You're Back in the Saddle

to be learned you can return as a stronger more confident rider.
Train by imagination
Countless studies reveal that muscle activity and brain processes of imaging athletes have a direct correlation to the actual physical event being imagined. So if you imagine yourself doing a dressage pattern or a jumper course the same areas of your brain and the same centres of muscle activity are mobilized. This is why so many elite athletes utilize the mental skill of visualization they understand that images are the next best thing to the real thing.
Since you now find yourself somewhat lacking in the real department its time to move to the theatre of your mind. Not only is time off an ideal opportunity to teach yourself a new mental skill you get to be totally in charge of your rides. You are the director!
Replicate your riding using visualization. See feel and experience yourself training your horse according to your regular schedule and better yet play around with just what you want to rehearse. Have you been working on a specific skill or do you need to rehearse some strong consistent rides to boost your confidence? You may also want to attend a few virtual horse shows while youre at it rumour has it youre a strong contender for big prizes.
To get started first make a decision as to whether you will be attempting to image from your perspective being inside your body or as a member of the audience as if you were watching a video of the event. The research on imagery reveals that the inside orientation is the more powerful one but both are deemed to be effective.
Next set a rehearsal goal what do you want for yourself?  Do you want confidence in coping with mistakes or errors? To better deal with stress at horse shows? A better body position? Make sure you take the time to put yourself in a comfortable place a favourite chair for example where youll be free from distractions. You will also want to take a few minutes to relax your body and clear your mind. Consider that you want only positive emotional and physical states associated with your visualization work.