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OVERCOMING FEAR AT ITS CORE
A rider's path to mastery with Jenni Winter-Leach of Flying Changes
Fear is a multifaceted emotion, intricately woven into the fabric of our psyche. For riders, it's a silent adversary, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of vulnerability. Yet, mastering fear is not merely about suppressing its symptoms; it's about addressing the root causes that lie beneath the surface. In the realm of competition, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat, this mastery is essential to unlocking our full potential in the saddle.
Fear manifests itself in myriad ways, both subtle and overt. It can be the tightening grip on the reins, the shallow breaths that escape our lips, or the rapid pounding of our hearts against our chests. These physical manifestations betray the underlying tension within us, signalling to our horse that all may not be well and creating tension or poor decision making for them too. But fear isn't just confined to the physical realm; it permeates our thoughts, our emotions, and our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities.
Understanding the Impact of Fear on Riding Performance
Fear, in its various forms, can significantly impact our riding performance at any level and in any discipline. Even experienced riders may grapple with doubts, nerves, or anxieties surrounding their performance. These emotions, if left unaddressed, can undermine our confidence and hinder our ability to perform at our best.
At its core, fear triggers a physiological response known as the "fight or flight" response. When faced with a perceived threat – whether it's a daunting jump, a challenging course, or the pressure of competition – our bodies react instinctively, preparing us to either confront the threat head-on or flee from it. This response is characterized by increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and heightened alertness – all of which can impair our ability to communicate effectively with our horse and execute precise manoeuvres.
Moreover, fear can cloud our judgment, leading to indecision or hesitation at critical moments. It can cause us to second-guess ourselves, undermining our trust in our abilities and eroding our confidence in our horse. Left unchecked, these doubts can create a vicious cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, further exacerbating our fears and hindering our performance.
Addressing the symptoms of fear may provide temporary relief, but it's akin to treating the symptoms of a disease without addressing its root cause. We must delve deeper, peeling back the layers of our psyche to uncover the origins of our fears. Perhaps it's a past fall that has left us wary of pushing our limits, or maybe it's a fear of judgment that stems from childhood insecurities. Whatever the case may be, confronting these root causes is the first step towards true mastery.
The Importance of Addressing Root Causes
While it's tempting to focus solely on managing the symptoms of fear – whether through relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, or visualisation exercises – true mastery requires us to confront the root causes that lie beneath the surface. These root causes may stem from past experiences, such as falls or accidents, or from deeply ingrained beliefs about us and our abilities.
By addressing these root causes, we can create lasting change that extends far beyond the confines of the arena. We can cultivate a mindset of resilience and courage that empowers us to navigate the challenges of riding and competing with grace and confidence. This work needs to take place off-horse, as part of our mental preparation for competition, and requires a commitment to personal growth and development.
But how do we embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation? It begins with a willingness to confront our fears in our brain head-on, to shine a light into the darkest corners of our minds. Seeking support from a qualified and experienced mindset coach or finding the right mindset program can provide invaluable guidance and perspective, helping us navigate the labyrinth of our emotions with clarity and insight. Through introspection and reflection, we can unearth the underlying beliefs and thought patterns that fuel our fears, shining a light on the shadows that lurk within.
Moreover, we must recognise that this work extends far beyond the confines of the arena. It's not just about conquering fear in the heat of competition; it's about cultivating a mindset of resilience and courage that transcends the saddle. This requires a commitment to personal growth and development, both on and off-horse. By cultivating a mindset of curiosity and self-awareness, we can navigate the challenges of riding with grace and confidence, knowing that we have the tools to confront whatever obstacles may lie in our path, both literally and figuratively!
For Felicity Collins, the journey towards overcoming fear has been transformative. Before competing at her first Badminton at just 24 years old, Felicity recalls moments of doubt and uncertainty, of setbacks and challenges. Yet, through perseverance and determination, she emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. By addressing the root causes of her fears, she unlocked a newfound sense of freedom and confidence in the saddle.
Felicity says “Reflecting back, the positive rewards I reaped from Jenni’s coaching come my first Badminton cross country day in 2022, actually stemmed from work we had been doing for a long time before this. Mindset is an ongoing journey, but having said that, the progress I have made is clear. Being in the start box at Badminton and feeling a strong sense of focus and calm rather than churning fear was a huge milestone. For me, it’s more about digging deep into my mind to understand myself, my habits and my worries. People used to say to me, “If it makes you so nervous, why do you do it?”. A few years back, I was unable to answer that, and it made me wonder whether they were onto something. Using Jenni’s processes, we began to break it down and better understand the thought process of my mind. I managed to work out a lot of my ‘fear’ was based around making a mistake or letting my horse down, or the people around me. This could result in me overthinking, which could sometimes interfere with my natural ‘feel’. Working this out was the first step, and I found Jenni’s advice of putting this information into practice at training or smaller competitions really helped when the bigger ones came around. Jenni taught me how to not just think of the memory, but tap into the feeling, and train my brain to take confidence from past performances. Some techniques can have an instant effect, but Jenni has shown me that working on your mindset is like going to the gym for your brain, and the right support and consistency is important.”
Embracing Fear as an Opportunity for Growth
Fear is not something to be avoided or suppressed; it's an integral part of the riding experience. By embracing fear as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, we can harness its energy and use it to propel ourselves forward on our journey to mastery in riding. Together, with your horse by your side and a commitment to addressing the root causes of fear, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. So, the next time you feel fear creeping in, embrace it as a sign that you're pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone. With dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to confront the root causes of your fears, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way, both in the saddle and in life.
Strategies for Addressing Root Causes
There are several strategies we can employ to address the root causes of our fears and cultivate a mindset of resilience and courage:
1. Seeking support: Much of this change cannot be done on your own or to yourself. Reach out to a qualified and experienced mindset coach for guidance and support. Online programs are also highly effective – providing they are set up to make changes to your brain’s wiring and not simply teach you the theory.
2. Self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on past experiences and identify any patterns or triggers that contribute to your fears. Journaling can be a helpful tool for gaining clarity and insight into your thoughts and emotions.
3. Visualisation: Use visualisation techniques to imagine yourself overcoming challenges and achieving success in the saddle. This can help rewire your brain to associate fear with opportunity rather than threat.
4. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to cultivate a sense of presence and awareness in the moment. This can help you stay grounded and centred, even in the face of fear-inducing situations as well as when you are riding and need to be focused on your horse.
5. Cognitive restructuring: Challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns that fuel your fears, replacing them with more empowering narratives that bolster your confidence and self-belief.