FIND YOUR FOCUS

All equine competition requires team work. Even in halter classes, you must have a connection to your horse. Mental prep is part of that team work.

When you or your horse aren’t mentally prepared, things can go awry. If your horse isn’t mentally focused, you must take over and do a whole lot more to help your horse get through the task. If you’re tired, feeling weak or distracted, and the horse isn’t focused either, then you’ve got a really big problem on your hands.

Both you and your horse must be very focused when you show. Here are my 12 tips to prepare both of you to focus in the pen.

Focus Factor #1: Take care of your mind

As the rider, you must be a bit more focused and alert when you show. When you’re extremely fatigued, it’s challenging to do your best in