PART THREE
WHATEVER LEVEL A rider competes to, entering an arena and working through a test can be daunting, but being prepared — as a Scout would say — and armed with a positive mindset helps to kick any pre-test nerves to the kerb.
“It’s hugely important to gel with your instructor and feel that you can talk through every thought, fear and worry, especially in the run up to a contest,” says coach Sarah Payne. “Therefore, find a coach who is happy to chat things through, and be honest with them.
“Some of the riders I teach struggle with pre-competition nerves, while others, like Charlie Zehetmayr here, find certain elements that they will be riding in a test the most significant challenge. It is vital that I know where they’re coming from, and what’s on their mind so that we can all get the most out of every training session and they can consequently have fun progressing through the levels.”
