Anyone who has competed more than a few times has experienced the multitude of distractions present at the show.  The loose horse that flies by just as you start down centerline or the well-intentioned groundskeeper who revs up the tractor or the water truck just as you begin a series of flying changes.  Another type […]

Timmie Pollock, PHD Tackling Intimidation Ok, so you want to go to that show, or move up a level or go out against the “big boys” (or girls).  What’s the best way to do this?  I will focus on the horse show setting in the examples and strategies I give you.  However, the information will […]

Timmie Pollock, PHD If “just do it” doesn’t work for you, here is expert advice on overcoming your anxiety.  You’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to get serious about showing, and today is the day. You arrive at the show grounds and unload your horse.  As you look around, you are suddenly gripped […]

Your Horse Is Your Mirror Part 3 The Horse-Human Partnership Unlike most sports, riding involves developing a relationship with a living, breathing creature.  As a result, a rider’s interpersonal problems may “play out” -usually to the detriment of the performance- with their horse.  Both rider and horse frequently suffer as result.  If the rider can […]

Your Horse Is Your Mirror Part 2 It was difficult for Molly to break her entrenched patterns of behavior, but she is now scoring and placing higher in the shows than ever. More important, she is happy with herself. She is once again fully enjoying her riding; and, as she puts it, ” the rest […]

Your Horse Is Your Mirror Part 1 What could your equestrian “issues” be telling you about yourself? Here’s how to improve both.  Every time I work with a horse – or person, I think how the problems and solutions relate to a human’s life, including my own.  There are so many lessons, but it’s important […]