Hi Reader,
There was a time when I thought pressure was the problem.
I’d show up prepared. I had done the work. My horse was ready. But when the stakes got high and the judge was watching or people were lined up along the rail, I would freeze. My body hesitated to respond the way it had in practice. I felt disconnected from my horse, from my plan, and honestly, from myself.
That kind of pressure used to leave me frustrated and discouraged. I thought something was wrong with me. I thought I lacked grit or mental toughness or whatever it was that other riders seemed to have when they walked in with confidence.
But I’ve learned something that changed everything.
Pressure isn’t the problem. It’s the amplifier.
It turns up whatever doubt is already inside of you. If you bring fear into the pen, pressure makes it louder. If you bring doubt, pressure turns it into hesitation. But if you walk in with focus and a clear plan, pressure will sharpen your performance.
Now I treat pressure like a tool. It is something I am learning how to use, not something to avoid.
Here’s one of the biggest mindset shifts that helped me.
I’ve done harder things than this.
I’ve walked through real challenges. Physical ones. Emotional ones. Life has thrown tougher things at me than a reining pattern or a fence run. Reminding myself of that gives me something to anchor to when pressure hits. It helps me stay calm. It helps me breathe. And most importantly, it helps me execute.
I’m not perfect at it. Pressure still shows up. But now, instead of fearing it or fighting it, I’m learning to ride with it. I’m learning to let it sharpen my senses instead of cloud them. I’m learning to trust myself more than I doubt.
And maybe, just maybe, I’m learning to love it.
Want to work through your pressure?
If this resonates with you, I’d love to help. Whether it’s a coaching call, a video review, or a lesson with your horse, we can work together to identify what’s getting in your way and create a clear path forward.
Reply to this email or visit my site to schedule a session.
Let’s work through the things that are interfering with your progress and get you riding at your best.
Like this graphic?
Download it and keep it somewhere visible—your trailer, tack room, or bathroom mirror—so you can keep this message top of mind. Let it remind you that pressure can work for you when you’re ready to ride with it.
CSP Love Pressure.png
See you next month,
𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒏
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