Are you feeling pressured to succeed?

We’ve all been there: you’re gearing up for a big event, wanting to perform at your absolute best… but somehow, the pressure starts weighing you down instead of lifting you up. The adrenaline that should be sharpening your focus suddenly feels like it’s working against you, making it hard to stay calm, clear, and confident.

If you’re struggling with the mental side of competition, you’re not alone. Managing pressure is as important as any technical skill—it can be the difference between holding yourself back and riding at your true potential. 

3 Strategies to Turn Pressure Into Performance Fuel 

 Stay in the Moment
When the stakes are high, it’s easy to start worrying about results or mistakes. But that pulls you out of the present and distracts you. Instead, focus on now: tune into your horse’s rhythm, your breathing, or the feel of the reins. Staying in the moment keeps you calm, grounded, and focused. 

 Find Your Ideal Pressure Level
Every rider has a personal “pressure level” that brings out their best. Think of it like a scale from 1 to 10: some riders thrive on high intensity (8 or 9), while others perform better at a moderate level (5 or 6). Knowing your ideal level lets you adjust your energy so you’re motivated but not overwhelmed. The goal is to use pressure to your advantage.

 See Discomfort as Part of Growth

Pressure often brings up uncomfortable feelings—that’s normal at a high level. But growth happens outside the comfort zone, and handling discomfort is a skill. Try to see those nerves as a sign you’re challenging yourself. The more you accept them, the easier it gets to stay focused under pressure.

 Want to Dive Deeper?

Listen to the full podcast episode “Adjusting Your Level of Pressure” for more tips and strategies to make pressure work for you. 

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You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Mastering your mindset is a journey, and it’s completely normal to need support along the way. If you’re tired of feeling held back by pressure, there are proven techniques and mental strategies that can help. Sometimes, a little guidance is all it takes to turn nerves into fuel for success. 

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Do you have questions for us?
We’d love to hear from you!  Send us your questions by emailing us at [email protected] and we’ll answer them in an upcoming episode.