There’s something incredibly simple that has a huge impact on how you ride, train, and compete.

Your words.

Not just the words you say out loud to your trainer or friends, but the ones you repeat silently in your own mind, especially when things aren’t going to plan.

Most riders underestimate just how powerful those words are. Yet they shape confidence, decision-making, body tension, and ultimately performance far more than we realize.

Because here’s the truth:

Your words are the surface layer of your thoughts.
And your thoughts directly influence how you ride.

When Self-Talk Turns Against You

Pay attention to what happens when:

• Training feels challenging

• You’re pushing outside your comfort zone

• A session isn’t coming together the way you expected

That’s usually when the inner commentary shows up.

“I can’t do this.”
“I’m ruining my horse.”
“I should be better than this by now.”

These thoughts often feel automatic and convincing, but they’re not neutral. They change how your body responds, how you make decisions, and how much trust you place in yourself.

Over time, that internal language becomes a habit.

The Real Problem Isn’t the Thought, It’s What You Do With It

Here’s where most riders get stuck:
They assume that because a thought appears, it must be true.

But thoughts are not facts.
They’re information, and sometimes very unhelpful information.

So instead of trying to silence your mind or replace everything with forced positivity, try something far more effective.

The Filter That Changes Everything

Before you automatically believe what you’re telling yourself, pause and ask one simple question:

Is this helpful?

Not:

• Is it emotional?

• Is it familiar?

• Is it dramatic?

Just: Is this thought actually helping me ride better right now?

Even if a thought feels true in the moment, that doesn’t mean it deserves your attention.

Helpful thoughts support learning, softness, and progress.
Unhelpful ones drain energy, create tension, and pull you back into old patterns.

This Is Not About Pretending Everything Is Fine

Let’s be clear:
This is not about toxic positivity or pretending a bad session was amazing.

You’re allowed to acknowledge reality:

• “Today is challenging.”

• “I don’t have this yet.”

• “I need more information.”

What you don’t need is language that attacks your identity or shuts down growth.

There’s a big difference between:

• “This isn’t working yet.”
  and

• “I’m useless at this.”

One keeps the door open.
The other slams it shut.

Set Boundaries With Yourself

Think of it as boundaries, but internal ones.

You wouldn’t accept certain language from:

• A coach

• A teammate

• A colleague

So why accept it from your own mind?

Decide what kind of words are allowed in your internal dialogue.
Decide what crosses the line.

Because the way you speak to yourself becomes the environment you train and compete in.

Training Your Mind Is Still Training

This takes practice.
Just like riding does.

You don’t expect to master a new movement in one session, and the same applies here.

With repetition, your mind learns a new default:

• One that supports growth

• One that leaves space for learning

• One that challenges without attacking

And when that shifts, performance follows.

Want to Go Deeper?

This topic goes far beyond a single blog post.

In one of our podcast episode, we explore:

• How words shape confidence and performance

• Why self-talk becomes destructive under pressure

• How to train your mind the same way you train your riding

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST

Final Thought

Mental work is work.

It’s not effortless.
It’s not instant.

But it is worth it.

Because when the words in your head change,
everything else starts to follow.