The Mental Game of Riding Under Pressure - #250
What if becoming a better rider doesn't mean you'll feel less pressure?
In fact, what if the opposite is true? As you progress, the pressure can actually change. The expectations become bigger, the stakes become higher, and suddenly you're not just riding for yourself, you may be representing a team, a country, sponsors, supporters and years of hard work.
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna share our observations from Aachen, exploring what happens mentally when riders compete in an environment filled with noise, expectations, spectators, media attention and enormous pressure. One of the biggest misconceptions they challenge is that elite riders somehow don't feel pressure. They do. The difference isn't necessarily that they don't feel it. It's how they learn to ride inside the pressure while staying connected to themselves, their horse and their process. From thousands of spectators and roaring crowds to the expectations that come with representing your country, this episode explores what riders can learn from some of the world's biggest stages.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why even the world's most experienced riders still feel pressure.
- Why becoming a better rider doesn't mean pressure disappears.
- How expectations can increase after repeated success.
- What it's like to compete when you're representing a team or country.
- How media and public expectations can add another layer of pressure.
- Why trying to completely ignore pressure isn't the answer.
- How to reconnect with your horse and your process when the environment feels overwhelming.
- Why having something specific to focus on can redirect your attention.
- How Daniel Deusser used a tricky moment with his horse to bring his attention back into the present.
- Why uncomfortable experiences can actually help both horse and rider develop.
- What Michael Jung's reflections on the atmosphere at Aachen can teach us about performing under pressure.
- How to train your brain to return to your process even when thousands of people are watching.
Resources Mentioned:
Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
