In our latest episode of On The Rail Podcast, we got deep into the world of equestrian sports psychology with Meredith Brisson. Meredith, an equestrian sports psychology coach with a background in three-day eventing and dressage, joined us to discuss strategies for managing anxiety and building mental resilience in the show ring. Here's a comprehensive summary of our enlightening conversation.
Introduction to Meredith Brisson
Meredith Brisson specializes in helping riders overcome anxiety, a subject close to her heart as a lifelong rider who has faced similar challenges. Drawing from her experience and expertise, Meredith provides riders with tools to improve their mental game, enabling them to enjoy the sport they love without being hindered by anxiety.
Weekly Giveaway and Sponsor Shoutout
Before diving into the main topic, Liz reminded listeners about our weekly giveaway sponsored by I Ride Equestrian. By leaving a review on Facebook or Apple Podcasts, listeners can enter a random drawing to win some fantastic swag. If you haven't left a review yet, make sure to do so for a chance to win!
The Importance of Mindset in Equestrian Sports
Meredith shared her journey towards becoming a mindset and courage coach. She highlighted how anxiety can rob riders of the joy they find in their sport and underscored the importance of creating a mental game plan. According to Meredith, success in the show ring involves being in the present moment, managing pressures effectively, and adopting a solution-focused mindset.
Real-Life Scenarios and Practical Advice
Liz's Journey Back to the Show Pen
Liz, who took a year off from showing, discussed her anxiety about re-entering the show pen. Meredith guided her through a thought download process, identifying specific thoughts that contributed to her anxiety, such as fears of doing a bad job and worries about judgment from others. Meredith emphasized that the key to overcoming these anxieties is changing our thought patterns and focusing on how we want to show up as competitors.
Managing Anxiety in the Moment
Meredith provided actionable advice for riders who experience anxiety during their performances. She suggested staying solution-focused, acknowledging the anxiety without letting it take over, and keeping the mind engaged with what's happening in the present moment. Meredith also stressed the importance of setting realistic expectations and goals, differentiating between the two to help riders stay grounded and focused.
Handling External Pressures and Judgments
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to dealing with social pressures and toxic environments. Meredith advised riders to focus on their own actions and reactions, noting that other people's judgments are often reflections of their own issues. By maintaining a strong sense of self and showing up with integrity, riders can minimize the impact of external negativity on their performance.
Practical Exercises for Building Mental Resilience
Meredith recommended several mental exercises to help riders build resilience. These include the thought download process, setting clear and manageable goals, and practicing staying in the present moment. Such exercises enable riders to break the cycle of negative thinking and focus on what they can control, ultimately leading to better performances.
Audience Interaction and Additional Insights
During the live session, listeners like Betsy shared their experiences and sought advice from Meredith. These real-life examples illustrated the common challenges riders face and reinforced the effectiveness of Meredith's strategies. From remembering patterns to handling past barn drama, Meredith's insights were invaluable for riders striving to improve their mental game.
Conclusion
This episode with Meredith Brisson was a treasure trove of information for any rider struggling with show ring anxiety. Whether you're an amateur coming back to the show pen or an experienced rider facing unexpected challenges, Meredith's advice can help you navigate these obstacles with confidence and resilience.
Connect with Meredith Brisson
If you found Meredith's insights helpful and would like to explore working with her, she offers a free 45-minute introductory session. You can learn more and schedule a session through her website.
Stay Tuned
Don't forget to tune in to the full episode for more detailed advice and relatable stories from fellow riders. And remember, you can always leave us a review on Facebook or Apple Podcasts to enter our weekly swag giveaway from IRide Equestrian. Happy riding, and may your mental game be as strong as your love for the sport!
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