We’ve all had those days when things just don’t go our way in the saddle. Maybe your competition didn’t go as planned, your horse wasn’t quite feeling themselves, or you made mistakes that left you frustrated. It happens to the best of us.
Yes, I’m all about positivity, but I’m also a realist—mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey. However, holding onto a poor performance only damages your confidence and self-belief, making it even harder to move forward.
Feeling Disappointed? That’s Okay—But Don’t Stay Stuck
It’s completely natural to feel frustrated after a bad ride. Allow yourself to acknowledge those emotions, but don’t let them take over. Dwelling on mistakes only reinforces self-doubt and fear, making your next ride even harder.
Instead, shift your focus. Rather than replaying what went wrong over and over, celebrate the things that went well. Because, trust me, there were some! Even if it was just the fact that your plaits looked great (which, by the way, I always struggle with!), small wins matter.
You might be wondering, Why focus on the positives after a bad ride?
Well, there’s actual science behind it! Celebrating small wins helps to:
✅ Rebuild confidence
✅ Keep you motivated
✅ Create a positive mindset that fosters growth
Be Honest—But Kind to Yourself
One of the most important things you can do after a setback is to be honest with yourself—without being harsh. Yes, acknowledge what didn’t go well, but do it with compassion, not criticism.
So many riders believe that being tough on themselves will make them improve faster, but has that ever really worked? Nope! Beating yourself up doesn’t help—it only destroys confidence and makes you more hesitant next time.
That doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes. Instead, take responsibility, learn from them, put a plan in place to improve, and then move on.
How Hypnosis Can Help You Let Go of Poor Performances
If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk and constantly replaying mistakes, hypnosis can be a powerful tool to help rewire your thinking. It works by guiding your subconscious mind to:
✔️ Release self-doubt and frustration
✔️ Reframe setbacks as learning experiences
✔️ Reinforce confidence-boosting beliefs
Through hypnosis, you can train your mind to let go of self-criticism and replace it with a calm, focused, and resilient mindset. Over time, this shift allows you to bounce back from setbacks faster and perform at your best, even under pressure.
Your Mindset Matters
Next time a competition or training session doesn’t go to plan, take a deep breath. Acknowledge the lessons, celebrate the wins (even the small ones), and move forward with confidence.
Because remember—one bad ride does NOT define you as a rider.
If you’d like to learn more about how hypnosis can support your riding mindset, reach out—I’d love to chat!