Ep 205: Winning the Thinking Game
Horsemanship is a mental game, both for trainers and their horses. If we are not in the right mental state to progress a horse in its training, we cannot expect our horses to reciprocate that trainable mentality. On this episode, I'm sharing some insights on how to win the thinking game and the fundamental mindset shift you must make to achieve consistent progression in your horsemanship.
The Power of a Growth Mentality
Growth mentality is essential to winning in life and horsemanship. As a trainer, you have to embrace this growth mentality, but also, you have to teach your horse to have this mindset, too. It is no easy feat, but once you establish that connection to the mind, you unlock a whole new level of communication between horse and rider.
Mind Over Matter
The connection with the mind is the most valuable thing you can have with a horse. For a long time, I was more focused on training the body than training the mind. I learned that you can mechanically manipulate the body, but if you have no connection to the horse’s mind, you’re not really making much progress. The horse has to be able to think and understand the responses you are asking for, not just respond out of fear of repercussions for not making the correct physical movements.
What It Means to Have a Winning Mentality
I’ve often heard trainers say, “okay, that’s great – but how do I do that?” The answer is simple: Repetition, consistency, and a commitment to not giving up.
It sounds cliche, but establishing that connection with a horse’s mind is not something that happens overnight. It’s a process that takes years to develop, in many cases. The most pivotal thing to understand about the horse-rider connection is that this relationship begins with your mindset as a trainer. You cannot expect your horse to reciprocate a winning mentality if you do not show up with one yourself.
Having a winning mentality as a trainer means:
Listening to what your horse needs from you today
Setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your horses’ performance
Understanding that each day is a new day, and with that, means new challenges
Being patient and not prioritizing your own agenda over your horse’s
Not being too proud to seek out help when you get stuck
Being present and mindful throughout each interaction with your horse; removing distractions and giving your horse your full attention
Not bringing your stress and rushed behavior into the arena; keeping your body movements slow and controlled
Not comparing one horse’s progress to another (this one is hard, but essential)
In the horsemanship journey, there are many opportunities for doubt, frustration and disappointment. However, it is all a thinking game. Regardless of physical performance, the thinking game is the most challenging game you will play in the horsemanship arena. Achieving this mindset for yourself doesn’t happen overnight. Again, it requires repetition, consistency, and a commitment to not giving up on yourself or your horse.
The Value of Small Progression
Don’t underestimate the value of one step. The saying, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” could not be more true in the game of horsemanship. Sometimes, we fail to take that most important first step because we are so focused on the steps that come after it. When we focus on the future, it is easy for us to become overwhelmed. The key is to focus on your mentality today and what your horse needs from you in this moment. No one said that the thinking game is easy, but once you learn how to win that game, winning begins to come naturally after that.
“Be Your Best Horsemanship” is brought to you by Silver Lining Herbs, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery, Better Horses Network, Purina, Healthycoat, CINCH, Starbar, and Clarifly. These brands have been part of the Phil Haugen Horsemanship team for many years, and their products continue to play an integral role in the success of our performance horse training program. To support these brands, visit our Sponsors tab.
