Are you letting the fear of what others think hold you back?

It happens to the best of us: you step into the ring, your trainer is watching, maybe your competitors are sizing you up. Suddenly, your focus shifts.

Instead of riding your plan, you’re consumed with thoughts like:
What if they think I’m not good enough? What if I make a mistake?

The result? You ride below your ability because your attention is divided between them and the task at hand.

Letting others’ opinions real or imagined dictate your performance is sabotaging your progress. 

Let’s break it down and give you 5 actionable tips to help you ride like the competitor you are, no matter who’s watching. 

 Ask Yourself: “Who Are You Riding For?”

If you’re riding to impress others, you’re already losing. Competitive riding is about you and your horse not someone else’s expectations.

 Think About It: When was the last time you changed your ride because of fear of judgment? Did it help your performance?

 Tip: Commit to riding for yourself. You didn’t spend hours in the saddle to let someone else’s opinion steal your focus.

 Know This: Everyone’s Too Busy Thinking About Themselves

You might feel like all eyes are on you, but the truth? Most riders are too focused on their own rounds to critique yours. This is called the spotlight effect, and it’s a mental trap.

 Challenge: Next time you feel judged, ask yourself: How much time do I spend critiquing others? Not much? The same goes for them!

Let them think what they want—if they’re even paying attention. 

 Stop Feeding Your Own Insecurities

Hard truth: If someone’s opinion gets under your skin, it’s because it hit a nerve you’re already insecure about.

 Ask Yourself:

• What part of my riding am I unsure about?
• How can I work on this to build confidence?

 Tip: Use that discomfort as fuel to improve. When you know you’ve put in the work, their judgment can’t touch you.

 The Game-Changer Question: “Does It Matter?”

Let’s say someone is judging you. Ask yourself: Does their opinion actually matter?

 Are they paying your entry fees?
 Are they your trainer, invested in your growth?
 Are they a judge scoring your round?

 If the answer is no, their opinion doesn’t hold weight. Save your energy for the people who actually matter your trainer, your coach, and your supporters.

 Pro Tip: Write down 5 people whose opinions you value. If someone isn’t on that list, they don’t deserve space in your head.

 Refocus Your Energy Where It Belongs

When you let fear of judgment take over, it robs you of the focus you need to perform at your best.

 Here’s How to Reclaim Your Focus:

• Breathe and Reset: Deep breathing anchors you in the moment.
• Stick to Your Plan: Pick focus points like rhythm, balance, or staying relaxed, and redirect your mind to those.
• Channel Your Inner Competitor: The strongest riders don’t waste time worrying—they’re too busy delivering results.

 Tip: Worrying about others’ opinions is wasted energy. Use that energy to improve your ride, and the results will speak for themselves.

 For More Tips
Listen to the full podcast episode 'Stop Worrying of What Others Think of Your Riding'

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Do you want to be on our Podcast? Send in your questions to [email protected].