You’re out riding, doing everything you’ve been taught, eyes up, heels down, think forward but instead of feeling connected, you feel… tense. Tight. Stuck.
And the harder you try to “get it right,” the further it seems from flowing.

Here’s something not enough riders hear:
 You don’t need to try harder, you need to tune in deeper.
And that happens in awareness mode.

What Is Awareness Mode?
Awareness mode is a state of riding where you're fully present, tuned into your horse, your body, and the moment without judgment, without micromanaging.

It’s the opposite of overthinking.
In this state, your body responds instinctively to what it feels, hears, and sees. There’s less internal chatter, more feel.
 It’s where confidence builds, trust grows, and progress happens.

Why Awareness Matters More Than Effort
Trying harder often puts us into “fix-it” mode, tense, rushed, and mentally noisy.
But horses are feel-based animals. They don’t respond to our effort; they respond to our energy, intention, and presence.

Switching to awareness mode:

• Builds trust between you and your horse
• Calms your nervous system
• Boosts timing, coordination, and feel
• Helps you stay in flow even under pressure

How to Shift into Awareness Mode: 5 Practical Steps
Here’s your guide to quieting the mental noise and riding from a place of feel, not force:

1. Observe First, Don’t Judge

Start your ride with a simple check-in.
 Ask:

• How does my horse feel today?
• What’s the energy like in our warm-up?
• How is my body feeling in the saddle?

This isn’t about fixing just noticing. The goal is curiosity, not critique.

2. Use Your Breath as a Reset Button

Feeling tense? That’s your cue to breathe.
 Test this: Inhale slowly, then exhale and imagine softening your seat, shoulders, and jaw.
Let your breath signal your body that it’s okay to let go.

3. Zoom In on the Process, Not the Outcome

Instead of focusing on getting the perfect distance or nailing the transition…
 Shift your focus to:

• The rhythm of your canter
• The timing of your half-halt
• The quality of the contact

Let the outcome be a result of your awareness, not your obsession.

4. Trust Your Instincts and Feel

Trying mode says, “I have to tell my body what to do.”
Awareness mode says, “My body already knows if I give it space to respond.”
 Practice letting your reactions come naturally.
Your horse steps forward? Feel it and respond not with tension, but with clarity.

5. Practice Non-Judgment (Even When It’s Messy)

Awareness mode isn’t about getting it right every time it’s about staying in the moment, no matter what happens.
 If something goes off-track, resist the urge to analyze or criticize.
Instead:

• Notice what happened
• Adjust
• Move on with grace

That’s how real feel develops.

Get to know more about this topic by listening to the full podcast episode ‘From Trying Hard to Riding in Flow’

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST

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f you’re ready to truly shift out of overthinking and start riding with more confidence, clarity, and connection.

👉 Apply for mindset coaching with us at www.mindeq.eu/coaching

We’ll help you develop the mental tools to ride in awareness mode consistently, especially when the pressure’s on.

🌿 Remember this:
You don’t have to do more to be a better rider. You just have to notice more. The calm, confident version of you isn’t waiting somewhere far off—she’s already in there. Awareness is how you access her.