Tag: Mental Health

After meeting a Mustang mare at the therapy center, Johnny suggested I should look at adopting a Mustang. He mentioned that it would be a good thing for me as, just like humans with trauma, Mustangs have trust issues and some trauma too. The groundwork and the connection you are getting through the process of developing a relationship with a Mustang would help me in my healing journey. 

It’s a feeling that many riders are all-too familiar with: you're standing on the mounting block with a pit in your stomach, heart pounding, trying to slow your breathing. Maybe it starts before you get to the mounting block, when you swing the saddle over your horse’s back. Maybe it starts far earlier than that, on the drive over to the barn. No matter the timing, many equestrians struggle with riding anxiety at some point. Some find a way to address it and move on, while others spend years trying to reconcile the sport they love with the fear that holds them back.

It’s Throwback Thursday!  Enjoy this article from the YourDressage Archives, which was originally published in the August 2016 issue of the flipbook version of...

It takes many times down centerline for riders to learn to manage their nerves, recover from an error, stay in the moment, and to focus. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

In two weeks I will celebrate 6 years sober. I am in awe of that. I hope I never stop looking at the gifts that every single new day brings with extreme gratitude.

Shrink your inner critic by practicing self-love, affirming yourself, and staying positive.  We all have doubts and fears, but whether we let them get in the way of our riding and competition, is up to us.

This story is part of our series, “Clear Eyes, Sound Mind, Halt, Salute.” Focusing on equestrian mental health, these articles come from riders across the...

By Elyse Hart Welcome to Part 4 in our new series, “Clear Eyes, Sound Mind, Halt, Salute.” Focusing on equestrian mental health, these articles come from...

By Sophie Wayner Welcome to Part 3 in our new series, “Clear Eyes, Sound Mind, Halt, Salute.” Focusing on equestrian mental health, these articles come from...

Shortly after my first open heart surgery, I was able to get sober and my life started to change. I started to do the work, and the way I looked at the world and all its moving parts began to shift. By Elyse Hart