Cross-country confidence
Want to event with nerves of steel? Confidence coach Helen Rennie shows you how
Expert Helen Rennie gives her tips for success
WITH THE EVENTING season in full swing, it’s to feel inspired and want to channel your in inner Fox-Pitt over a cross-country course but we all know that’s easier said than done. Cross-county, while an exciting buzz, can be a challenge for some. Not only are there solid jumps, but also open spaces, water complexes (if only arm bands were acceptable) and people watching, all while you’re trying to focus on where you’re going without using a sat nav. “There’s quite a lot going on with cross-country,” says Helen. “It’s a completely different environment to an arena and it can be easy for riders to start worrying about all the new things they might encounter. “Whether it’s a particular fence or running out of steam half way round, there’s lots of concerns that riders all share. Even pro riders sometimes see something they’re worried about – they’re just good at hiding it!” Whether you’re looking to event or just want to have the confidence tot take your horse around a set ofo cross-country jumps, Helen n hash got the tips to help you succeed. Over the page, discover five confidence conundrums that Helen has tackled and you’ll soon be flying over those rustic fencesfence without a second thought.
1 Losingg ffocus half way round?
Cross-country courses are intense and, while you may think that the biggest test is to your horse’s stamina, it can also really challenge your brain’s ability to think. “Most people don’t realise that eventing is like running a marathon for your brain,”brain says Helen. “The fififirst thing you need to do is make sure you’re fuelling it properly.” If you’re feeling nervous before going cross-country, it can be tempting to skip breakfast but, as Helen explains, this could do you more harm in the long run. “Your brain will burn through energy like a mobile phone that doesn’t have enough battery,” she says. “You need enough protein and glucose to keep your brain properly fuelled the entire time, otherwise you’ll find that you struggle to think clearly.”
What’s your attention span?
Once you’ve scoffed down a hearty breakfast, the next thing you need to consider is how long you can maintain your focus. Human brains naturally switch off after a period of intense concentration (this can be after about 20 minutes), so remember to take breaks – even when you’re riding. Once your horse has warmed up, take a few minutes to walk him round on a long rein and then give yourself the opportunity to switch off and take in your surroundings before you start focusing on your riding again. It can also be a really good idea to time yourself at home and see how long you can concentrate on a particular task or piece of work before having to take a break. You should stop the timer when you notice yourself being distracted and your attention wandering. Once you know how long your attention span actually is, you can then practise trying to improve this and you can also schedule when you know you need a mental break.
Human brains naturally switch off after a period of intense concentration, so remember to take breaks – even when you’re riding