Mind matters

Find out how to improve your riding with mindfulness and meditation

Do you struggle to concentrate or stay focused on one thing at a time? Maybe you’re trying to learn a dressage test or showjumping course, or perhaps your mind drifts away from reality in the middle of a lesson? By doing these mindfulness and meditation practises, you’ll feel more in the zone, which will do wonders for your riding skills! So why not have a go?

Grounding

Also known as earthing, grounding yourself is a great thing to do if you’re feeling a little unsettled or worried about something. Maybe you have a competition coming up, or a lesson with a new instructor – whatever’s on your mind, have a go at ground to help reduce the tension in your body.

Head outside to a peaceful spot, and sit or lie down. Notice where your body is touching the ground and how it’s supporting you. As you breathe in, imagine you’re drawing breath from the ground and, as you breathe out, pretend you’re breathing back into the floor. Spend a few minutes doing thing as often as you can.

TOP TIP
If it’s safe to do so, take off your shoes and do this barefoot to help you feel more connection to the ground.

Meditation

Improving your focus and concentration means you’ll be able to get more out of your riding lessons or training with your pony. Meditation will help you do exactly that and it’ll also help you to be more present in the moment and connected with your pony. Try sitting on the ground with your legs crossed. If you’re at the yard, you could sit in a quiet place – for example, near your pony’s field. Feel the connection you have with the ground and notice your senses. What can you see, hear, smell and feel? Take in everything that’s going on around you – from you the smell of the grass to the breeze on your skin. Then close your eyes and notice your own breath. Breathe in and out slowly for a few minutes, then open your eyes before slowly getting up.

Discover more ways to improve your riding with meditation and mindfulness in August PONY – on sale now!