Description
Book SynopsisDid you know there is an area of your brain known as the 'Lizard Brain' that thinks only about the immediate moment and your means of survival? Yes, in certain circumstances, your 'Rational Brain' can effectively 'shut down' and you are at the mercy of a reptile ...dry-mouthed, sweating, queasy, unable to think clearly — even though you know better.
When does the Lizard Brain run the show? It can happen in any number of unfamiliar, uncomfortable, challenging, or 'stressful' riding situations. But here's the thing: with the right kind of training, you can learn to manage the reptile within, which leads to greater confidence with horses, better riding performance, and ultimately, happiness at the barn, at shows, and everywhere in between.
Brain Training for Riders teaches you how to:
- handle uncomfortable emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment;
- hone your mental game and focus your riding time to get the most out of your hours in the saddle;
- care for your emotional injuries the same way you would care for an injured horse; and
- produce a state of 'Focused Calm' and tap into the skills you have (whether you know it or not!) to ensure an outstanding ride.
Trade ReviewAndrea Waldo knows what it takes to overcome challenges that would flatten most people. The strategies in this book worked for her we would do well to listen. -- Denny Emerson
Table of ContentsPart 1: Stressless Riding Fundamentals: Brain Basics or How to Train your Inner Lizard Chapter 1: Your Brain on Stress: Meet your Inner Lizard Chapter 2: Stress Less: Don't let the Lizard Hold the Reins Chapter 3: Watch your Language! How Self-Talk can Hurt or Help your Riding Part 2: Focus, Confidence, and Stressless Performance Chapter 4: The Keys to your Brain: Stressing Less in the Saddle Chapter 5: Stressless Practice: How to Get Better (at anything) Faster Chapter 6: Stressless Showing: Competing with Confidence Part 3: Battling the Big Demons Chapter 7: Beyond Stressful: I just can't get over it Chapter 8: The Right Horse Brings Less Stress Part 4: Stressless Techniques for Trainers Chapter 9: Make the Brain your Ally Final Thoughts References and Recommended Reading Index
