Full Description
Did 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.
Contents
Part 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
