Mental Tip: Calm Mind - Calm Body

What does having a calm mind and body mean?

In this context, a calm mind refers to a clear mind. You’re focused, relaxed, and free of any worries, doubt, or stress. Your thoughts are calm in nature with no sense of urgency or panic. A calm body refers to a body that is free of tension. You’re not clenching, tensing, or holding onto anything. Your muscles are soft, your body is relaxed, and you feel a sense of looseness. A calm mind paired with a calm body feels light, airy, warm, and care-free. Nothing is holding you down or back, and you’re able to flow freely through your ride with ease.

Why is a calm mind and body important for riding?

Calmness increases the likelihood of flow state to occur during riding. The presence of nerves, tension, distractions, worries, and other related phenomenon break up the helpful automatic processes of the brain that engage while riding. When flow is interupted, a successful ride is difficult to achieve. A calm mind and body welcomes a rider to be in the zone, connected to each moment, and able to make adjustments to their ride with ease rather than from a place of pressure or urgency. A calm mind and body not only aids the rider, but also assists the horse by positively influencing their own state of calm to arise. The horse and rider can then be on the same page and work together in harmony.

How is a calm mind and body achieved?

The best and most accessible way to become physically and mentally calm is to breathe properly. Taking deep breaths doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they will calm you, especially if they are done incorrectly. Instead of deeply breathing by raising and lowering your shoulders, try taking deep breaths in and out of your belly. Localize your inhale and exhale in and out of your belly, while taking a slight pause at the top of the inhale to release any physical tension and making your exhale longer than your inhale. Try it out, and see how it calms both your body and your mind!