Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share EP 14 // No 3/5 of the From Nerves to Flow Series: The Power of Patience – How to Feel and Support Your Horse During Competitions
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
EP 14 // No 3/5 of the From Nerves to Flow Series: The Power of Patience – How to Feel and Support Your Horse During Competitions
🌿 Episode Overview
When the competition atmosphere heats up, it’s tempting to push harder — but often, patience is what truly wins the day.
In this episode, we’re diving into The Power of Patience — how slowing down, listening, and feeling your horse can reduce tension, build trust, and help you both perform your best in the show ring.
This is the third episode in the From Nerves to Flow series.
In episode one, we explored what happens when nerves take over and how to shift into a calm, confident mindset.
In episode two, we discussed how planning and preparation create a sense of control and calm before entering the ring.
And today, we take that next step — learning how patience transforms tension into trust and helps you truly support your horse when it matters most.
🐴 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why pushing harder under pressure often backfires — and how patience builds real confidence and connection.
How to recognize tension in both yourself and your horse and respond without adding pressure.
A powerful mindset shift that allows you to ride the horse you have today — not the one you wish you had.
Simple breathing and visualization exercises to help you stay grounded and present in warm-up and competition settings.
How patience deepens trust, turning your preparation into true flow in the arena.
💬 My Story with Enzo
I’ll share a story about my horse, Enzo, who had so much energy it felt like it was about to burst out of him in twenty vaults in a row.
Even though he wasn’t afraid of much, he used every excuse to leap and play — especially at shows.
For a while, I tried to manage him by tightening the reins, bending more, and pushing through. But the more I tried to control him, the more tense he became.
One day, I tried something different: I loosened the reins, let him stop and look when something caught his attention, and waited until he was ready to move on.
That patience changed everything. He began to trust me, and I began to trust him. Our rides became calmer, more connected, and full of flow.
This experience taught me that patience isn’t passive — it’s one of the most powerful forms of leadership we can offer our horses.
🌬️ Key Exercises from This Episode
1️⃣ Mini Breathing Exercise
Pause, place your hand on your belly, and take three deep breaths — in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Feel your body soften and your mind slow down. This is the energy of patience you want to bring to your horse.
2️⃣ Visualization Practice
Picture yourself in the warm-up arena. Your horse tenses and looks around — instead of tightening, you smile softly, breathe, and give her space.
See yourself riding with calm, quiet confidence as your horse relaxes beneath you.
💡 This Week’s Homework
Your challenge this week is to practice patience intentionally in one of your rides.
When your horse gets tense or distracted, take three slow breaths before giving another aid.
Give her a moment on a long rein to settle before resuming work.
Notice what changes — in her breathing, her stride, or her focus.
📝 After your ride, jot down a few reflections:
What changed when I practiced patience?
How did my horse respond?
What do I want to remember for next time?
Bonus:
Before you dismount, close your eyes and silently thank your horse for what she gave you today. Gratitude is patience in action — and it deepens your connection every single time.
💭 Final Thought
Patience isn’t weakness — it’s a quiet strength that builds trust and creates harmony, even in high-pressure environments.
When you trust your preparation and respond with patience, you open the door to true flow — for both you and your horse.
🌟 Next Episode
Join me next week for episode four in the From Nerves to Flow series, where we’ll talk about The Comparison Trap — how to stop measuring yourself against others and find joy and confidence in your unique progress.
Until then, ride with patience, stay connected, and enjoy the partnership with your horse.
View all episodes
By Sarah Martine - Veterinarian, dressage rider coach🌿 Episode Overview
When the competition atmosphere heats up, it’s tempting to push harder — but often, patience is what truly wins the day.
In this episode, we’re diving into The Power of Patience — how slowing down, listening, and feeling your horse can reduce tension, build trust, and help you both perform your best in the show ring.
This is the third episode in the From Nerves to Flow series.
In episode one, we explored what happens when nerves take over and how to shift into a calm, confident mindset.
In episode two, we discussed how planning and preparation create a sense of control and calm before entering the ring.
And today, we take that next step — learning how patience transforms tension into trust and helps you truly support your horse when it matters most.
🐴 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why pushing harder under pressure often backfires — and how patience builds real confidence and connection.
How to recognize tension in both yourself and your horse and respond without adding pressure.
A powerful mindset shift that allows you to ride the horse you have today — not the one you wish you had.
Simple breathing and visualization exercises to help you stay grounded and present in warm-up and competition settings.
How patience deepens trust, turning your preparation into true flow in the arena.
💬 My Story with Enzo
I’ll share a story about my horse, Enzo, who had so much energy it felt like it was about to burst out of him in twenty vaults in a row.
Even though he wasn’t afraid of much, he used every excuse to leap and play — especially at shows.
For a while, I tried to manage him by tightening the reins, bending more, and pushing through. But the more I tried to control him, the more tense he became.
One day, I tried something different: I loosened the reins, let him stop and look when something caught his attention, and waited until he was ready to move on.
That patience changed everything. He began to trust me, and I began to trust him. Our rides became calmer, more connected, and full of flow.
This experience taught me that patience isn’t passive — it’s one of the most powerful forms of leadership we can offer our horses.
🌬️ Key Exercises from This Episode
1️⃣ Mini Breathing Exercise
Pause, place your hand on your belly, and take three deep breaths — in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Feel your body soften and your mind slow down. This is the energy of patience you want to bring to your horse.
2️⃣ Visualization Practice
Picture yourself in the warm-up arena. Your horse tenses and looks around — instead of tightening, you smile softly, breathe, and give her space.
See yourself riding with calm, quiet confidence as your horse relaxes beneath you.
💡 This Week’s Homework
Your challenge this week is to practice patience intentionally in one of your rides.
When your horse gets tense or distracted, take three slow breaths before giving another aid.
Give her a moment on a long rein to settle before resuming work.
Notice what changes — in her breathing, her stride, or her focus.
📝 After your ride, jot down a few reflections:
What changed when I practiced patience?
How did my horse respond?
What do I want to remember for next time?
Bonus:
Before you dismount, close your eyes and silently thank your horse for what she gave you today. Gratitude is patience in action — and it deepens your connection every single time.
💭 Final Thought
Patience isn’t weakness — it’s a quiet strength that builds trust and creates harmony, even in high-pressure environments.
When you trust your preparation and respond with patience, you open the door to true flow — for both you and your horse.
🌟 Next Episode
Join me next week for episode four in the From Nerves to Flow series, where we’ll talk about The Comparison Trap — how to stop measuring yourself against others and find joy and confidence in your unique progress.
Until then, ride with patience, stay connected, and enjoy the partnership with your horse.