For most of us, competition is a large part of why we choose to ride, and also for most of us, we allow this drive to steer our behavior without really giving it too much thought.

But science shows that our competitive drive is not a mystery. In fact, learning about this powerful force behind our motivation can help us shape it towards positive, growth-minded outcomes, and avoid the potential negative consequences it can also bring.

In our latest episode of Equestrian Voices, host Caroline Culbertson sits down with Dr. Stephen Garcia, a professor in the Graduate School of Management at UC Davis and an expert on the psychology of competition, judgment, and decision-making. They discuss:

• Why you feel competitive with some people, and not with others.

• What to know about your own competitiveness when you're involving another party (in our case, the horse) to reach your own goals.

• Why some high performing athletes are also some of the most arrogant ones

• Growth Mindset, and how it can be a positive force when paired with a competitive drive

• Looking at those who outperform you with admiration sometimes, and other times with envy (and the potential outcomes of each viewpoint)