Horse Show
Today we're prepping your mind and body for the show ring, finding that perfect balance of calm focus and absolute presence. Let's find a comfortable seat. Spine tall, shoulders soft, and close your eyes. We'll begin with a simple box breath just to clear the mental chatter. Inhale for four... hold for four... exhale for four... hold for four. After three rounds, release the counting and let your breath return to normal.
Before you begin your silent mantra, let's connect with your senses and your horse. Right now, visualize the environment. Smell the wind, the air, and the horse... all the grounding smells of the animal. Hear their hooves hitting the ground as horse after horse turns, moves, and jumps in the warm-up arena.
Feel the weight of your seat deep in your saddle. Feel your feet grounded and securely connected to those stirrups. Your hands are relaxed, softly feeling the reins in your hands. Now, using your sense of sight, visualize your track. See the jumps. See the marks in the sand where other horses have gone before you. See the bright colors of the fences.
Holding all of those senses—that smell, the sound, your sight, and your physical feeling—see yourself leaving the arena after a beautiful, clear round. Give your horse a good pat for a job well done. Hear the clapping from the stands. See the smiling faces. Feel deep down how brave you and your horse were, and how incredibly proud you are. After you hug your trainers and your grooms... who will be your first phone call to celebrate?
Now, I am going to leave you here to introduce your mantra. Repeat it silently in your mind with no rhythm, no effort, and no forcing. Simply do less. If you drift into thought, that's natural. When you notice, gently return your attention back to your mantra. It's more like listening to it. I am stepping away so you can put your phone down, set your own timer, and meditate for as long as your session requires today. When your timer goes off, sit quietly for a moment to let the dust settle before taking one more deep breath in, exhaling, and opening your eyes. Give yourself permission to do less and trust your ride.
