Brain Training for Riders: Unlock Your Riding Potential with StressLess Techniques for Conquering Fear, Improving Performance, and Finding Focused Calm

by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo

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 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. Andrea Monsarrat Waldo teaches you how 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.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Audiobook

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2017

Reviews

[Claire Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice, well delivered

This is the first book on dealing with fear of riding that has actually helped me. The concepts are clearly explained, scientifically based, with some good old fashioned humor thrown in. Highly recommend.

[Sara Zimmers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice and exercises to help work through various, difficult issues when riding or after an accident/incident. Last few chapters are for trainers working with students having these issues. I can definitely see myself listening to sections of it again.

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives some really good insight into the self doubt and fear that riders face. There were good suggestions and exercises that are effective. This book is helpful as a rider and as an instructor. We all face our challenges in riding and wanting to move up levels or on to different horses, or riding settings. There are examples of how to deal with someone that you might be teaching and helping them overcome their jitters or down right fear as well as ways to give encouragement without being too soft or too mean.

I particularly liked the exercise in chapter 8 for writing an "in Search of" as for the horse of your dreams. This is a great way to figure out just exactly what you are looking for, what the maybes are and what you clearly cannot deal with as this also give some insight into the rider and where they most want to go with their riding.

[Kino McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not into self-help books, but this one actually helped me, so I'm going to rave about it. I have had anxiety in all aspects of my life since I wrecked my car in a tornado in 2012 and then I turned back to horses for therapy. I worked for a trainer who blew my confidence to smithereens, but this book has helped me regain my confidence, not only around horses but in life. The book focuses mainly on techniques for riders and there are a few riding exercises to try out, but most of the exercises are for journaling and reflection. If you are going to read this book, I highly recommend that you do the exercises as well.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading on this book for a while, not because I didn't finish it, but because its so useful. Things that come natural to me as a horseman who's been doing this since she was a little girl, are not so easy peasy for my students, this book has been a wonderful tool for helping me communicate and get through to my students. Address their anxieties and help them achieve their goals. Great book, great advice. I highly recommend to instructors, someone recently getting over a fall, or any horse person that's every doubted their ability or their confidence!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading on this book for a while, not because I didn't finish it, but because its so useful. Things that come natural to me as a horseman who's been doing this since she was a little girl, are not so easy peasy for my students, this book has been a wonderful tool for helping me communicate and get through to my students. Address their anxieties and help them achieve their goals. Great book, great advice. I highly recommend to instructors, someone recently getting over a fall, or any horse person that's every doubted their ability or their confidence!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really, really good advice in here. Not all advice will apply to every reader or every situation, but I can pretty much guarantee there's something in here that will help if you're having anxiety in the saddle. I've used techniques here to become more confident at the canter, to reframe conversations that my anxiety tries to have with me, and to help with PTSD after a bad fall (IMPORTANT, the thing that helped me the most with the latter doing EMDR with my therapist. This book is a toolset, not a replacement for therapy). I'll be keeping it on hand to help with future difficulties.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a very traumatic fall last summer. Severe injuries, life changing. While I worked so hard to get my body back, I didn’t realize how much my mind was suffering. (Panic attacks while in the saddle). This book helped me so much, specifically about how to approach things by just having a simple conversation with my Lizard. Between this book and seeing a sports psychologist (EMDR) I was champion 13 months after my fall with no expectation other than to maintain focused calm! I will definitely refer back to this book often and always before competing.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to one of Andrea’s workshops and had an a-ha moment that helped me decide to get back in the saddle after a six-year hiatus following a nasty fall. Her book just solidified all of the excellent points she made at the workshop. The fact that she is, in fact, a therapist, really shines through because her advice is solid, practical, and professional.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so if you're looking for a hard core nerd read, this isn't it. I am a former research assistant and studied neuropsychology. I value evidence based practice. This is not that book. All bias aside, this is one hell of a book. Great advice and management strategies. Will read on the regular for a refresher.

[Diane Yateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect reading for the Equestrian who wants to do better

This book is for the equestrian, young and old, who wants to improve their riding. Andrea has an understanding why a rider is being challenged and how to help them.

[J. L. Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be helpful. It has useful tips and addresses a lot of areas most riders struggle with. I struggle with confidence and negative self talk so I appreciate that the author spoke to this. Great book for riders!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be a book that stays in my forever library. Full of fabulous ideas!

[marcia heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Read

This is a " living life read" not just how to function better with your horse. The writing style, how the info is presented, is exceptional.

[Shannon Ryan-Dinmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for every equestrian no matter the discipline. Even if you don't consider yourself typically fearful, the exercises and ideas inside will improve your abilities as a rider.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes her knowledge of neuroscience and applies it in a very accessible way for equestrians. Essential for anyone who has faced fear and anxiety in riding.

[Katerine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[Johanna Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice and useful techniques for working through fear and anxiety about riding or showing horses. Validating and inspiring.

[Jaye]

Helpful.