21/02/2026
Do you have a system you trust?
I was so pleased to contribute to a Horse & Hound article about coping when the warm-up throws curved balls at you. We've all been there 🙈
The warm-up can be busy, unpredictable and pretty intimidating. Our mind can wander because there’s so much going on. And then there is the stuff we are telling ourself....😬
Our horses mirror our energy and nervous system.
If we become tense, reactive or distracted, they feel it immediately. Having a mechanism of recovery is really important. Not just hoping you’ll stay calm, but actually having a system to bring yourself back on track. Practising these tools beforehand so you know what works for you.
When we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, it allows the brain to communicate effectively with the body, and visa versa. We can respond rather than react 💪
It’s also about:
🔹️Having a flexible plan
🔹️Knowing what works for you and your horse
🔹️Being able to let go of things outside your control
🔹️And, if you are lucky enough to have supporters, making sure they understand what you need from them or they might be a hindrance
Thankfully warm-ups don’t need to be perfect but knowing how to reset and stay calm is something we can learn to be better at 😊
I always say "trust the system", but you do need to have a system to trust...🤔
How is your warm up system?
