Mental Anchors for Better Riding Performance
For Riding Coaches
Rider confidence, focus and emotional regulation are key components of effective coaching and safe horse management. Riding coaches frequently encounter riders whose performance is affected by anxiety, loss of confidence, overthinking or negative past experiences. While coaches often address these issues instinctively, on this course, we are discussing a set of mindset techniques, mental anchors that are proven to change a rider’s neurological pathways.
This half-day CPD introduces the concept of mental anchoring using clear, non-technical language aligned with coaching values. Coaches learn how visual cues influence rider behaviour and how to deliberately create positive reference points that support calm, confident and consistent riding. For BHS Accredited Professional Coaches, this course is worth 2 CPD points.
The content focuses on practical mindset coaching strategies that can be integrated into everyday lesson and competition preparation.
For Riders
How often have you found yourself intimidated by a particular venue, hacking route, show-jump XC jump or spooky corner?
Most riders have encountered such negative mental anchors. The negative emotions that an anchor elicits can be strong, in spite of you being safe in the moment itself. Anchoring is an easy-to-learn NLP technique that makes use of the way in which our brain can be conditioned. On this course, we will learn how to set positive anchors to bring you into a state you’d prefer to be in and we’ll practice counteracting negative anchors.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain the concept of mental anchoring in practical (coaching/riding) terms
- Identify positive and negative anchors affecting rider performance
- Create positive visual/kinaesthetic anchors to support confidence, calmness and focus
- Recognise common negative anchors and apply appropriate interventions
Structure of the Course
The course is online, with recordings made available. There will be lots of opportunities to practise techniques and ask questions; plus, you will receive handouts via email before the course starts.
No prior NLP experience is needed
10 am-1 pm on Zoom Thursday 19th March
