If you've ever gone riding alone, you understand that riding solo is very different from riding when a friend is present. Riding alone brings with it a unique mental aspect. Let’s take a look at the mental demands of riding alone, and how you can improve those rides you take solo.

Motivation

One of the most difficult mental battles that you will face when riding alone is the motivation that it takes to get to the barn and tack up your horse. It’s so easy to just put off a ride until tomorrow because you’re tired or don’t really feel like it, but if you get into this habit, you’ll probably lose out on a lot of rides because of lack of motivation.

Want to improve your motivation to ride? Break down the larger goal into smaller ones. Rather than saying, “I’m going to go ride my horse,” focus on the little tasks it will take to get there. Say, “I am going to go and groom my horse.” Once that’s done, face your next task – “I’m going to tack up my horse.” Often, getting started in the process is the hardest part, and once your horse is groomed, you’ll be ready to tack him up and head out for a ride.

Fear

Every rider is affected by fear at some point during their riding career. Safety is a major consideration when riding alone, making it easy for fear to set in during solo rides. Fear can debilitate our progress as riders, so it’s important to find ways to work through our fear.

The first step to conquering your fear is to try to understand what is causing it. Are you riding a young or unpredictable horse, making you nervous that you might get hurt while riding alone? Maybe you recently suffered a fall and are having a hard time moving past it.

Whatever the reason for your fear, it’s important to find ways to work through it. Riding with a buddy or riding a more trustworthy horse may help. It’s a good idea to work with a trainer or a sports psychologist if you cannot overcome your fear on your own.

Ultra Focus

When we’re riding alone, it’s possible to become ultra-focused on everything that our horse is doing right – and wrong. Some riders who frequently ride alone express frustration with their rides or with their horses’ progress. When you’re super focused on your solo rides, it can be hard to really see the progress that you and your horse are making.

If you find that you and your horse just aren’t making progress, then try to schedule some time to ride with others who are familiar with you and your horse. Other riders can give you honest feedback about your progress, and they may spot progress that you weren’t even aware of. Scheduling a riding lesson with your trainer is another great way to check in and see how you and your horse are doing.

Riding alone evokes unique mental challenges, but understanding these challenges can help to improve your solo rides.

Original Source:  The Mental Aspect of Riding Alone