Competition Mindset: Choosing the Right Coach
Attributes to a strong coach - What is most important to you when seeking coaching or training advice?
It is one thing to receive tips or advice at random and whether due to timely coincidence or divine intervention, it makes an impact in your riding - However to work with a coach or mentor consistently and be reliant on their eyes and trust their guidance is a whole different set of rules.
Whether the focus is upping the mental game, riding skill, or horsemanship, here are 3 attributes that I hold my coaches accountable to when seeking long-term help from others. Oddly enough this has all held true to the coaches I have had over the years.
Tact - By no means do I expect advice to be delivered with rainbows and butterflies. That being said, a sign of a good coach is when critical advice can be delivered with tact. It should instill a feeling and purpose to better you as a rider or athlete rather than to crush you. I believe this is a true reflection of emotional intelligence and depth of character.
Equine Welfare – We all start out in this game with a love for horses. Somewhere along the way, what brought us to the sport in the beginning can be lost while striving for the competitive result. No matter how crucial and advanced the training or level of competition becomes, prioritizing what is in the best interest of the horse is most important. This should be a common goal among all players involved, this is not only at the forefront for myself but in the coaches I work with consistently as well.
Continuous Learning & Goals - Continually seeking knowledge and/or striving to reach personal goals is crucial to self growth and character. Working with coaches who value this in themselves as well as their students keeps a continuous flow of knowledge and expansion to advance our training and push ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Seeking consistent outside input from a respected source is vital to progressing and stepping up our game. I expect the same from my coaches as what I follow through for myself.
Happy Riding!
Michaela
Riding coach checking in with student
“Something to keep in mind: If and when an advanced level coach is not readily available, leverage your community!
By educating your community (although maybe not as well versed in the game) to verbalize what they see, as opposed to what they know, and being able to ask questions instead of telling can be an incredibly useful resource to use on the daily. ”