Riders advancing in equestrian disciplines must balance challenge and comfort to avoid anxiety, according to experts. Amateur eventer Gemma Atkin shares her journey from fear to completing a four-star event after an 18-year break. Sport psychologist Leonie Lightfoot emphasizes matching skills to demands for successful progression.
The psychology behind moving up levels in equestrian sport often emerges as a challenge for riders pushing their limits. As Catherine Welton explores in an article for Horse & Hound subscribers, growth occurs at the edge of one's comfort zone, but overstretching can lead to setbacks for both rider and horse.
Amateur eventer Gemma Atkin returned to riding after an 18-year hiatus and initially found 60cm showjumping courses terrifying. Over five seasons, she progressed through the eventing levels, culminating last year in her first four-star completion at Scone Palace. She crossed the finish line clear, incurring only a handful of time faults.
“I was nervous at every level but crossing the finish line at Scone Palace, clear with only a handful of time-faults, was a moment I’ll never forget,” Atkin says. Her advice highlights the need for measured ambition: “I believe in pushing slightly beyond your comfort zone but there is a balance to be had.”
Leonie Lightfoot, a sport psychologist with the British Equestrian World Class Programme, underscores this balance. “There needs to be a match of what you’re doing and the skill set required. It needs to be just challenging enough but not too far, because then you tip into the fear and anxiety zone,” she explains.
This approach ensures riders advance without tipping into undue stress, fostering sustainable development in the sport.
