I Watched 440 Entries at the NRHA Futurity. Here’s What I Learned.

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There’s nothing quite like the NRHA Futurity. The buzz of anticipation in the air, the rhythmic echo of hooves in the arena, and the unshakable sense that you’re watching something extraordinary unfold. It’s where the best of the best come to shine, and every ride carries the weight of years of preparation.

This year, I had the privilege of watching, not just as a fan soaking up the magic, but also as a coach, constantly observing and analyzing. Watching 440 entries back-to-back isn’t just entertainment—it’s an education. Every rider, every pattern, every single moment in that arena had something to teach.

From the breathtaking precision of a flawless run to the grace it takes to recover from a misstep, the lessons were as diverse as the riders themselves. Some were lessons on riding; others were lessons on mindset. All of them were lessons worth sharing.

So, as I sat with my notebook and my cup of coffee, cheering quietly for personal favorites and soaking in the energy of the event, I started to realize something: The NRHA Futurity isn’t just about reining. It’s about showing up, putting it all on the line, and learning—every step, every stop, every spin.

Here’s what I learned from 440 of the best runs in the sport. These lessons aren’t just for the show pen; they’re for every rider who wants to grow, thrive, and perform their best, no matter the stake

LESSON 1: PRECISION & PREPARATION RULE THE DAY

It didn’t take seeing all 440 goes for something to become clear: the riders who dominated the Futurity weren’t just talented—they were prepared to the last detail. Every maneuver was deliberate, every transition smooth, and every cue subtle yet unmistakably effective.

Watching these runs reminded me that precision isn’t something you wing in the moment. It’s built at home, in those countless hours of repetition and refinement. The polished stops and seamless lead changes weren’t accidents—they were the product of consistent, intentional practice.

And I know it might be surprising to hear a mental coach talk about regular practice, but like I tell my clients, regular, consistent practice is at the heart of your preparation—both in the saddle and in your mind. Whether it’s perfecting a slide stop or mastering your mental game, success is always rooted in repetition. What you do daily matters more than what you only do under pressure.

The riders who nailed their runs didn’t just focus on their horses. They worked on themselves, too—their body language, timing, and ability to stay fully present in the moment were just as sharp as their patterns.

Takeaway for You: 

Precision is a partnership. It starts with you showing up every day, working not just on your horse’s skills but on your own clarity and consistency. It’s about doing the little things well over and over, so they become second nature when it matters most.

LESSON 2: CONFIDENCE IS KING

Watching 440 entries at the NRHA Futurity, one thing stood out above all else: the riders who truly shone didn’t just have talent—they radiated confidence. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but you could see it in how they carried themselves. They walked (...or loped. Or jogged…) into the pen like they belonged there, and that energy carried through every stride of their ride. I’m not kidding when I say there’s a winning energy that some riders had that commanded your attention. And yes, I literally saw the judges sit up in their chairs and take notice when that happened. 

Confidence is the quiet edge that separates good from great. It’s what allows a rider to stay composed when the unexpected happens—a horse hesitating on a rollback or a sudden bobble in a spin. Instead of falling apart, confident riders adjust, recover, and keep going like nothing happened.

But here’s the secret: confidence doesn’t magically show up on show day. It’s something you build loooonnnnng before you ever step into the arena. It’s the result of preparing, getting your self talk on point, visualizing success, and trusting yourself and your horse.

And as a mental coach, I can tell you this: confidence isn’t just about believing you’ll win. It’s about trusting that no matter what happens, you’ll be OK. That trust allows you to stay calm, present, and focused—even when the stakes feel overwhelming.

Takeaway for You:

Confidence isn’t born; it’s built. It comes from knowing you’ve done the work, rehearsing success in your mind, and leaning on your preparation when doubts creep in. The best riders don’t hope they’ll perform well—they know they’re ready because they’ve done the mental and physical work to back it up.

LESSON 3: MISTAKES DON’T DEFINE THE RUN

One of the most striking things I noticed while watching the Futurity was how even the best riders made mistakes. A dragged lead here, a slightly off-center stop in your spins there—it happened to everyone. But the real difference? The top riders didn’t let those mistakes rattle them.

Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, they moved on—immediately. It’s like they had an internal switch that flipped the moment something didn’t go as planned: “Next maneuver.” They didn’t waste precious energy replaying the mistake in their heads or trying to make up for it in a panic. They simply refocused and stayed in the moment.

As riders, we often get hung up on perfection. We think one misstep will ruin everything, but that’s rarely the case. What really matters is how you recover. Judges can forgive a small error in one maneuver if the rest of the run is strong, but if your mistake spirals into a breakdown? That’s when the scores take a hit.

Takeaway for You:

Mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t have to define your ride—or your confidence. (Remember I talked about this just a week or two ago!) The ability to recover quickly and refocus is what separates strong riders from the rest. Learning to let go of perfection and stay present is a skill you can build, just like any other aspect of your riding.

LESSON 4: CONNECTION WITH THE HORSE IS EVERYTHING

If there was one thing that truly separated the unforgettable rides at the Futurity from the rest, it was the bond between horse and rider. You could see it in the way they moved together—like a seamless partnership built on trust, clarity, and mutual respect.

These riders weren’t just commanding their horses; they were communicating with them. Their cues were subtle, almost invisible, but the horses responded like they could read their rider’s mind. That kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the product of hours spent building trust, both in the saddle and on the ground.

Watching these moments reminded me of something important: the best runs aren’t about forcing perfection. They’re about working with your horse, not against them. It’s about listening as much as you’re asking and creating an environment where your horse feels confident, relaxed, and ready to give their best.

Takeaway for You:

Connection with your horse is your greatest competitive advantage. It’s not just about fancy maneuvers—it’s about developing a partnership where your horse feels safe, understood, and willing to work with you, even under pressure. The stronger your bond, the better you’ll perform together. And being a confident rider is really going to help you build that bond, trust and connection with your horse. 

LESSON 5: EVERY RIDER HAS A STORY

As I watched rider after rider take their turn in the pen, one thing became clear: every competitor out there had a journey that led them to the Futurity. For some, it was years of consistent wins building to this moment. For others, it was a story of struggle—overcoming injuries, financial hurdles, or self-doubt to even get here.

It’s easy to watch a polished, high-level performance and assume it’s all talent or luck. But behind every run, there’s a story of grit, determination, and countless hours of work. And here’s the thing: those stories matter. They’re not just background—they’re the foundation of everything that happens in the arena.

This made me think about how often we downplay our own progress. Maybe you’re not at the Futurity (yet), but that doesn’t mean your journey isn’t meaningful. Whether it’s mastering a challenging maneuver, overcoming a fear, or just showing up consistently, every step you take is part of your unique story as a rider.

Takeaway for You:

Don’t compare your chapter 3 to someone else’s chapter 20. Your story is your own, and it’s what makes you—and your riding—unique. Celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small it feels. It’s those little victories that add up to the big ones.

Wrap-Up: What It All Means for You

Watching the highs and the lows at the NRHA Futurity, I was reminded of what makes this sport so incredible. It’s not just the breathtaking slides or flawless spins—it’s the people and the horses and the stories behind them. Every ride told a lesson, whether it was about preparation, connection, confidence, or resilience.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to compete at the Futurity to take these lessons to heart. These principles apply to every rider, at every level.

• Precision and preparation start at home, with consistent practice and intentional effort both mentally and for your technical skills.

• Confidence comes from believing in yourself, built one ride at a time.

• Mistakes are part of the journey, but they don’t define your story.

• Connection with your horse is your secret weapon—one that transcends the arena.

• And your unique journey is what makes it all worthwhile.

Whether you’re riding in your backyard, schooling for your next show, or dreaming of the Futurity stage one day, remember: every moment in the saddle is a chance to grow. The lessons are always there—if you’re willing to look for them.

This week, I challenge you to pick one of these lessons and make it your focus. Maybe it’s spending extra time bonding with your horse, letting go of a mistake faster, or simply celebrating how far you’ve come. Small shifts create big changes over time.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper into the mental side of riding—the confidence, resilience, and focus it takes to thrive in and out of the show pen—I’m here to help. 

Because the Futurity finals highlight the best of the best, but the lessons? Those are for all of us.

Ride on with confidence,
Nicole

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