Steal These 3 Concentration Secrets from Peak Performers

In the arena, focus is everything. The ability to zero in on your riding and block out distractions can make or break your performance. But cultivating intense, unbreakable focus doesn't come naturally. It takes training - just like your riding skills.

Let's talk about honing your mental "focus muscle" as a rider. There are two types of focus.

1. Scattered focus is multitasking - riding while thinking about your errands or chores or other things. (Hint: This leads to errors.)

2. Direct focus is when your entire mind is absorbed in the task. This deep focus is what allows you to get into the zone and achieve peak performance.

Which one are you?

Now sometimes scattered focus is fine. For example, I’ll listen to podcasts when I do chores (check out the Resilient Reiner podcast!) And sometimes on long trail rides I’ll even be a little less focused in the saddle enjoying a nice chat with friends or just taking in the scenery. But when it’s an arena session, or a competition run, we need that super focus for peak performance.

The key is minimizing scattered focus to spend more time in deep concentration. Here are 3 tips:

1. Remove external distractions. Ok- I’m just gonna call out the main one here… Phone buzzing like a hornet? Put it on silent or leave it on a fencepost. You’re looking to silence – or even turn off your phone – and stage your riding area to avoid anything that can break your focus. Don’t discount how even small distractions can divert your mental energy.

Come up with other possible culprits of you and preemptively come up with how you’ll address them.

2. Calm your inner chatter. Ever heard of meditation? Meditation helps quiet your mind and improves focus. And you don't have to be a Zen monk to benefit! Just a couple of minutes of quiet time can reel you back in. If you're not into the whole sit-still-and-breath thing, jot down those galloping thoughts. Write 'em in your notebook or even on your phone—just get them outta your head so they don't consume mental space.

3. Use the Pomodoro technique. You've got focus; you've got fire. But you also need breaks. That's where the Pomodoro Technique saunters in. It's a fancy name, but simple as pie.

Choose what you're working on (like mastering that pesky canter transition).

Set your trusty timer for 25 minutes. And dive in working with intense focus for 25 minutes.

Then when the timer hollers, take a 5-min break. Stretch, drink some water, or simply stare off into the horizon. You already know you should be having some breaks within your ride, but this could provide you some structure to implement. And of course, the pomodoro technique is 25 minutes on; 5 minutes off, but you have full permission to adapt the times to you and your horse and what you’re working on.

Pro Tip! During your break, steer clear of stuff like social media that might hijack your focus. Try a quiet moment with your horse or just take a walk break.

Alrighty, pals, now it's your turn. Go ahead and test out these focus-honing tricks in your next ride. So the next time you ride, try removing 2-3 potential distractions and see if your focus improves. With training, you can strengthen your focus like a muscle over time. Mastery lives in the present moment. By eliminating scattered attention, you make space to enter that optimal flow state. Then watch your riding transform as focus leads to progress. Stay centered, stay driven - your goals await!

Happy Trails,

Nicole