Brain Training for Riders

Unlock Your Riding Potential with Stressless Techniques for Conquering Fear, Improving Performance, and Finding Focused Calm

By: Andrea Monsarrat Waldo

Narrated by: Andrea Monsarrat Waldo

Did you know there is an area of your brain known as the "Lizard Brain" that thinks only about the immediate moment and your means of survival? Yes, in certain circumstances, your "Rational Brain" can effectively "shut down" and you are at the mercy of a reptile... dry-mouthed, sweating, queasy, unable to think clearly - even though you know better. When does the Lizard Brain run the show? It can happen in any number of unfamiliar, uncomfortable, challenging, or "stressful" riding situations. But here's the thing: with the right kind of training, you can learn to manage the reptile within, which leads to greater confidence with horses, better riding performance, and ultimately, happiness at the barn, at shows, and everywhere in between. Andrea Waldo teaches you how to: handle uncomfortable emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment; hone your mental game and focus your riding time to get the most out of your hours in the saddle; care for your emotional injuries the same way you would care for an injured horse; and produce a state of "Focused Calm" and tap into the skills you have (whether you know it or not!) to ensure an outstanding ride.

©2016 Andrea Monsarrat Waldo (P)2019 Andrea Monsarrat Waldo

Cutting through the heart of fear

I so appreciate the no nonsense approach to addressing fear. Rather than just tell us to relax, Andrea suggests accepting the fear and making peace with it.

Honest and thoughtful

This was one of the best books I’ve read (and I’ve read many) that gave such sound advice about your relationship with your horse. I listened to it twice and thought her approach was outstanding. Good narration too.

EXCELLENT

The author shares some really in-depth information that helped me switch my mind set. She shares techniques that really work. There are also parts that don't apply to me as a rider but are still good listening. I listen to this book frequently.

Not just for competitive riders

I liked the tempo of the reader. I’m not a competitive rider and I consider myself a a L rider. I had a lot of ah ha moments listening to this book. Particularly in relation to dealing with fear. It also helped me normalise the thoughts & feelings I’ve had & have. I’ve got some great strategies from listening and will listen again to take notes. I recommend this to anybody wanting to improve their horsemanship & riding skills.

Kept Waiting for it to Get Good

It’s really cool to hear from a combination mental health and equestrian expert, but I was ultimately disappointed by the surface level discourse of this book. With “brain” in the title, I was hoping for something with more detailed information, not just basic techniques for folks who have an emerging awareness. Bias towards discussing jumping in the text which made it feel inapplicable to me personally. Overall, I give it a “meh” but there were some gems like the outline of horse and rider relationship types and the idea of using a rating scale to assess your ride rather than defaulting to negative self-talk.