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The Psychology Behind Finding the Right Instructor


As seen in the October 2018 edition of Horse Deals Magazine

The Psychology Behind Finding the Right Instructor as we all respond differently

Virtually every athlete recognises the value and importance of psychology in addressing their sport and facilitating their best possible sports outcome. However, essentially many athletes are unaware of how to strategize, and implement psychological skills, mental toughness, and motivation to pursue their ultimate ambitions.

Athletes often cite the desire to be able to ‘lock in’ to their optimal performance ‘state’ as this outcome would foster more consistency in their personal performance.

Interestingly, when we consider horse sports we have an added variable of considering our own skills in being the instructor or being able to guide our equine partners to seek and reach their optimal performance too!

Some of the difficulties I find when working with riders is riders often have not had the opportunity of being able to manage their own mind, and as a result manage thinking. And as such are bombarded with a myriad of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours which limit their achievement of goals, and defeat or minimise their application of skills.

Notably the gradual development of learning and applying mental skills can lead to greater enjoyment of our sport. It also enables the building of self-confidence, personal growth, and the ability to maintain psychological flexibility to respond and adapt to life circumstances throughout.

As such the choice of the right instructor becomes an imperative consideration in seeking to achieve one’s life purpose and ultimate riding goals. Whether that goal is simply to improve or have fun, or even to strive for the ultimate sporting events whereas both horse and rider need to be a finely attuned team in order to aspire, train towards, and reach the highest levels of success.
As noted in sports psychology performance in sport is determined by the combination of three main elements being: physical conditioning, skills level, and psychological readiness. Interestingly, the role of a great coach or instructor is to effectively straddle and impart skills in all three components, rather than a focus on building one component only, which leaves athletes limited in their ability to either manage the physical or psychological demand of their chosen sport.
Clearly each element has different targets to improve performance so I will briefly discuss each:

Physical Conditioning
I think for me it is interesting we will foster the physical conditioning of our horses through improvements in strength, speed, stamina, and suppleness but often do not target our own physical conditioning in the same manner. Clearly, a focus on the improvement of both horse and riders physical conditioning is paramount to optimise performance and add to our enjoyment of sport. Sports psychology provides the impetus for us to consider all aspects of performance. I personally train athletes in a broad range of techniques and highlight the use of bio-feedback to reflect and improve performance and target areas to improve.

Skills Level
The basis of skills learning is underpinned by learning theory and includes consideration of developmental stage, the use of repetition or drills to re-inforce skill development, and positive re-inforcement through a coach or instructor who can break tasks down as necessary and provide support, guidance, and genuine pleasure as athletes improve.

Psychological Readiness
The lack of attention to psychological readiness is often causal to frustration and inconsistency in performance, and as such even relatively small improvements in this area makes significant improvement in mental consistency and as such may dramatically improve results. These enhancements to results through the provision of mental skills training is at the core of all high-end athletic performance and are able to offset many of the nerves and concerns about performing.

The take away, regardless of our age or level: the psychology of finding the right coach or instructor is a critical issue in being able to continually make strong improvements in achievement of personal goals. Correctly being able to identify the elements that require work is often much more fulfilling when we are supported in the acquisition and application of skills. Finding a coach or instructor that works with your goals and your personality is essential in being able to establish a trust relationship, and aide in constant improvement.
One of the difficulties in sports psychology is athletes often plateau in their performance, and a good coach or instructor will know when and how to push you towards the next level, even if this means seeking new input!

One last aspect I wanted to raise is the requirement to garner the support of loved ones in aspiring to athletic and personal goals. The support, understanding and kindness of our loved ones is so essential to being able to set aspirations for life. Allow them to encourage you and offer them support for their life dreams as well…

Dr Amanda Jefferys - www.willowcroft-stud.com.au
Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist. B. Psych (Hons). M Health Psych. Doctorate of Clinical and Health Psych. MAPS. Registered Fitness Professional

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