Equine Sports Therapy in Virginia

“Oh, no… it’s happening again!”

The walk from the barn to the ring always seemed so promising – so full of hope and excitement as you moved together toward a new day… a new lesson.

But as the ring gets closer, you can’t help but think about what happened last time.

“What if…”

“How will I….”

“What about…”

You’ve tried to put those fears aside, but your stomach muscles tighten as you and your horse draw closer to the ring. As you reach out to feel the softness of your horse’s neck, you notice that it feels tense, too – as though the horse also feels the butterflies in your gut.

You reach the ring. You put your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over his back to the other side of the saddle. Just as you settle in… BAM! There it is! The fear is back full-force. The horse senses the same fear and starts to chomp on his bit and wiggle his ears as he both waits for the next command and senses impending danger.

The excitement and joy of your first ride are now fading.

You know the feeling of power, strength, and confidence that only comes from being one with your horse. You want that back, yet it seems so elusive.

The worry and anxiety of what will happen in the next lesson are always there. But what happens when you are just trying to ride more and things do not go right after time?

How do I make decisions moving up, moving to a different trainer, or a different sport? Many of these decisions are made with your trainer. But they may also need someone who knows horses and knowledge of the decision-making process. These transitions can be difficult, and often feel scary.

My training and experience with equestrian therapy in Powhatan, VA can help you as an equestrian athlete.

I have ridden and shown horses for over 20 years. As a result, I know the world of horse shows and owning a horse. I know the joy and sorrow because I have lived it.

I’ve taught riding, owned a breeding operation, and now have two show horses. I trained and listened on the horse side for a long time. Learning how to be present (mindfulness), learning cognitive flexibility ACT techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for thoughts can help you learn to let go and manage the anxiety that often can come with riding.

This time it can be different…

If you ride, then you know it’s as much a mind game as a physical game. So, it’s important to learn skills to help you perform under pressure and be confident for your next trail ride.

You stood outside the ring with your trainer. You know the course and went over it 100 times. But you step in the ring, and now you can not remember anything. You hear her saying something but you not sure what. You want to hear her say something. You want to remember the course.

Breathe.

We will talk about what’s most helpful to you in our sessions – specifically using, perspective, humor, and understanding your thoughts.

You’ll learn how to focus and move on if something goes wrong. Often, it is the little things that make the biggest difference.

This is your personal time to focus on you as a person and you as a rider.

It’s a chance to receive personalized information from an expert in the mental game.

It’s custom sessions that focus on your mind. Discuss any performance issues that trouble you or concern you.

It’s an opportunity to grow as an athlete and a person.

Equine Sports Therapy in Virginia Can is Here to Help Get You Back In the Game

Your childhood was crap. With therapy at Gray Horse Counseling, your future doesn’t have to be. I work with adults who have dysfunctional families (family life). When you were a kid, your family life sucked. So, you’ve adapted to behave at home and out in public very differently. This “split” that worked so well for you as a child is no longer working. How do you live a more congruent life? How do you deal with that internal conflict?

You want to be more authentic in your connections, but this internalized trauma response keeps holding you back. I get it. Your childhood was crap and you didn’t get a chance to truly figure out who you are. It wasn’t safe to be YOU anywhere. Now, this is affecting your relationships, friendships, work relationships, family life, children, how you feel about yourself, all of it.

Back then, you didn’t get to tell anyone. As an online therapist in Virginia, I get to be that person for you. Maybe how you ended up coping with this childhood trauma led to an anxiety disorder, chronic depression, and unmanageable addiction. Let me be clear, there is no right or wrong way to cope. But, these coping skills are no longer serving you the same way they used to. So, let’s figure it out. Consider online therapy in Virginia, individual or group therapy, or meet me for equine-assisted therapy in Powhatan, VA, Let’s get this stuff figured out so you can finally live a better life. Today is the day. What are you waiting for? Contact me now.