Walking a big course can feel overwhelming before you ever step into the ring. It's easy to feel like you have to ride the entire course perfectly all at once. But top riders approach it differently. As Ava Stearns and mental skills coach Tonya Johnston explain, breaking a course into smaller sections with intentional "pause moments" helps riders reset, refocus, and stay present throughout the round. Instead of worrying about every fence, you simply commit to the one in front of you... then move on to the next. #theplaidhorse #showjumping #equitation #hunterjumper #coursewalk #ridermindset #mentalperformance #horseandrider #equestrian #horsemanship #horsecommunity #horsesofinstagram #theplaidcast #riderconfidence #sportspsychology #rideyourride #ourindustry #showring #jumping #equestrianlife