# @clairecumbee on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DCVmCvjMfB7
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/73486394-clairecumbee-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/983c0955d8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-14T03:53:57.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Claire Cumbee (@clairecumbee) — https://gondola.cc/clairecumbee

## Caption

From the vault…
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I’ve been really working on keeping a good headspace in competition. It’s one of the few free things I can work on to be a better rider. (That is, until I hire a sports psychologist) Until then, I’m trying to utilize all the free tips to give me a competitive advantage.
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Often a horse trial is multiple days, we start packing a week in advance. There can be a lot of build up to the point of entering a ring. That buildup can begin to trigger anxious thoughts, worry of how things may go, worry of what could go wrong.
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In reality, the worry itself, it’s not likely to make a difference in your ability the hours before you enter the ring. Rather, that concern and flush of thoughts can actually escalate your body to a panic which tends to decrease your ability.  Sometimes the anxiety feels like a chain you can’t cut loose. You are glued to this focus on the threat you suspect.
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It really important to keep your mind present in the lead up to a competition. By bringing your mind to the present experience you can slow the worry and de-escalate future anxiety. 
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If the process of bringing your mind back to the present experience seems a bit foo foo, here’s a tip. When you begin to worry notice the feelings in your body. Start with your head, feel your helmet and chin strap, take notice of how your hands feel in your riding gloves, all the way to how your toes feel in your boots. Take a deep breath and notice your surroundings.  Be really thoughtful and take stock in what you actually feel in the moment. By bringing your thoughts to the present moment, your mind can wander away from the anxiety loop it was stuck on.
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I am not a mental health expert nor do I have any formal medical training. This should not be considered mental health advice.
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#eventing #eventinghorse #eventinglive #eventinghorses #equestrianlife #equestrianstyle #equestrianlifestyle #equestriansport #horse #horses #horsegirl #horsegirlenergy

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- **Likes:** 305
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## Tags

horsegirl, eventinghorses, eventinglive, horse, eventinghorse, equestrianstyle, equestrianlifestyle, horses, horsegirlenergy, eventing, equestriansport, equestrianlife

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