Clayton Ridge Riding School

01/16/2026

Excuse the brief language….but this may sound vaguely familiar to my grey mare riders 😉. Never underestimate the power of breathing through the nerves.

01/01/2026

Let’s hope it’s a 20 year old chestnut gelding 🤞🐴

11/26/2025

Good to know olympians’ kids get the same kind of lesson plans as ours …. Sound familiar from last weeks “no reins no-vember” 🤔

11/23/2025

It might not seem like it, but you are on the right track

09/01/2025

In riding, we’re often quick to replay our mistakes and slow to recognize our achievements. Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach says that celebrating your wins, especially the small ones, can change your riding for the better.

On a recent episode of The Plaidcast, Johnston shared why recognizing your progress isn’t just feel-good fluff. It’s a habit that builds confidence, motivation, and resilience

When you acknowledge a success, no matter how small, you trigger your brain’s reward system and reinforce the behaviors that led to the win. Over time, your mind starts looking for more opportunities to repeat those behaviors.

“It’s so important for motivation,” Johnston explained. “It helps you remember the things you did well so you can do them again.”

The opposite is also true. When you focus on mistakes, you reinforce the habit of self-criticism. The more you practice negative self-talk, the better your brain gets at it and the harder it becomes to stay confident in the ring.

Johnston encourages riders to broaden their definition of a win. Maybe your horse stayed relaxed in the corner where he usually spooks. Maybe you remembered to breathe down the last line. Maybe you finally got your lead change on the first try.

Wins can happen at any stage of your ride—at home, in the schooling ring, or in the show ring.

“They don’t have to be huge. They don’t have to be a ribbon,” Johnston said. “A win is anything that moves you forward in your riding.”

🔗 Continue reading the article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/08/27/how-to-celebrate-your-riding-wins-even-the-small-ones/
📸 Photo © Carly Nasznic

07/20/2025

01/14/2025