Not Good Enough?

Not Good Enough?

Quietening the inner voice that says you are not good enough

Every Rider has a inner voice.

Sometimes it is supportive and wise.

Sometimes it behaves like a dramatic pony on a windy day, shouting unhelpful things such as you are not good enough or you can’t do this.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Us riders are a talented bunch, but we are also absolute experts at giving ourselves a hard time.

The good news is that your inner voice does not always tell the truth.

It is simply a habit. And, like any habit, it can be retrained.

Why does the inner voice do this?

Your brain is trying to keep you safe.

It thinks that if it warns you loudly enough, you will avoid danger.

Unfortunately, it does not understand the difference between a genuine threat and something mildly scary like a new instructor, a fresh horse, or a filler painted bright orange.

So, it whispers worst case scenarios, hoping you will back away.

What riders often forget

You have already done hard things.

You have ridden through nerves before.

You have handled challenges in and out of the saddle.

You are far more capable than your inner voice gives you credit for.

Think of your mind like a young horse.

If you let it spook at everything, it will.

If you quietly guide it and give it something useful to focus on, it settles.

Here is how you start retraining that inner voice

1. Catch it in the act

The moment you hear that familiar line you are not good enough, pause.

Notice it.

The simple act of spotting it means you are already back in control.

2. Answer back with evidence

Give it a calm correction.

For example: Actually, I can do this because I have handled X, Y, and Z.

Keep it factual.

No drama.

No fanfare.

3. Shift your focus

Your brain can only truly concentrate on one thing at once.

Choose something useful.

You’re breathing.

Your leg position.

The rhythm of your horse.

Your mind cannot spiral and ride well at the same time, so help it choose the better job.

4. Use pattern interrupts

When your inner voice gets repetitive, interrupt it with humour.

Something like, thanks for your input, but unless you have a dressage score to improve, please sit quietly at the back.

It sounds silly, but it changes your emotional state instantly.

5. Practise daily, not just when you are nervous

Like schooling a horse, consistency wins.

Speak kindly to yourself on good days so that on tougher days it feels natural.

The truth is this

Your inner voice is not your enemy.

It is simply a rider who needs a bit of coaching.

When you guide it, reassure it, and redirect it, it changes.

And when it changes, your confidence grows, your riding improves, and suddenly the things you once feared become the things that light you up.

You do not need a perfect mind to be a confident rider.

You just need a kinder one.

And that is completely within your power.

To take control of your nerves and build your riding confidence join the Rider Mind Mastery Programme today.