The Psychological Game The mental side of riding and sport is often seen as some sort of black art. The reality is it is not that difficult, it just takes more time than, many realise. @treesner asked me how to train this in everyday life. This is the most basic frame work that i used through work to help develop my riding. I used to be the guy who was great in practice but made silly mistakes in competition. My biggest weakness became my strength — not from willpower, but from building habits over time. Chris, I hope this is what you were meaning. The evolution is, we take our emotions from; - reactive and "unknown" > Consciously Managed > Automated If you practice this repeatedly in life just like any skill (and whilst training), the simple act of starting the process will become a trigger, that sets off an automation for your mind and body. The simplest starting point, which we can all do in every day life 1. Become aware - Catch the moment you feel the emotion 2. Interrupt it - Breathe, count, recite a mantra 3. Replace it - Change tone/ Perspective etc. There are plenty of opportunities in day to day life to work on this! Sometimes too many. So next time you need to call the bank, deal with the kids or get cut off in traffic, you can put a silver lining on it and work on your riding!! 🤣

Posted by Neil Price at 2025-08-25 12:13:13 UTC