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Saturday, July 04, 2009
How do you prepare for a run mentally before and during a run?
Ask Tina Question:
How do you prepare for a run mentally before and during competition?
Ask Tina Answer:
I like to get there and take a look at arena size, if there is anything that might distract my horse, ground conditions, barrel and timer placement. I think about each horse I am riding and how I will cue them for those conditions and what they need from me. I think about the alley or gate, my take off and approach to first barrel. I pray to God for safety and focus. I try to remain calm and visualize my run smoothly in my head.
When I make my run, I run on feel and not mechanics, I let reflex take over based on what I am feeling in the moment. I to send my horse, have a smooth, fast take off, and feel them rate and hunt the barrel, I try to back off then and let them work the turn, if they need me, I am there to help. As a trainer I lack that HUNGER sometimes, so I try and get my competitor's hat on before I run and take off the trainer's cap!
After my run, I pet my horse, wait to settle down and think about what I liked and felt I could improve on for my run. I keep a notebook and write down a couple notes for every race, to help me improve in the future on that horse in that pen.
Thanks for the question.
Tina Spangler - TLC
www.tlcbarrelhorsetraining.com
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