The Power of Mindset in Eventing: Lessons from the Eventing Ireland Youth Committee Pre-Season Camp
- leggettaoife
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
The dust has settled after an incredible weekend at Necarne for the Eventing Ireland Youth Committee pre-season camp. Over two jam-packed days, more than 60 horse-and-rider combinations had the opportunity to train with world-class coaches across all disciplines, setting them up for success this season. The riders ranged from experienced European team members to more inexperienced combinations, but all benefited from equal access to top team coaches and high-quality education.
As part of the programme, I was delighted to deliver group mindset coaching to eight different rider groups, as well as a talk for parents and supporters on managing their own mindset—and the profound impact they have on young riders’ experiences.
Common Mindset Challenges for Young Riders
Throughout my sessions, a few key themes emerged among the riders:
Managing nerves and pressure – Many riders struggled with performance anxiety, particularly in competition settings where expectations and self-imposed pressure run high.
Worrying about what others think or whether they were "good enough" – Self-doubt and fear of judgment can be major barriers to confidence and enjoyment in the sport.
Focusing on negatives rather than learning and moving forward with a proactive, positive approach – Many riders found it difficult to reframe mistakes and setbacks as learning opportunities.
Developing a Growth Mindset
My goal in these sessions was to show riders the power of a growth mindset and equip them with practical tools to build confidence and belief in themselves. Some of the key areas we explored included:
The role of positive self-talk – Learning to replace negative inner dialogue with constructive, encouraging language that supports performance.
Identifying and challenging thinking errors – Recognising unhelpful thought patterns and reframing them to promote resilience and self-belief.
Confidence: how to build it, grow it, and use it – Exploring the connection between mindset, self-talk, and body language to help riders give themselves a boost when needed.
Stress management techniques – Using effective strategies to turn pressure into a performance advantage. We also focused on the power of breathwork—how to use it to stay calm, present, and focused in high-pressure situations.
Effective goal-setting – Setting clear, process-driven goals that allow riders to track progress and stay motivated, rather than feeling overwhelmed by external expectations.
Supporting Riders Beyond the Arena
Parents and supporters play a crucial role in a young rider’s development, and their mindset can significantly influence the rider’s confidence and enjoyment of the sport. In my talk with them, I shared strategies for fostering a supportive and constructive environment, helping parents navigate the balance between encouragement and pressure.
Looking Ahead
A huge thank you to the Eventing Ireland Youth Committee for organising this fantastic and well-run camp. It was inspiring to see so many young riders eager to develop not just their technical skills but also their mental resilience. I can’t wait to follow their progress as the season unfolds, knowing that they are equipped with the tools to navigate the highs and lows of competition with confidence and a positive mindset.
Following on from the camp, I’m excited to launch my 4-week online breathwork course designed for athletes and performers. This course will introduce four key techniques to help attendees manage nerves, pressure, focus, energy, and recovery.
If you’re an equestrian looking to strengthen your mental game or a parent keen to support your child’s development in the best possible way, mindset coaching could be the missing piece. Get in touch to learn more about how I can help you or your team perform at your best, both in and out of the saddle.
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