A GOOD SPORT

More important than winning or losing, sportsmanship at the barn and around the show ring is what makes you a great equestrian.

- LAURA BOYNTON JOBSON

Equestrian sports inspire a sense of community and shared passion that should go hand in hand with integrity and respect for the timeless traditions of fair sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is a choice: to treat every ride as a gift to bond with a horse, every lesson as a new learning opportunity, and every competition as a moment to shine.

Tonya Johnson, M.A., is a mental skills coach with a master's degree in sports psychology who specializes with equine athletes. She knows how important it is for each rider to have a solid foundation that values growth and learning. Here, she'll offer tips for maintaining positivity at the barn, competitions, and during setbacks, plus how to manage envy and ways to support other riders.

“It all starts with your mindset,” Tonya says.

THE SHOW MINDSET

“Shows should become an avenue for progress and learning, not a report card that's fixed in stone, where there are winners and losers,” she explains. “Rather than fixating on ribbons and rankings, true sportsmanship lies in embracing the journey. We need to understand that all riders in the show ring are working hard and trying to have successful rides. Winning the blue ribbon is exciting, but it's fleeting. The real reward is growth and learning new skills that make you a better rider.”

Tonya shares that more trainers need to explain that show careers take time to establish and require tons of experience. Sportsmanship is more than clapping, cheering or whistling for the winner or fist-bumping and saying “good job” to your fellow competitors.