Welcome back, riders!
I’m Danielle Pooles from Dressage Plus, and in today’s 91st Unstoppable Equestrian video blog, I’m sharing a competition mindset exercise that has helped many riders (and myself!) shift from nervous energy to calm confidence — before they even enter the arena.
This powerful mindset tool is all about focusing on how you’ll feel in the final halt and salute — that moment of completion, calm, and satisfaction that comes after you’ve ridden your test.
Watch the video below to hear the full story and how I use this before every competition.
Why This Competition Mindset Exercise Works
We talk a lot in mindset coaching about riding in the present moment. And that’s important! But sometimes, the best way to manage nerves is to shift our attention to the future — specifically, how good you’ll feel when it’s all over.
When we focus on how we’ll feel in the final halt and salute, we bring calm and clarity into the current moment. Our nervous energy transforms into grounded energy. Instead of feeding our fears, we tap into the feeling of success — in advance.
How to Use the “Final Halt and Salute” Mindset Exercise
Here’s how to try this powerful competition mindset exercise:
- Close your eyes and imagine yourself riding the final centreline
- Feel the exact sensation of halting, saluting, breathing out — and knowing you did it
- Notice the pride, relief, and relaxation that fills your body
- Hold that energy — and use it to anchor yourself any time nerves rise up
Alternatively, imagine yourself un-tacking your horse, or even driving home from the competition. In those moments, your body naturally relaxes and your mind softens. Bring that future state into your current mindset to change how you ride today.
When to Use This Exercise
Use this in the week leading up to your comp, when you’re packing gear or practicing test movements. Use it on comp morning while tacking up. Use it in the car when nerves creep in.
This competition mindset exercise can also be used for clinics, rallies, or even non-horsey moments — like presentations, work meetings, or situations that trigger stress.
Practice Makes the Mindset Stick
Like any powerful mindset technique, the more often you practise this competition mindset exercise, the more instinctive it becomes. It’s not just about calming your nerves once — it’s about retraining your mind to choose calm over chaos, confidence over self-doubt. Each time you visualise your final halt and salute, you’re creating a new mental pattern that tells your brain, “I know how to finish strong.”
Over time, this mental rehearsal not only helps you feel more composed — it actually improves how you ride. You’ll start to carry the feeling of calm satisfaction into your warm-up, your transitions, and your entire test. That’s the beauty of mindset work: it doesn’t just change your thoughts, it transforms your presence in the saddle.
The Big Mindset Shift
What’s powerful about this is that you’re rewiring your nervous system. You’re replacing anxiety with calm anticipation. You’re telling your brain, “I’ve already done it. I know how good I’ll feel. I’ve got this.”
Your Rider Challenge This Week
Next time you feel nervous before a competition, pause and ask yourself:
“How will I feel in the final halt and salute?”
Let your body respond. Feel the calm in advance. And ride from that place.
Free Rider Toolkit
Want more mindset tools like this?
Download your free Dressage Rider’s Competition Preparation Toolkit here.
Coming Next
This is Video Blog #91 in the Unstoppable Equestrian series. You might also enjoy:
Video Blog #90: Managing Competition Nerves Using the Baby Step Approach
Photo credit – Angie Rickard Photography