Welcome back, riders!
I’m Danielle Pooles from Dressage Plus, and in today’s 99th Unstoppable Equestrian video blog, I’m sharing a super simple yet powerful tool — a dressage visualisation habit that takes just 30 seconds but can transform your mindset before you ride.
This is part of my 8-part Rider Habits series, and today we’re looking at how visualisation and quick mental resets can build your confidence, performance, and emotional resilience — even on the busiest days.
Watch the video below to learn how to build a dressage visualisation habit in just 30 seconds a day.
Why Visualisation Works for Riders
Your unconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between a real ride and a vividly imagined one. That means every time you think about riding — especially if you’re nervous or anticipating something going wrong — you’re essentially training your brain to associate riding with fear or anxiety.
But here’s the good news: you can flip that around.
The 30-Second Dressage Visualisation Habit
You don’t need to block out 10 minutes for meditation to benefit from this habit (though that’s a bonus if you can!). Instead, I want you to start creating a micro-habit that fits into your everyday life:
- Driving to the paddock?
- Standing at the sink doing dishes?
- Walking to your horse in the paddock?
In those moments, stop and visualise — for just 20 to 30 seconds — what you want your next ride to feel like. Calm. Confident. Focused. Enjoyable.
Notice the Shift in Your Emotions
When you catch yourself feeling nervous or doubtful, it’s likely you’re unconsciously visualising something going wrong — forgetting your test, your horse spooking, or losing control.
Use those moments as your cue to pause and reset. Take 30 seconds to picture the opposite: you and your horse flowing together, you remembering every movement, your body staying soft and focused.
This is more than just a “feel good” trick. It’s training your mind and body to expect success — and that matters.
Go Deeper with Personalised Coaching
If you want to take this further, I work one-on-one with riders to uncover the emotional and physical triggers behind their Dressage visualisation habits — both negative and positive. We explore what’s happening in your body during stress, and map over those responses to create new anchors and calming habits.
To learn more about phone-based mindset coaching, visit the Dressage Plus website.
Try It This Week
Your challenge is simple: every time you feel nervous about your riding, take 30 seconds to reset. Visualise your next ride going just the way you want it to feel. With practice, this small habit will make a big impact.
If you found this blog helpful, please share it with a riding friend who could use a little more calm and clarity before their next ride.
Want to Dive Deeper into why Visualisation is so Powerful?
Visualisation isn’t just a mindset trick used by riders; it’s a technique backed by science and used by top performers in sports, business, and life. This article in Forbes — The Power Of Visualization And How To Use It — shares fascinating insights into how simply picturing success can train your brain and body to perform at their best. The more you use a positive dressage visualisation habit, the more your mind begins to believe and embody that calm, confident rider you’re aiming to be.
Internal Link: Keep Building Your Mindset
Don’t miss the next video in the Rider Habits series: The Power of Consistent Dressage Habits: Boost Your Confidence and Progress
And remember that this is part of my 8-part Rider Habits series! See you next week, and happy riding!
