A confirmational image of a chestnut quarter horse standing on a gravel road alert and fully tacked up in brown western tack

ASKHQ: CONSIDERING QUITTING COMPETING

Q: I'm considering giving up competing because the anxiety isn't worth it. How do I decide if I should push through or quit? A: This is a deeply personal decision that only you can make. Some important questions to consider: Is competing something you genuinely want to do, or are you doing it because you feel…

BylizzieMarch 11, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: HOW TO STAY CALM FOR MY HORSE

Q: My horse picks up on my nerves and gets tense. How do I stay calm for his sake? A: Horses absolutely sense rider tension and often mirror it. Your elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and tight muscles communicate to your horse that something is wrong. They respond by becoming more alert and reactive themselves,…

BylizzieMarch 9, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: HOW TO STOP COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHER RIDERS

Q: I watch other riders and think everyone else is so much better than me. How do I stop comparing myself and feeling inadequate? A: Comparison is called the 'thief of joy' for good reason. It's also remarkably unproductive. You're comparing your internal experience (all your doubts, mistakes, and struggles) with other people's external appearance…

BylizzieMarch 5, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: MANAGING PHYSICAL ANXIETY AT A SHOW

Q: I get so nervous before my class that I feel sick. How do other riders manage this physical anxiety? A: Physical symptoms of anxiety - nausea, shaking, racing heart, sweating - are unpleasant but manageable. Understanding that these sensations are your body preparing for action, not signs of danger, helps you reframe them. Your…

BylizzieMarch 2, 20260Comments

Horse and Rider

STRESS

And its effect on your riding performance Text: Ryan Tehini Stress and anxiety are innate aspects of athletic competition and often inhibit performance and ultimately contribute to an unfavourable competition outcome. Many athletes report difficulty concentrating, inefficient decision-making, hazy thought, and reduced energy as a result of competition stress. However, despite the negative discourse surrounding stress…

BylizzieNovember 8, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: HORSE GRIMACE SCALE

Q: What is the Horse Grimace Scale? A: The Horse Grimace Scale is a pain assessment tool that identifies six facial expressions of a horse and scores them on a scale of 0 (not present), 1 (moderately present) and 2 (obviously present). The actions are: Stiffly backwards ears – the horse’s ears are held stiffly and turned…

BylizzieMarch 21, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: HEAD BOBBING IN THE STABLE

Q: My horse bobs his head up and down if he is in the stable for a while. Most people laugh and find this funny, but my stable manager has recently said that she thinks his behaviour could be due to stress. Is this true? A: Firstly, we would recommend contacting your vet, who can rule…

BylizzieNovember 30, 20240Comments

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ASKHQ: DENTIST DRAMA

Q: My mare will allow the dentist to work on her teeth, even with power tools, but she looks absolutely terrified. Would it be kinder to sedate her for the procedures? A: Most horses will experience some anxiety when it comes to having their teeth treated, but all routine treatment, done properly, should be relatively painless…

BylizzieApril 25, 20210Comments

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ASKHQ: LEFT BEHIND

Q: How can I make box rest easier for my horse? He is so stressed when the other horses go out in the morning? Asked by Gemma Picken A: Box rest can be really difficult if your horse is used to extensive turnout. It can be especially hard if your horse is the only one left behind…

BylizzieDecember 17, 20190Comments

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ASKHQ: TILTING FORWARDS

Q: I have a tendency to tilt forwards and arch my back when I ride. How can I learn to sit up straighter, with a straighter back? A: Tilting forwards and arching the back can be related issues. Arching of the back can cause a rider to tilt forwards and make it easier for your…

BylizzieMay 16, 20190Comments

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