27 Jun From Participating to Competing: Riding with a Winner’s Mindset

Last week, I had the privilege of competing in two derbies at the World Equestrian Center stadium — a truly special experience. The courses were gorgeous, the atmosphere electric, and I felt proud and grateful to be there with such an incredible horse, a dedicated team, and the support that makes riding at that level possible.

I had fun and was generally pleased with my rounds. But when the results came in and I landed in the middle of the pack both days, I realized something important: While I was riding well, I wasn’t riding to win.

Somewhere along the way, I had slipped into a familiar mindset — one that many riders (and people in general) know all too well. I was riding not to lose. Riding to avoid mistakes. Hoping I could deal with problems if they came up. Grateful to participate — but not believing, deep down, that I could be a true contender.

That realization stuck with me.

So when the opportunity came up to show again this week — same venue, same ring, another derby on Friday — I decided to take it. Not just for the ride, but to make a mental shift. I knew I wouldn’t have another chance to show until August, and I wanted to approach this round differently — with a mindset that reflected not just where I am now, but where I want to go.

Shifting from Outcome Goals to Identity Goals

In my work with riders, we talk about the difference between traditional outcome-based goals and identity-based goals.

Instead of saying:
➡️ “I’ll ride without stirrups for five minutes a day,”
we reframe it as:
✅ “I am a strong, committed rider who trains my body to support my horse with stability and confidence.”

That shift — from what you do to who you are — changes everything.

So I decided to practice what I preach.

Instead of going into the ring focused on not making mistakes or just getting through the course, I chose a new identity to ride with. I blended two statements that really spoke to me:

“I am the kind of rider who belongs in the derby ring and shows up to be competitive, not just to participate. I lead my horse with relaxed confidence, trust my partnership, and stay focused no matter what happens — because I know I am a contender.”

The Power of a Confident Presence

And with that new mindset, I showed up early. I studied the course. I watched a few rounds. I did my breathing work to get in the zone. I reminded myself that I’ve come a long way — including the huge personal win of now choosing the high options because they feel right, not scary (mostly!). In fact, the low options now look small (mostly!). That alone is a transformation I wouldn’t have believed a few years ago.

Even the way I entered the ring was different. Instead of immediately picking up my canter in my usual workmanlike, slightly pressured way, I trotted in, walked down to the end of the ring, took a breath, and picked up my canter with presence — not urgency. It set the tone. The round flowed from there.

The Bottom Line

There’s a big difference between cautiously participating and confidently competing.

Between hoping not to mess up… and riding like someone who knows she belongs.

I’m working on that shift.

And if you’re a fellow adult amateur or a competitive rider struggling with the same internal tug-of-war, know this: you don’t have to wait to be perfect to start riding with a winning mindset.

You just have to decide that you’re no longer here just to get around.
You’re here to show up — boldly, skillfully, and as someone who rides like they belong.