The Body Positive

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200 – July/Aug, 2016

BY RACHEL KOOIKER

Body image is the way you see yourself; it’s your personal perception of your physical appearance. Having a positive body image means that, most of the time, you see yourself accurately and feel comfortable in your own skin.

It goes without saying that a rider’s overall look is very important in the arena. We put exhaustive amounts of energy into assembling the perfect show ring picture with elegant attire, polished tack, and a groomed appearance, but does the image you have in your head match what others see? Read on to hear about the body image concerns a group of seasoned exhibitors have faced and how they tackle building a positive body image for the show pen and in life.

Remember, We’ve All Been There

Horse showing is a sport in which individuals are judged against each other, so it’s natural for insecurities to crop up. Since body image is often a very personal, sensitive part of an individual’s life, it can be difficult to discuss. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. The same pressures to be and look perfect that exist outside of the show ring only intensify in the spotlight. When that happens, show pen performance and overall health can suffer.

When you find yourself feeling self-conscious about how your breeches fit, it’s helpful to keep in mind that everybody has insecurities, even that multiple World Champion sitting right next to you. Julie Cole, the 2015 Farnam AQHA World Show All-Around Amateur, confesses to dealing with low confidence in the show pen. “The saying, ‘fake it ‘til you make it,’ comes to mind, because I need to tell myself that so many times when it comes to a pattern, course, or even a Hunter Under Saddle class,” Cole says. “Confidence is such an important part of your body image, and many people tend to forget that. Last summer, I was at a hunter show and I ran into an AQHA friend who was showing. I was helping braid her horse’s mane, and we got to talking about showing. She was blown away when I told her I’ve struggled to have confidence in myself. She said that I never look like I’m not confident, and she actually looks up to me. That was a big turning point [for me]. I realized that what you feel is painted all over your face- the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, stress, and all those other emotions, but many times people don’t see that. They see the successful rides you have, your personality, and connection with your horse.”

The next time you’re struggling with confidence and feel like your insecurities have painted a target on your back, take Cole’s advice and “fake it ‘til you make it.” For a practical application of this idea, Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy has shown that striking a two-minute “power pose” in private before a high-stress situation improves both your confidence and affects how others evaluate you. Even if you feel silly, not powerful, when you’re striking a pose, it still works!

Click here to read the complete article
200 – July/Aug, 2016