For equestrians, the connection between mental health and performance is undeniable. Horseback riding is as much a mental challenge as it is physical, with the rider’s mindset directly impacting the horse’s experience and overall performance.
For equestrians dealing with trauma, whether from previous injuries, stressful competition environments, or even personal life experiences, the emotional toll can affect their ability to connect with their horse, maintain focus, and stay confident in the saddle.
In this blog post, Rylee Powers, an LGPC at Space Between will explain how Brainspotting (BSP), is gaining traction among athletes, including equestrians, who want to address both trauma and performance struggles in their sport.
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. David Grand, aimed at helping clients process deep-seated trauma and emotional struggles. It’s built on a simple yet profound idea: “where you look affects how you feel.”
Using this concept, brainspotting taps into the brain’s natural ability to process and release emotional and physical trauma by identifying “brainspots”—specific eye positions linked to particular experiences.
Here’s how it works:
By holding focus on these brainspots, deeper areas of the brain where trauma is stored can be accessed.
This focused approach unlocks and processes unprocessed memories and stress, often more quickly and directly than traditional talk therapy.
Clients can process trauma without needing to verbalize or relive every painful detail.
For those seeking a faster, more effective path to healing, brainspotting offers a unique and transformative way forward.
How Brainspotting Benefits Equestrians
Equestrians face distinct challenges due to the high emotional investment and inherent risks of the sport. Brainspotting can provide invaluable support to riders by addressing trauma and performance barriers in a way that feels both safe and effective.
Processing Trauma from Past Accidents or Injuries
Falls, accidents, and near-misses can trigger a deep-seated fear response, impacting a rider's confidence.
Brainspotting helps riders process these experiences neurologically, enabling them to release stored fear and regain confidence without the distress of reliving the trauma.
Reducing Performance Anxiety
High-stakes competitions and challenging horses can stir up significant performance anxiety for riders.
Brainspotting addresses the underlying fears and beliefs fueling this anxiety, helping riders stay focused, calm, and connected to their horse, especially when it matters most.
Enhancing Focus and Emotional Regulation
Riding demands intense concentration and a stable emotional state.
Brainspotting can support riders struggling with personal or mental health challenges by enhancing their ability to stay present and balanced—ultimately strengthening their relationship with their horse.
Improving the Rider-Horse Bond
Horses are exceptionally sensitive to their rider’s emotions, responding to any tension or unease.
As riders process trauma and develop emotional regulation, they create a stronger, calmer connection with their horse, improving the horse’s own stress levels, behavior, and responsiveness.
Brainspotting offers a pathway to a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling riding experience for equestrians seeking to overcome personal and performance challenges.
What a Brainspotting Session for an Equestrian Might Look Like
A brainspotting session typically starts by discussing the client’s goals and any specific experiences or struggles they’re dealing with.
For equestrians, this might mean focusing on recent falls, overwhelming competition experiences, or an inability to stay calm and connected during rides.
Using eye positioning, the therapist will help the client locate a “brainspot” that feels connected to their emotional or physical reaction.
They’ll then hold focus on this brainspot, allowing the client to sit with the sensation and any memories or feelings that arise. Over time, the brain can naturally process and release stored trauma, which can feel like a weight lifting or a heightened sense of calm or clarity.
Why Brainspotting is a Powerful Tool for Equestrians
Equestrianism isn’t just a sport, it’s a deep partnership with an animal that feels and reacts to a rider’s every emotion. This unique connection means that your mental state profoundly impacts your horse. Emotional regulation and trauma processing become essential for a successful riding experience.
Enter Brainspotting: a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Brainspotting allows equestrians to address trauma and emotional barriers in a way that can feel immediate and life-changing.
Whether you’re…
Working to overcome a past accident
Struggling with performance anxiety
Hoping to strengthen your bond with your horse
… brainspotting therapy could be the tool to help you become a stronger, more resilient rider.
Rylee Powers, LGPC, is now accepting new clients for individual therapy and brainspotting sessions! If you’re ready to advance your healing journey and improve your riding performance, reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Rylee.
Meet the Author: Rylee Powers
Rylee is an LGPC at Space Between Counseling Services. She is interested in working with clients ages 13+ who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, or are a part of the equestrian community. She is also LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse affirming.
She is currently accepting new clients in person or telehealth on Mondays and Wednesdays, or telehealth only on Tuesdays. Interested in working with Rylee?
Contact her at rylee@spacebetweencounselingservices.com. or call 443-240-5207