Horse Show Therapist

04/25/2026

Some of the most “difficult” riders… are actually the most anxious ones.

And the difference between a rider shutting down vs. improving? ➡️ Often comes down to how they’re coached in those moments.

You don’t have to lower your standards— you just have to change how you deliver them.

Which one do you see most often? 👇

04/24/2026

Hello all! I am reaching out to invite equestrian athletes who have experienced a sport-related injury to participate in a research study exploring equestrian athletes’ experiences returning to sport after injury.

The purpose of this research is to examine associations between stress, coping, and return to equestrian sport after injury. Participation will involve completing an anonymous, online survey taking approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. All participation is voluntary, and all data collected will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please follow the link below to access the survey, or email us at aaswegan@uws.edu or jennyswanson.licsw@gmail.com for more information. Upon completion of the survey, you will have the option to submit your email for a prize drawing for one of 20, $10 Amazon gift cards.

SURVEY LINK: https://westernstates.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0DjvVFjyNQa5TLw

Lastly, if you know of any other athletes who might be willing to participate in this study by completing the same short survey, please spread the word by forwarding this message and the survey link on to them, or having them contact us directly at aaswegan@uws.edu or jennyswanson.licsw@gmail.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Our best,

Amanda Aswegan, PhD, LMHC, LPC, CMPC
Primary Investigator
University of Western States
aaswegan@uws.edu

Jenny Swanson, EdD, LICSW, LCSW, CMPC
Co-Primary Investigator
Swan Therapies LLC
jennyswanson.licsw@gmail.com

Have you been injured while riding? Did you struggle with confidence or anxiety when you started riding again post-injury? Take this survey to increase knowledge and information regarding equestrian athletes return to sport post-injury and help other riders like you!

04/24/2026

It’s a simple question with a simple answer. Don’t over complicate it. Listen to what your trainer says. Try something new. Make a new mistake. Think in the present.

04/22/2026

Stop trying to chase a feeling and start taking action.

What do you do consistently? Did you practice the things in your control?

When you have a reliable system to fall back on, confidence stays stead and doesn’t dip low. You remind yourself you’re improving on your skills not chasing imperfection.

04/21/2026

What riders often label as being “off” is actually nervous system dysregulation.

When the system perceives threat → attention narrows, tension increases, and decision-making shifts.

This is why skills feel inconsistent under pressure.

The intervention isn’t just technical— it’s physiological.

Regulation first ➡️then performance.

04/20/2026

Ask yourself “can I practice being brave?”

Right before you walk into that show arena

Even if you’re not feeling confident, you can practice building confidence

I promise you will walk out of that ring with more confidence than you started with!

04/17/2026

Spring show season can feel like a fresh start… and a lot of pressure all at once.

But confidence isn’t built in one perfect round—it’s built in the small, intentional moments before, during, and after you step in the ring.

Save this for your first spring show 🐴❤️

showseason horsegirl equineathlete

04/17/2026

At the end of the day you need to feel heard and seen to feel safe! Especially in high risk sports! It’s a great topic to bring up in your next therapy or sport psych session 🤓

04/15/2026

Most anxious riders try to fight their anxiety.

But what if anxiety isn’t something to fight… what if it’s something to listen to?

Before your next ride, pause and ask: “What do I need right now?”

Because confidence doesn’t come from ignoring yourself— it comes from learning how to respond to yourself.

04/14/2026

Keep. Going.

The mentality of continuing to show up despite nerves, anxiety, and fear WILL always pay off in the long run.

Learning to enjoy the process is step two. Taking a minute to not rush towards the ending but staying put and feeling grounded and present in the current moment.

04/07/2026

We know progress looks different for everyone but I want you to think of your setbacks and downfalls as still progress forward not backward. You are not loosing ability during a loosing season.