26/07/2026
How much pressure are we putting on ourselves without even realising it?
At my last clinic, Perry Wood said something that really stuck with me.
He told me to be more counsellor and stop letting my feelings take over, I’m paraphrasing 😊
I agreed with him, and it definitely made me think.
Not because I don’t think feelings matter, they absolutely do, but because I realised how often my emotions were writing the story before the facts had a chance to.
When I ride on my own, it’s different.
It’s just us.
I’m not thinking about anyone else. I’m not wondering what people think. I’m not worrying whether today’s ride means we’re moving forwards or backwards.
I’m simply with him, in that moment.
Then put me in a clinic, or around other people, and something changes.
If he feels tense…
All those previous worries and concerns about him come back, unconsciously, into my body and mind.
And unconscious pressure I’ve placed on myself.
Pressure to ride well.
Pressure to show progress.
Pressure because I care so much.
As a counsellor, I spend a lot of time helping people notice the stories their minds create.
I need to remember to do the same when I’m in the saddle.
Instead of asking, “What’s going on, what’s wrong?”
Maybe the better question is…
“What’s actually happening right now for me?”
Sometimes that’s enough to bring us back to the horse in front of us.
Lisa 🐴🌿
