Horsewomen of Ireland: A deep breath for better results

As a direct result of trying to find someone to work with her after a serious injury, Jacques Malone set up Ahead For Horses, to “improve the horsepower in her own head” and to provide sports psychology and mindset coaching for riders.

“Due to having ADD and autism, I have also struggled with somatic and emotional regulation my whole life,” she says, “so getting qualified to help myself was my original motivator. I knew my head was holding me back in the ring.”

With a background in the corporate world, working with major brands and business owners to reach their goals in business and in life, Jacques had already attained psychology at A-Level, and completed her original degree.

However, after the accident she wanted to learn more about the brain and human behaviour with regards to riding, as well as “the excuses that we make to ourselves which stop us achieving our goals.”

She went on to undertake a Masters in Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology and the Advanced Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches.

“I think there was a natural link between my passion for horses and working with riders to achieve their goals across a wide variety of equestrians, from those at the grassroots level right through to five riders and Olympians.

“A lot of riders have the physical riding skills and know how to ride and use all the aids, but I think their head gets in the way. Whether that’s because they suffer from anxiety, nerves, a mental block or having something going on in their life, that means they are bringing their stresses to the saddle – or their minds are elsewhere when they are riding.

"If we can leave ourselves mentally free to be the best rider we can be when we are on board and just enjoy the process, then that’s a win for most riders.”

Enjoying better results

As Jacques explains, a by-product of having an enjoyable day is better results. However, it is no good for any competitor if they are in a high state of emotional arousal just before they enter the ring.

Horses are flight animals and if the rider is in a high state of arousal – the horse will feel that and will respond accordingly, and the rider is less likely to get the result they want.

“I have been into pony clubs and have worked individually with many amazing junior riders who, when they learn these skills, are able to bring them into all areas in their lives, from studying to work to social events.

"I also think we should be helping children from the point they start riding to work with their heads as much as their bodies. The good news is we can choose to improve our mental game as adults if we have an open mindset.”

Sharing secrets

Jacques loves taking care of her horse and two ponies at home: “Just being with them, telling them all my problems and secrets – I always have the mick taken out of me for talking to my horses out loud in the ring.

"I am an eventer at heart and love XC, but have recently taken to show jumping, which I am loving – especially those venues who are able to stick to their published times. This year I have entered for the working hunters at the RDS, having never done a show class, so it’s been a baptism of fire at the country shows, but the showing community have been very welcoming and helpful, I am enjoying the experience so far.”

The summer is a busy time for horse folk with shows, and Jacques is on-hand to help with the nerves as they kick in.

“A lot of this comes down to understanding and managing our brain. There are 100bn cells in the human brain with 500tn connections, so your brain is a big part of your operating procedure. We are all a product of nature and nurture; you don’t have one without the other.

“The biggest single change riders can make is to consciously breathe. The brain requires 20% of the oxygen in our body at any time. Some people say, ‘oh that breathing techniques and taking deep breaths is nonsense’, but if you learn how to breathe properly, everything physiologically is going to happen easier.

"Even if we think about it in terms of being a rider, because if your oxygen is getting to your lower leg, your lower leg is going to be on better. If your oxygen is getting to your brain, you’re going to make decisions faster. Practising breathing at home is key to this, so that you are able to plan it into your course or test at a show.”

The very thing that raises the cortisol in most, is the thing that Jacques does on her downtime: “I head off to an away show with just my horse for company. I am able to work face-to- face with my riders whilst I am there and get to go in the ring to compete myself without any of the demands of a busy home life.

“My summer holiday is always taken in Bolesworth, as Nina Barbour and her team make it so much more than just a horse show. I am especially partial to the disco.”