Being Watched While Riding – What Does It Do to You?
You’re riding in the arena, maybe outside on a track. Around you, there are other riders – or people just standing by, watching. Suddenly, that familiar feeling creeps in:
“Are they watching me? Can they see I’m sitting crooked? Are they judging how I ride?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Almost every rider has, at some point, felt observed – and judged.
Caring about what others think isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be useful. It can help us improve, reflect, and strive to ride better. But the real problem begins when we start interpreting people’s glances or whispers as signs that we’re not good enough. That’s when the thoughts can spiral and become both harsh and completely untrue.
We are often our own worst critics. Two people standing by the fence talking – suddenly we’re sure they’re talking about us. And what we “hear” in our minds is rarely kind.
But… what if it’s not about you at all? What if they’re just discussing what movie to watch tonight? Or how their own riding session went?
In the horse world, there’s also a strong culture of “helpful advice.” Everyone has an opinion about riding, feeding, or handling horses – and it often doesn’t matter whether they’re educated or not. In fact, sometimes it feels like the less someone knows, the more they want to advise you.
Here’s the key: it’s not about what’s being said – it’s about how you receive it.
You can’t control what others think, but you can choose how you respond.
– Listen.
– Reflect.
– Take what’s useful – and let the rest go.
It’s easy to feel frustrated when someone with little knowledge gives you advice that feels off. But frustration rarely helps. It only drains your energy – and can even slow down your growth.
No rider knows it all. Not even after a lifetime with horses. What matters is accepting where you are on your journey, being open to learning, and always putting your horse’s well-being first.
So next time someone offers you advice – ask yourself: Can I use this?
If the answer is no, just smile, say thank you, and move on.
And if someone speaks badly about you – dare to ask why. People who are secure in themselves and confident in their knowledge don’t need to tear others down.
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to your horse. That’s more than enough.
