Don't Let Horse Show Nerves Get the Best of You!

How about some power posing at your next horse show?  Imagine striking a Wonder Woman pose prior to your showmanship pattern.  Sounds kinda silly right? 

Well, consider this … research from both Harvard and Columbia Business Schools show that simply holding your body in an expansive, “high-power” pose for as little as two minutes stimulates heightened levels of testosterone (the hormone linked to power and dominance) and lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. It's a perfect remedy for calming those horse show nerves in the new year!

In her TED Talk, ​social psychologist Amy Cuddy discusses how standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident (a.k.a Power Posing) can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success (not to mention less nerves in the show pen!)

So … 
​
Can power posing for a few minutes really change your life (or at least the outcome of your next horsemanship pattern) in a meaningful way?  The answer is yes!  Just in case you aren’t sold yet, here's the perfect 30 second video to make a believer out of you!

In this short clip, Amy Cuddy discusses the way our body language affects how others see us and may also change how we see ourselves!

​This stuff works!  Amy Cuddy and her power posing have become such an internet sensation that she was featured on CBS News in a story called Amy Cuddy strikes a power pose!

So there you have it!  Your posture can literally change how people perceive you AND affect how you feel. Change your posture, change your life! 

​Need extra inspiration for your next horse show? ​

Check out the GoHorseShow.com article called "Seven Tips for Conquering Show Ring Nerves" for additional advice on dealing with nervousness at horse shows (and in everyday life!)

​Like what you just learned?  Check back next week for another blog post.  I’ll share videos, pics, & stories that highlight interesting cowgirl topics as well as horse tips, In The Reins sequel sneak peeks, updates, and release info!  

Feeling Social?  Join the herd and connect with Carly Kade Creative on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter.  I'd love to have you run wild with me!