Sit Back: Find Your Confidence Button!

[@marianstuart3419]

Love the poem! Going to hang it next to my saddle

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That's so sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@savvydanee]

Thank you thank you for the recognition ❤️!!!! I coined “confidence button” about two years and it’s helped my students so much! (I just recently came up with the graphics - it’s been my most shared post ever.)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

It is SO good! Thank you!!

[@kevinhuckshorn7608]

THanks Amelia. I was bucked off two months ago. It was dark and deer came running by. I did not see them and so it was a total surprise when Stormy spooked. He went right, left and then turned to the left, dropped his right shoulder and I was on the ground. Really took a toll on my confidence. This video has been great. I now have my trainer yell "deer" at least once during my lesson so I can practice sitting back and staying in contact. Thank you very much.

[@susangawley6827]

This video is so helpful and relatable for me. As an older rider who is now lacking confidence with my new horse this really put me in the right mindset. Your poem brought me to tears. These beautiful animals deserve so much for what they tolerate from us on their backs. Thank you Amelia!

[@ruthmccoy8853]

I'm very much a novice rider, not cantering yet etc, but the beautiful mare i ride has spooked a couple of times in the arena during my weekly lesson. Each time i have stayed on, stayed relaxed and literally pushed my arse into the saddle (sat heavy). What I'm most thrilled about to realise, after watching this video, is that I don't have to 'think' it; its my default reaction 😯 It just feels right. As i said i am very much a novice, and 50yrs old. I also am truly passionate about riding.❤🐎

[@TheJackeeeo]

I am a yoga instructor and learning to ride dressage. I've been working on putting together ideas of how yoga, meditation and dressage are incredibly similar and complimentary. This video speaks specifically to that concept. Nice job!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! For sure!!

[@equineomine6246]

would you mind making a yoga videos for riders because I`v horrible tensing up my lower back when I ride and it is starting to really hurt!!

[@lisagraziano6400]

Thank you for confidence button visual. I am new to riding dressage and an older rider. I have always sang to my horses. I am glad it helps me to breathe!

[@savvydanee]

Glad you like it! It won’t let me tag the original post, but you can find us on fb.

[@STAR4369]

I really needed this. Just moved my horse to a new barn. The old one was quiet and there were rarely other horses in the ring at the same time. The new barn is a busy show barn and my horse is very overwhelmed. He is also used to overnight turnout and now he only get 2-hrs. However, he does have a small walkout attached to the stall. I have been hand walking him in the arena and lunging. I rode him today for the first time and he was spooking at the bushes next to the arena. We survived but was quite the ordeal. He was so worked up. I will try more ground work. I hand grazed him next to the bushes. I def need to fake it until I make it!!! Help me confidence button LOL.

[@just_joc]

Thank you Amelia, your poem is beautifully touching and empowering at the same time. I am a huge fan. ❤️

[@robineervin8633]

A million thanks. I have been trying to overcome my nervousness at the trot. I my riding class today I just kept saying to myself confidence button and sitting back .. and it works!!. I have never been so happy. the horse, which is normally sluggish took off at a lively trot and I felt like I was flying. i wasnt scared. I was sitting secure. What a milestone. Thank you. my instructor was delighted too

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad you have found confidence and that these have been helpful! Congratulations on your recent achievements! So awesome!

[@dawnstoker2258]

Amelia... these tips were extremely helpful. I am also an older rider getting back into riding and I lack confidence. Just as you said, whenever something happens that causes me to lose my balance, I tend to lean forward and it doesnt help at all. Having something simple for my brain to go to like the confidence button is great. Your promise poem also gave me tears. Thinking of our horses as partners is how it's supposed to be! ❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I am so glad you find this helpful. Yes - finding our "confidence button" can really make a big difference!

[@bojo3744]

I love everything about this post.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!

[@davinci4788]

Thanks a lot for these basics and your poem ! I never thought of singing ! Am going to try that one as well !

[@wendyrockwell719]

Beautiful poem!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you Wendy

[@aliciaholte2525]

Your poem gave me a couple tears too darn it! And you poem had a good message of how we should approach riding. Thank you .

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you liked it!

[@autumnfao]

This is so helpful and I LOVE the poem!

[@muleskinner4495]

Thank you Amelia, great instruction!!!

[@heathertempleton853]

Wonderful. The visual of the “confidence button” is now my imaginary tattoo. I tend to perch. I’ve improved greatly in the last year but it still happens. I know this will help me. Thank you. Your promise to your horse is another gem that I will say before I ride. I do something similar but this is more concise. Your videos have helped me so much. I’m a better rider because of you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad to hear the videos are helpful!!

[@savvydanee]

Glad you like it! Original “Confidence Button” concept from Rudy Horsemanship. 😉

[@kathryngrauert3490]

Great poem for a mind set for every rider! Thanks!

[@marilyncacciola3558]

Thank you loved the poem

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hope this one helps you with your confidence! Here's my FREE rider assessment quiz! Https://quiz.amelianewcombdressage.com

[@jenelresh3030]

Excellent! Thank you

[@MaryKarom]

Love the poem! Thank you. This is helpful as sometimes the horse I ride seems more interested and fidgety in what is going on outside the arena. Now I know what to do to help him and me.

[@YouSayTomato]

Thank you so much for this - you've perfectly described what happens to me when I start the canter. I'm a new rider, and your channel has helped me SO much, in ways that I'm likely not even conscious of! Thank you!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Welcome!! Please check out my Giving Tuesday Compilations www.amelianewcombdressage.com/giving-back-now.../

[@marisarogers9530]

Thankyou for the confidence tips and I love the poem.. it says so much ❤

[@aniab4306]

God I loved the poem 😭

[@arablvr1504]

Great poem!! I have a lot of confidence issues. I'm getting older and don't have a lot of faith in myself to get to where I want to be. I'm just trying to enjoy the ride and journey. And your wonderful tips and videos are always helpful and make me want to keep trying and succeed. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You can do it!

[@arablvr1504]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage I will give it everything I have!! And I'm determined not to be disappointed with my journey...

[@susanmason3210]

I am really impressed by this lady, lovely rider with a genuine mutual respect and compassion for horses. Very glad I found you Amelia!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you so much!

[@bethanyjennings6365]

Love this visual! Definitely going to keep it in mind during my next ride. I have always been a nervous rider and an over-thinker. I go in and out of phases where my nerves start to take over. One week I’m confidence and not bothered if my horse is tense or spooking. Other weeks, I’m afraid to even get on. Talking to myself definitely helps, as does singing! Not only does talking force one to breathe, but it can help you to focus and stay in the moment - rather than being trapped in your mind thinking about every outside factor.

[@aniab4306]

Great helpful video! Thanks♡

[@lonestar5053]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your channel! I always come here when I have something I am struggling with or don't understand in my lessons. I ALWAYS find the best, most helpful answers, delivered in a clear and kind way! Thank you so much! You are amazing!!

[@Kelly_Ben]

LOVE this comment, so well said! I feel the same way.

[@louisedownes4512]

Me too , this channel is so good and I've learnt so much from Amelia.....well said 🤗

[@luciemarinov129]

I love your “promise to my horse “ poem and couldn’t have said it better!

[@anaisvanheerden3825]

Hello From France! I m a rider for young horses , I learn a lot from your channel, I like the easy way you explain and your dressage philosophy. Keep going ! A bientôt Anaïs

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you Anais!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@rolandadesrosiers-lewis744]

I do appreciate your videos. You are very clear in explaining the tips. I learn so much. I’ve ridden for 40 years and I’m a firm believer that you must always strive to improve. I’ve recently acquired my dream horse who is so very well trained and has been shown. My riding is not at the level of her training. I have to say as I watch your videos I practice each tip. Thank you again for your invaluable videos!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great to hear!

[@kerrypealing4893]

I love your posts and they have really helped. Really love the poem, says it so well!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@candacewade767]

OMG! You nailed me. Wonderful to know I am not alone in this issue -- especially as a new, "mature" rider. The advice is useful for training my adopted dog who knows nothing and is used to ruling the house. I will try your advice today! Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! And yes you are for sure not alone!!

[@candacewade767]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage I recounted your info to my instructor. She was excited. She tells me the same suggestions, but we agree hearing and seeing the behavior in a way can make all the difference. I channeled you yesterday and will today. Hard part is thinking of a song with a helpful rhythem. I love Steely Dan, but can't always sing the songs. May bring a little amp for my IPod and play in the arena. Thank you. C

[@angelinaadamo]

Love the poem and lesson. It will help me with a horse I am going tying to get confident

[@erikamatsson8867]

Beautiful poem! 🥰

[@ponygeek]

I loved all your suggestions. I used the invisible confidence button the other day when I was on a solo trail ride and it helped so much!!

[@gramtv52]

Very helpful. I love the poem you wrote.

[@margaretburckard6684]

I like the advice of putting your shoulders back and your hands down - wow! I think this should be emphasized more that " heels down" as I think your position will improve anyhow. The poem was also very nice.

[@falizianme5846]

Love this! I use those same thoughts on my big guy who is always afraid even in his own arena....definitely at the show Giving him a job and keeping him moving and turning are key to maintaining his focus on me and not the dragons ! ❤🦄

[@marylynnmorganbrubaker5681]

Absolutely love this Thank you Amelia!!❤ I want to just read your poem if that’s ok! It’s perfect!

[@karenjones180]

I love the confidence button concept. Going to implement on next ride!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Go for it! It really helps!

[@bogdancostea294]

Such a useful insight for all of us! Thank you!

[@barbaram.6201]

This is a wonderful tool. I love to have visual to go to when I ride. Thank you for your videos Amelia!

[@taylorlarson1534]

I need to think about this most in my canter transitions!!

[@leaningpine56]

Thanks for that! I love your poem! 💕

[@cindynoble2037]

Beautiful poem Amelia😘👍🐴💕

[@lyn7341]

Thank you for talking about this. I lost my nerve some time ago and I’m slowly rebuilding my confidence. I took my horse for a short hack this morning (our first in months) and noticed I was starting to lean forward. Luckily, I remembered about the confidence button and we had a perfect ride.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad it helped you! Thank you for sharing.

[@laurahapp9840]

I am so grateful to have found you when I was searching for tips on the canter. I have been watching one of your youtube videos before I ride each day. Your clear explanations and visuals really have helped me canter my mare, who tends to want to take over. I love the "confidence button" and the lovely poem. You are giving me the courage I need to continue to ride into my seventies. Thank you, Amelia!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome and thanks for watching Laura, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! I'm so glad you're finding the videos beneficial for cantering with your mare! ///// I'm not sure if you know this but, I've been lucky enough to qualify BOTH of my horses (Harvey and Kensington) to compete in the Dressage Festival of Champions in Chicago, if you are willing and able, even the tiniest donation to my GoFundMe would make a massive difference. You can read more and, (but only if you'd like to and have the capacity!) donate below! gofund.me/2989323b Also, you can sign up to get my weekly dressage tips sent to your email here! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Finally, if you love my content, I’d LOVE it if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review Thanks so much for being on my page! I appreciate it so much! 😀

[@caitlinbabin3301]

I am guilty of not breathing .. love the song idea

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Love this confidence button and your poem Amelia. You always inspire me. Thank You xxx

[@savvydanee]

I’m so happy the “Confidence Button” concept is spreading and helping so many! I’m honored that Amelia is passing it along.

[@vickyelmes3558]

I am going to try the confidence button when jumping.! Sometimes he gets strong, esp if he's a little anxious about a new question, and pulls me forward and no matter how I try it's like I'm forward and frozen there and my instructor tells me repeatedly to 'sit up!' And I just can't. This helps to explain that, I think, so thank you. And the poem is awesome; I've really been trying to be deliberate about my mindset before the start of a ride as otherwise it's Sometimes well into the ride before things really start clicking into place.

[@vickyelmes3558]

So I tried it, before, and straight after, the jump, saying 'bum bum bum' each canter stride to remind me to use the confidence button consistently and what a difference. He was the most balanced after the jump that he's ever been. I think he thanks you as well as me, lol. Finally I can 'sit up!'

[@kristinbutler3724]

Thank you, love the tips! I am a hunter rider and jumping is my tension spot. I always mentally try to give myself a pep talk before jumping and thought I was a bit silly to do this but now will confidently use some lines of your poem 💜 Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@wendylow5748]

This is a wonderful positive affirmation. I have mine as well which I say before I jump or compete. I believe 100% in it's power of intention. And I like to thank my horse.

[@dianailiaiev6045]

thank you!

[@nanvico9567]

You are the best Amelia! Thank you for your videos

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@edenbrown3470]

I love the poem! Also she’s so stunning 🤩 🐎 🖤

[@ajhorse2008]

I LOVE YOUR POEM, Amelia, particularly the idea of us being the brave and confident leader in whom our horse can trust. I love the idea of thinking about giving each horse we are privileged to ride a feeling of safety in our hands.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!!

[@marylyncahn102]

Amelia, thank you for adding the transcript to your great video. I printed it and the poem and added it to my riding journal. I will review it before riding! The brain does many funny things as you get older! I hate it as fear creeps in more and more. It makes me think I don't know what to do! Thank you for showing us in your video! You are a confidence booster!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad to. hear this!

[@DarcyBranchini]

I love your videos! (Please sing a song for us while cantering!)

[@rachelpalomino7701]

Thank you for the wonderful poem and inspiration I’m going to make my promise. I’ve just started my dressage journey and I am fearful but I can’t let fear stand in the sway of my dreams.

[@fuziemiller8328]

Love your poem. Somehow it gives me inspiration. I am a beginner rider.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! Glad to hear this!

[@andiee4163]

we speak mantras out loud to help us breathe. Mine is “Just a ride on the beach”, breathe and repeat. Slows the mind, too

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thats so great!

[@essra7469]

It’s really helped me...thank you from Kuwait 🇰🇼

[@jocelynemeurant6259]

Your poem is so beautiful ! The last sentences touch my heart 💕

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!!

[@christinafragis7224]

Wonderful work Amelia, as always, and LOVED the poem!

[@PaulaMeehan2007]

Thank you Amelia! Looking forward to the rest of this course. I had a fall from my mare in December and am struggling with my confidence

[@nicolalambourne6782]

Just about to go and ride and this is just what I needed. I let fear take over even though I am a ‘good enough’ rider but find it hard to remember that when I get nervous.

[@beateindahl8100]

This was a great reminder to my self, I got to try to remember this🐎🐴☺️

[@michelleford7392]

Love, love, LOVED this video and your beautiful poem. I hope you don’t mind if I “borrow” it for a before-ride meditation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! Please use it!!

[@luisah5509]

LOVED the confidence button tip!!!! Made my ride so much easier today! My mare was acting out and decided to spook at everything, trying to get out of work, but this tip helped me reduce her reactions to a minimum and we were able to have a great ride after all. Any tips for helping me lower her head? when she is in a mood like today's, she likes to bring her head up too high to look around and its hard for me to bring it back down :\

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Awesome! Glad to hear this!! Bending and circles always help to get their head down

[@brendahaley8902]

Loved this one, thanks Amelia!

[@HorseRiders9999]

Very helpful tips thank you 🙏

[@susie7035]

The best advise ! I’m sure my horse actually loves me singing to him. 😄😄

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! They do!!

[@infernafirestein]

This is very timely for me right now. Thanks Amelia!

[@tinnatomasson6599]

Great video, just the reminder I needed. I love the confidence button idea, will definitely be using that now when I ride as I often lean forward when I'm not feeling confident. And love your poem too, such good affirmations in there

[@savvydanee]

So happy to hear how many riders love our confidence button concept ❤️. Thanks @AmeliaNewcomb for sharing!

[@JavierBonillaC]

Great poem Amelia. Today I have the Nationals at 4th level with my two 6 year olds. I’ll keep it in mind.

[@teammotleyequestrian]

Great tips! Love how you demonstrate everything thank you

[@louebegg3623]

Thanks Amelia. Exactly what I need3d to see tonight and what I’m working on. Lovely poem and you always have great easy to understand videos! 🙏

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad to hear this and thank you!!

[@elisabethmarois8268]

Thank you Amelia, for this video and all the others. Your explications are clear and inspirational. You make it look easy lol Thank you!

[@luemun]

Your content is always so helpful and informational! I wish I would have had access to this earlier when I started riding. Keep up the good work!

[@stephanieherrington9449]

Many, many, many moons ago when I was young I had an instructor say a similar thing about singing a song. We forget to breath sometimes when we are riding a horse that he are a little unsure about. I was also told that looking out and ahead will also tie into the horse in getting your attention to where you want to go, and this transfers to the horse. Isn't it interesting that something has simple has just breathing to relax can transfer to our horses when we ride. I always try and do this and when I do I usually have a good ride. Breath folks and find your song!!!

[@danielmajd5231]

I really liked this video , thank you so much

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad! Please consider subscribing for more great content!

[@salmayusuf5083]

Please, make a video on how to stand up on the stirrups correctly

[@amandafrench8047]

This is an excellent, always pertinent video subject. I like your poem, you’ve encapsulated what l want to tell myself and think. Oh and 🎼sing a song🎼 To BREATH ☺️

[@charmainemckinney4064]

I ride a Friesian and this video helps a lot thank you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad to hear it!

[@pamelarbray]

I love this - thank you for sharing! I do have a Q about the confidence button. How does one employ it without becoming stiff in the hips? I feel like I can either be loose, or tucked slightly, but not both!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

working out of the saddle first is a great way to activate it correctly :)

[@louisedownes4512]

Hi Amelia, what a beautiful poem !! I shall listen to this when I'm warming Nell up... Did you write it yourself Amelia?? 🐴🤗💕

[@federicamasoli30774]

Thank you!

[@LorriKLockyer]

Love it.

[@JenniferSmith-wt8gg]

Some lovely suggestions. I already sing a lot which my friends can attest to💃🥰 the confidence button is a wonderful concept. I’ll definitely put it into practice. I love your poem and the promise to be present. When I am it makes the hugest difference to my riding. 🙏🏼🥰🤗

[@beemar1890]

Yesss amelia I call this my ignition!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Love it!!

[@Hulachowdown]

Any tips on keeping your horse calm over poles and cavalettis. I have one i am bringing back into work ( she is an eventer by training but was doing mainly just jumpers the past few years, so she loooooves to jump and run) and she will speed up over the exercise and even go up a gait or Two . I am supposed to do as much pole work as possible to get her fit so we can attempt small jumps agin Currently I am just circling back to the exercise the second she chances her speed but yesterday she got really grumpy about it and would just do canter pirouettes instead of going back to walk/trot like i wanted. Did that for 30-45 mins but she only got a little bit better . Am I doing the right thing or the wrong thing? Maybe the circling back over and over is working her up? Or maybe she is just that excited to see poles that she can’t contain herself( excited in a happy way, she is such a keen jumper so maybe she is just like.a kid in a candy store seeing the poles out again).

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes. Lots of circles or put the poles on circles so that you go over them on bending lines

[@meriembenaziza5632]

Hey great video ❤ I wonder if you can make us one about the 2 point position while galloping

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

It’s on my list!

[@rebeccayoung6765]

Thank you so much Amelia, I am going to copy your poem if that is OK, love your videos

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! Please do!

[@sallyfd]

Thank you I would love a copy of the poem can you add a link below the video maybe? 😬🐴

[@JessHorsemanship]

Wonderful! Can I modify the poem a bit and use it on my boyfriend lol !!

[@christinaharmon8778]

These are great! I have a hot Arabian mare, and keeping her busy really helps break the tension cycle. If she keeps busy, she has to think about her feet and not everything else going on. I really love the poem! Such wonderful words!