If there’s one thing I’ve learned competing at the highest level of reined cow horse, it’s that the mental side can be just as challenging as the riding itself. You can have the right horse, the right preparation, and the right opportunity, but if your mind isn’t in the right place, it’s easy to get in your own way.
There are so many variables in this sport. You’re dealing with cattle, different arenas, and the pressure of knowing every move counts. Early on, I had to learn that trying to control all of that will wear you out mentally. What matters most is staying focused on the things you can actually control—your decisions, your horse’s position, and how you respond in the moment.
That mindset really came into play when I realized I had a legitimate shot at winning the 2026 World’s Greatest Horseman title. The closer I got to the overall win, the calmer I became. Instead of thinking about the outcome, I focused on staying present and putting my horse in the best position possible.
Here are a few things that have helped me manage the mental side of competing.
1. Focus on the Job, Not the Result
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to win, but that can distract you from the moment. Instead of worrying about what other riders are doing, or trying to push your horse past was he’s capable of doing, focus on making the next good decision. Your only goal should be showing your horse to the best of his ability and staying out of the penalty box. If you can do that, you’re setting yourself up for success. When you start to compare yourself to other riders or you try to ask more of your horse than what you have ever practiced, that’s when things start to fall apart.
2. Stay Calm When the Pressure Is On
When you realize you have a shot at something big, the pressure can build quickly. It’s important to stay calm and keep your attention on what you’re in control of in the show pen. Take time to find what helps you calm down. Some people work on controlling their breathing, while others like to sing a familiar song in their head. Remember, your horse is super in tune with what you’re thinking and doing. If he feels you tense up every time you step foot in the show pen eventually he’s going to start to associate anxiety and being nervous with competing and you’ll have a new set of problems that need addressed.
3. Trust Your Horse
At the end of the day, your horse is your partner. My job is to put him in the right position and allow him to do what he’s trained to do. This comes from many hours in the saddle at home. The only way you’re truly capable of knowing what your horse can do is if you put in the work at home and know how to help your horse in the show pen but also know when to stay out of his way.
4. Control What You Can
You can’t control the cattle, the draw, or how the rest of the class goes. Factors are constantly changing and it is impossible to prepare for everything a show may throw at you. The only things you truly control are your preparation, your decisions, and how you respond in the moment.
5. Let the Chips Fall Where They May
If you stay focused and do your job, the result will take care of itself. That’s the mindset I try to ride with every time I walk into the pen.
Relive the 2026 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Finals on-demand on Ride TV