Las Vegas, NV – Mental skills coach Tonya Johnston will offer two educational sessions at the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) National Championships on Thursday, November 18, and Friday, November 19, at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, NV.

“The USHJA wanted mental skills to be part of their educational offerings, so I talk about mindset, having mental routines that get you ready to go in the ring, and what you can do to support your confidence and be more consistent,” explained Johnston, author of the book “Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse.” “It’s all sports psychology skills and techniques and mental skills that everyone really should have in their toolbox.”

Johnston’s sessions will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, and at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 19, on the main concourse of the South Point Arena, located behind the Cinch Saloon. Both sessions, provided by the USHJA, are free and open to the public.

“As riders, we work so much on the physical, but it’s so important to also really be taking care of your own preparation and understanding of what works for you,” said Johnston, who is an accomplished equestrian herself. “That’s what I really emphasize: helping people know themselves and what works for them so that they can build pre-ride routines and systems that help them deal with the day. Inevitably, at a horse show, something is going to go sideways. When you’re mentally strong, you handle the unexpected better.”

To learn more about Johnston, visit www.TonyaJohnston.com, or tune in to The Plaidcast here! Each month, one episode of The Plaidcast is hosted by Johnston and dedicated to the mental side of riding. To tune into the most recent episode, click here.

To learn more about the USHJA National Championships, held as part of the Las Vegas National Horse Show, click here.