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For many equestrians, performing under pressure is one of the toughest mental challenges in the sport. When stepping into the ring at Spruce Meadows for the first time, the stakes can feel overwhelming. But for top rider and trainer Quentin Judge, managing nerves starts long before the class begins.
“I think I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error,” Quentin said. “I was never a nervous rider, but I had a pattern where I would do really, really well Wednesday through Saturday and then go to the Grand Prix and have two down.” That frustration led him to examine his habits, mindset, and physical preparation in search of a better mental system.
Finding What Works for You
As he experimented with different strategies like mirroring routines from other professionals, trying meditation, blocking off rest time, Quentin discovered that the key to success wasn’t copying someone else’s plan. It was staying authentic to what felt normal for him.
“My norm is kind of working and staying really busy,” he explained. “What I found was best for me is to block myself off time. I’m going to ride my horse between 12 and 1, then by 5 o’clock I need to be ready for the Grand Prix. But I keep myself going, keep myself busy.”
This insight mirrors advice from sports psychologist Bob Rotella, whose books emphasize that elite athletes don’t perform their best by changing everything on show day—they stay consistent. “His whole philosophy is you train really hard then you compete, you shut your mind off and compete.”
The Confidence Formula
Quentin believes confidence is built on preparation, not wishful thinking. “The best thing I found to set people up for success mentally is really feeling they’re very prepared,” he said. That includes both horse and rider, with a strong focus on training in the weeks leading up to a major venue. Before Spruce Meadows, Quentin ran a mini “training camp” for his clients, organizing a few days of gymnastics and coursework to help riders and horses tune up.
He also emphasizes emotional preparedness. “If someone’s nervous or worried about something, it really carries over to the riding,” he said. That’s why he works hard to create an open environment where clients feel safe talking about their nerves and mental blocks. “You’ve got to know it to help them through it.”
What Helps on the Day
When it comes to big moments, Quentin encourages his clients to lean on the systems they’ve built in quieter times. For example, with a rider tackling her first two-star Grand Prix, he offered this reminder: “Pretend you get the first jump down. Just ride. No expectation. Let it happen.”
He shares a few mental cues that help in high-pressure situations:
- Keep a normal schedule and avoid overloading your day with rituals.
- Trust your training and avoid overanalyzing in the warm-up ring.
- If something doesn’t go perfectly, don’t panic—just move forward and regroup.
- Focus on process-oriented thoughts like track and pace rather than outcome.
- Be kind to yourself in the learning process.
Let Go to Level Up
The turning point in Quentin’s mindset came when he shifted from trying to “control” the pressure to accepting its presence and moving through it. “For me, it just worked to kind of keep my normal routine… then get on and show my horse.”
He passes that same logic on to his students. If a rider struggles with nerves or feels they’re not ready, Quentin steers them away from trying to “fix” everything in the moment. “Sometimes I’ll tell them, ‘Pretend you already made a mistake,’ because then they ride with no pressure.”
Ultimately, staying mentally strong on big days means having a system to fall back on and the confidence to trust it. Riders who overthink or over-prepare may accidentally amplify their anxiety. But those who can settle into their flow, lean on their work, and stay grounded in the present moment are often the ones who shine when it matters most.
To hear the full conversation with Quentin Judge, listen to episode 440 of The Plaidcast. Subscribe and follow The Plaidcast on your favorite podcast platform for more expert insight from across the equestrian world.
