Future Performance Horses

Too funny - in her lesson yesterday, Melissa just asked me about mouth and tongue position, building on a conversation from the previous week re. breathing, which ultimately led to my answer that involved the act of simply smiling.

I appreciate my (ironically militant) foundation in equitation conditioning me to always, always, alwayyyyyyys smile… BIG… regardless of how off the rails your pattern is going, your face better be able to convince the judge you’re having the time of your life. The habit has become my, oftentimes humorous, trademark… horse bucking ballistically - you can bet I’m STILL grinning, genuinely happy to be along for the ride, but also using it to control my emotions and subconscious connection to my situation.

Smiling has served me well over the decades, both personally and professionally, long before a formal education in neuroscience and sports psychology taught me why, and I’ll probably meet Jesus one day by the hoof of one of these dang horses, but you can bet I’ll arrive at the pearly gates on that little hellcat still cheesing like a big Cheshire Cat.

So, Melissa, to act as an adjunct to our warm-up chat from Monday, I give you: all the greats smile. And, as the ultra marathoner Andy Glaze says, “Smile or you’re doing it wrong.” 😉😁

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYHkK_1jeP4/?igsh=MXAxODhhZDJyZjZoaw==

Why do the world's best athletes smile during the hardest parts? "The smile is more to kind of embrace the moment and enjoy it instead of overthinking or worrying about." Steph Curry A smile during the hardest moments drops your heart rate, boosts running efficiency by 2.8%, and tells your brain, "I guess we're not dying." -Steve

We might need Maury Povich to break it to X that he’s not actually the father because I’m darn sure not going to be the one to burst his bubble. 😆🐣 He’s been hovering over her all day. 🤞🦄