Do you struggle to stay calm when a session goes off the rails?

It happens to the best of us. The horse isn't listening, the rider is frustrated, and you can feel your own tension rising. In that "heat of the moment," your ability to coach effectively is compromised. You need a way to press "pause" before you react.

Emotional regulation is a core skill for any professional coach. Research into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has produced one of the most effective tools for this: the STOPP technique. STOPP helps you create a gap between an emotional trigger and your response.

When you feel an intense emotion (like frustration or even fear), your focus of attention narrows. You lose the "bigger picture" and start reacting to the immediate sensation. By using a structured mental reset, you move from a reactive state to a responsive state, ensuring your coaching remains aligned with your professional values rather than your temporary mood.

The Solution

The secret is in the "Helicopter View." When you are in the thick of a stressful lesson, you are too close to the problem. You need to "pull back" and ask: "How important will this moment be in 6 months' time?" 

Free Resource: The STOPP Mental Reset Sheet. Want a "ready-to-use" technique for the arena? Download our STOPP Strategy Worksheet. It’s a one-page guide you can keep in your pocket or on your phone to help you and your riders navigate intense emotions in real-time.

 

Download the PDF on the blog home page!