Books
Winning Habits – How Elite Equestrians Master the Mental Game, by Annette Paterakis
A unique and groundbreaking analysis of how to succeed in equestrian sport, this book unpacks the winning habits of successful equestrians to form a toolkit for readers to develop their own winning habits.
Applying psychological understanding in peak performance, this book is bolstered by interviews with top contemporary professional showjumping athletes to explore and show how leading equestrians have interpreted various methods and built them into approaches for their own training. Theoretical concepts such as mindset, deliberate practice, focus and flow are broken down and translated into practical steps for a more powerful and effective way of thinking, training and performing. Renowned equestrian mental coach Annette Paterakis reveals factors of success, as well as answers common questions, from building lasting confidence to responding to failure. Smashing the myths of talent and hard work, Paterakis offers a refreshing take on mindset, focus and approach to success both in and out of the show ring.
An essential read for anyone who would like to learn or improve their mental game, this book is uniquely suited for equestrian riders, coaches, and other athletes, as well as supplementary reading for applied sport psychology courses.
Book reviews:
Jennifer Gates
“Congrats Annette on the launch of “Winning Habits.”
I had the opportunity to read this in advance and really enjoyed it. Would recommend for any equestrians looking for a quick and insightful read!”
Cian O’Connor
“Winning Habits is an insightful and thought-provoking book. It is a great asset for the younger generation, and I believe that it will hopefully inspire and educate all followers across Equestrian sports.”
Keep calm & Enjoy the Ride, by Annette Paterakis
Keep calm & enjoy the ride is a great guidebook for riders of all ages & levels who want to improve their mental game. Annette lays out all of her methods with clear explanations, followed by simple every-day exercises that can help make an important difference. This book is a must read for riders and trainers who wish to understand the performance psychology of this sport. It covers everything from handling pressure, to goal setting, visualisation, and more. Of course, working with Annette on top of reading the book helps to put everything into practice, and really get the best results!
Book reviews:
Anne-Liza Makkinga
“Keep calm & enjoy the ride”, written by Annette Paterakis, is a compact and easy to read book on sport psychology for the Equestrian athlete. Step by step the book explains how our complex brain works and reacts in situations that are so recognizable to all of us. Annette describes how we can have more influence over our own minds and delivers practical tips that allows riders to work on their focus, competition stress, self-confidence and setting achievable goals. The theory in the book helps you to get to know yourself better and to learn what works best for you.”
Mariel Aguirre
“Keep calm & enjoy the ride is a great guidebook for riders of all ages & levels who want to improve their mental game. Annette lays out all of her methods with clear explanations, followed by simple every-day exercises that can help make an important difference. This book is a must read for riders and trainers who wish to understand the performance psychology of this sport. It covers everything from handling pressure, to goal setting, visualisation, and more. Of course, working with Annette on top of reading the book helps to put everything into practice, and really get the best results!”
Nina Fagerstrom
“I enjoyed reading “keep calm & enjoy the ride” from Annette Paterakis. It has good tips and exercises to improve ones mental skills and has also interesting facts how the brain functions. Riding is mentally very difficult sport. Horses are sensitive animals and many times the rider who is mentally strong will win the one with even better technical skills but a nervous mind. I think this book will help riders from all levels to improve their mental skills and be more successful. Thank you Annette!”
Jonna Ekberg
“I highly recommend reading ‘Keep calm & enjoy the ride’. Not only to become a better rider but also to get to know yourself better. This book will definitely come with me to all shows in case I need a reminder on how to stay focused!”