From "In-Gate Jitters" to "In the Zone": The Side-Eye Hack for a Better Ride

Whether you’re awaiting your turn on course in hunters or jumpers, or waiting for the whistle to ride down centerline, horse show anxiety is a very real, very physical hurdle. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve practiced; the moment that "pre-ring" adrenaline hits, your focus can easily blur into tension. As an amateur, learning to manage that spike isn't just about mental toughness—it’s about physically signaling to your body (and your horse) that it's okay to stay soft.

One of the best w

ays to hit the "reset" button is a technique called the Vagus Nerve Reset, which you can do discreetly right in the tack. It works by sending a physical signal to your brain that it’s safe to move out of "fight or flight" mode and back into a calm, focused state. When it's working, you'll actually feel your body perform a "system reboot"—usually in the form of a sudden yawn, a deep sigh, or the urge to swallow. You can actually learn to trigger these signals intentionally to settle both yourself and your horse.

A confident smile as I await my class at the Western Dressage Association of America World Championship Horse Show with First Impression (Vino)

The Mounted Vagus Reset

1. Pre-Reset Prep

Before you begin, unclench your jaw. Make sure your tongue is resting on the floor of your mouth and your teeth aren't touching. Jaw tension is a direct line to the Vagus nerve; if your jaw is locked, the reset won't be as effective. Check your stirrups and let your weight drop into your heels, softening your leg so you feel the horse’s barrel moving under you.

2. Find Your Center

Sit tall in the pockets of your saddle. You can keep a soft connection on the reins or let them long if your horse is standing quietly. Look straight ahead, fixing your gaze right between your horse’s ears.

3. The Side-Eye Shift

Keeping your nose pointed straight toward the horizon, shift only your eyes as far to the right as they can comfortably go. Try to remain "soft" in your vision—don't stare intensely, but rather notice the space around you with your peripheral vision while your eyes stay to the side.

4. Breathe & Hum

While holding that rightward gaze, inhale slowly through your nose. As you exhale, produce a low, vibrating hum ("mmmm"). Focus on making it a chest-voice hum so you can actually feel the vibration in your ribcage and down into your seat bones. This vibration is what stimulates the Vagus nerve as it passes through the neck.

5. Wait for the Release

Maintain the gaze for 30–60 seconds. Stay there until you feel a "shift"—this usually manifests as that deep sigh, swallow, or big yawn we talked about.

6. Re-Center and Swap

Bring your eyes back to the middle. Take a moment to feel your weight sink into the stirrups, then repeat the process looking to the left to balance the effect.

The Results

After you finish both sides, notice your seat. A successful reset usually results in a lower center of gravity, helping you stay deeper and more secure. Also, pay attention to your horse. They are incredibly sensitive to our internal state; you’ll often see them mirror your release with a head drop, a "blow out," or a lick and chew.

This is the perfect tool for the "in-gate" wait or right after your first warm-up set. When you reset, they usually do too.

The key to a relaxed horse is a relaxed rider.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on personal experience within the equestrian sport. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.