In a new review of the (not equestrian specific) book Nerve by Taylor Clark, the reading horseman’s go-to blog Great Books for Horse Lovers recommends pairing it with the “iconic” best-selling book IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIBBONS by international rider, trainer, and motivational speaker Jane Savoie.

This reminded me of all the fabulous tips (supported by wonderful graphic art colored with a dash of humor) Jane included in her book, a follow-up to her worldwide hit THAT WINNING FEELING! Jane is a master at providing the images we need to envision to shape our mind and attitude and thus achieve peak performance, both in and out of the saddle.

This is what she says about “belly breathing,” a common relaxation technique that many of us have heard of but few probably actually have mastered or are able to employ when we need it:

Jane says to start by watching your dog or cat as he or she sleeps (ideally, not in the midst of an exciting dream involving bacon or catnip). Rest a book upon your belly and breathe in so deeply you can see the book rise. Jane likes to use the image of plus/minus signs—she envisions inhaling plus signs (positive energy) through her nose and minus signs (negative energy) through her mouth.

Bye-bye tension, hello confidence!

You can order IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIBBONS, THAT WINNING FEELING!, and Jane’s newest book JANE SAVOIE’S DRESSAGE 101 at the TSB bookstore, where shipping in the US is always FREE.

And you only have ONE MORE DAY to sign up to win a $100 gift certificate to http://www.horseandriderbooks.com/. Click the green banner at the bottom of our home page or visit us on Facebook. The contest closes at the end of the day today (Friday).