The Difference Between Confidence and Cockiness in Equine Athletes

Outsiders often confuse cockiness with confidence when it comes to equine competitors.

I've had the privilege of being in the environment of many professional equine athletes (both horses and riders). I have noticed that often outsiders mistake the athlete's confidence for being cocky when the athletes carry themselves in a way, and even verbally say, "I know I have a good shot at winning. I know I can win this. I know I'm the best one here."

What I can say is that these athletes are likely on a different level of hard work and dedication to their craft than the average person has ever experienced. Most have literally burned the boats in chasing their dreams.

I remember working for one trainer in particular who would ride client horses all day, I'm talking 20+ horses ridden daily, go in for a quick dinner with the family, then saddle up his own rope horse and run some steers as the sun was setting over the mountains. He'd be out there until last light. Then he'd be the first in the barn in the morning to help feed. This wasn't a once-in-a-while thing. This was an EVERY day thing. Week after week, month after month.

It probably comes as no surprise to hear that this trainer is a multi-million dollar earner and world champion. Why? Because he earned it.

Hard work isn't enough. I know plenty of people who are incredibly hard workers in life, but if you are not strategic about your approach and how you invest your resources, it will all disappear just like the time spent doing the work.

I recently heard Tricia Aldridge say she had to borrow a horse from a friend that she had trained to jump ride for a rodeo. She said, "I know if I trained it, I can count on it."

That statement stopped me in my tracks. What an empowered thing to say. (And quite honestly, a new level of goals for me.) That is a beautiful example of confidence. She knows how hard she worked to get to that point in her life, and that she can rely on herself and her horses because the hours, dedication, and work were put in.

Cockiness would look like someone who hasn't put in the work and feels entitled to win just because. We all know a few of those.

Not sure how to tell the difference- here's a little trick I've learned - look at their horse's behavior.

Horses are a mirror to their rider. The true equine athletes that have been ridden with a champion strategy and work ethic will be quiet, confident, and love their job. They also strut their stuff because they know they will know exactly what job to do at hand when their rider asks, because the reps and consistency are there.

Whereas riders who tend to be cocky tend to not be as consistent. They give off an energy that isn't enjoyable to be around, and the horses will feed off of that. It's not uncommon to see their horses having alleyway issues, blow past barrels, run off, etc.

I'm not saying those things won't happen from time to time to a confident rider. We all have bad days. However, as a rule, this is what my experience has shown me.

So the next time you find yourself getting jealous of someone who seems to be winning time after time, stop and think... What are they doing differently from me? What is going on behind the scenes that I perhaps don't see?

Sure, that top rider may have a unicorn of a horse, but unicorns are just like a musical instrument; picking it up isn't enough, you still have to learn how to play it. And oftentimes, if you dig deep enough, you'll learn that they helped shape that horse into the unicorn that they are.

The next time you see a competitor walk into the arena with unshakable confidence, don’t mistake it for cockiness. Look closer, and you’ll likely see the reflection of years of sweat, setbacks, and strategy — not arrogance. And instead of comparing, let it fuel your own journey.

Remember, the arena, just like social media, is often the highlight reel. They're there to pick up the buckles that they've earned at home in the practice pen.

Then go introduce yourself and even ask them for help if needed. I've found that the true professionals are more than happy to mentor people who are giving it an honest try because they remember what it was like when they were first starting out.