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Attentional focus has two main dimensions: width and direction. Each dimension is broken down into smaller categories of focus. The dimension of width consists of broad and narrow focus, whereas direction includes external and internal focus. These categories produce four distinct components of planning and executing a particular motor skill.

I use this organization of focus all the time when I compete in pattern classes at horse shows. The pattern is posted the day of the show and it is my job to read the pattern, memorize it and then perform it with my horse.

First, my focus is broad and external I am assessing the elements of the pattern. I notice the location, size and colors of the jumps.

Below is an example of a standard Hunter Equitation Over Fences course.

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Then, I turn my focus to broad and internal in order to analyze the pattern. I critically think about the pace I will need, how many strides are between jumps and which aids I will need to rely on during the performance.

Below is a competitor and her trainer walking the course to determine how many strides are between each jump.

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Next, I rehearse using narrow and internal focus. I repeat the pattern out loud, visualize the course and practice it in my head.

Below is a (funny, only mildly embarrassing) picture of me describing my pattern to a teammate before my class.

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Finally, I execute the pattern using my narrow and external focus.

Below is a video of my first collegiate Hunter Equitation Over Fences class. All of the focus paid off - I won!

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There are two main systems of memory. Declarative or conscious memories include facts, concepts, events and flashbacks. Procedural or nonconscious memories include cognitive, perceptual, motor or other automatic processes.

I have been riding horses for 12 years over time, it has just come natural to me. I now give lessons to beginners and find myself struggling to verbally explain how to do things. Often times, I find myself physically going through the motions when trying to describe a movement. This happens because the procedure is no longer in my declarative memory, but is part of my procedural memory.

Below is a picture of me showing my dad how to hold the reins. I struggled to put it into words, so I resorted to showing him with my own hands.

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Bimanual coordination is the control of two different limbs throughout a motor activity. There are two kinds. The first is symmetric and is performed when both limbs are doing the same or similar movements.

Below is a picture of me riding using symmetric aids. Notice both of my hands are in the same position, as are both of my legs.

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The second kind of bimanual performance is asymmetric and is performed when the limbs perform different or separate tasks.

Below is a picture of me riding Western. Here, I steer with my right hand and use my left hand to hold the romel and (occasionally) use it to smack the horse and encourage forward movement.

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One way to increase a movement's meaningfulness is to use verbal labeling to describe a movement. A common saying used to help beginners remember how to post is "rise and fall with the leg on the wall." This one is especially helpful because it rhymes.

Below is a video of me riding. The beginning of the video when I appear to be standing and sitting repeatedly is what is called posting.