How do i get over being nervous at horse shows?

Question

I don't feel nervous until i feel the show clothes are on and it gets worse once i enter the ring. Im almost over being stage fright when i present at school but at a horse show it's a whole different battle. I do pleasure shows and im building up to the jumping ring but i have to do flatwork before it, which feels like pleasure. I have the habit, kinda, of getting nervous when i feel ppl watching me, being around so many other horses at some shows, the judges intense searching/observing eyes, hoping i don't mess up, showing at the home barn, etc. PLZ can someone help find some way to get over this?

Answer 1

Stage fright at shows is a hard thing to get over, and it takes a lot of work. Think of every show as a learning experience and don't let your goal be to win. Instead, set personal goals for each show. Start with simple things like being the best turned out, getting over the biggest jump in the ring on your first try, or keeping you heels down for your whole round. Feel good about yourself for accomplishing your personal goals, and take your focus off of winning and what the judge thinks of you.
Also, try not to think of the judge as an ominess person there to critisize your every move. Smile at them as you pass by in the ring, they are good people who are there to help. If it helps, i would suggest taking some classes on how to judge so that you can see the other side of judges. Even suggest to your coach or barn manager that a recognized judge come to your barn to teach a clinic. Most judges have their coaching levels as well and it will give you a chance to ask them questions and become more comfortable in their presence.
And remember that the crowd at shows are mostly fellow competitors and their families. They are your comrads and probably feel the same way you do. Are you at the side of the ring judging their every move, thinking in your head that they all suck? I hope not. And they're probably not thinking those things either.

I've been showing horses for 15 years, since i was 6 years old, and i still get nervous right before i get on my horse. But it all melts away once i start concentrating on my horse and my warm up. The more you show, the better it will get.

Good luck and have fun.

Answer 2

Try to remember that the judges were once where you are now- that will go a long way towards reducing your self confidence. Ask your coach to invite a judge or top trainer to give a clinic at your barn, where you can get to know the judge and ask him/her questions. Visualization of someone you love standing in the judges' place might help you to relax and remember to smile at them. Just pretend it's your grandma, or someone else you love, in their place. You will be a lot less nervous if you imagine you are riding for your grandma or a loved one, simply because it is easier. Try it. It works.

Answer 3

Oh....Its okay...I get them too...It always happens to me.

Take deep breaths and try to remember your posture and all the other things you learn in your head... close your eyes and think on how well you are going to do...When I get nervous I think of all the things I learned and make sure everything is going smoothly.

Smile and laugh a little before you go into the ring...just have fun and don't take so seriously...enjoy riding...thats what I do...you can take tylenol, gravol or advil to lower your nerves a little.

Get good nights rest and you won't be so uptight.

Answer 4

you must try to feel one with your horse. You are trying to show him/her at his/her best. Try to think of it not being about you but about your animal. The horse will pick up on your positive feelings and you will both look good in the ring. You go to a lot of trouble to get your horse ready and looking great, so enjoy all your hard work and try to show off your animal as best you can.

Answer 5

Yes, it's all in how you talk to yourself. I HIGHLY recommend Jane Savoie's two tapes called 'That Winning Feeling'. You can also buy the book but the tapes are her speaking and she is really funny! I bought mine on Amazon.com and i love them. They are about horse riding but could apply to any area of your life where you need to improve. She was a college student waiting tables and decided she wanted to ride on the US Equestrian team at the Olympics. Having no money and no horse, she was a bit unlikely but she did it. She also went through some serious nerves issues but resolved them. She's also got a website here http://www.janesavoie.com/
Good luck!

Answer 6

Imagine the horses in their underwear. Haha just kidding.

Answer 7

take a deep breath and jsut go with the flow.

Answer 8

don't go to horse shows.