Hello Equi-Collective! What do you guys do about being nervous at competitions? At home, I can do a perfect test, but I get soooo nervous on the day of the competition that I forget so many small details and I'm not myself. I have a competition this weekend, any tips?

Rider Shows

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PaminaL

PS Squad

Tbh I have found that doing sport right before it helps. For example I have the possibility to ride my bike to the stables and doing this I am truly too tired to get nervous. Even just running around on the show ground helps

03/11/24-13:34

K H

Equestrian PRO

3rd time a charm posting lol. Breathe. My method to overcoming is on the extreme side, but since I function better doing things for others than I do for myself- it worked for me. No idea if this is factual or not so take it with a grain of salt. Someone once explained that horses are prey animals that will read you for cues. When youre tense and nervous, and your horse can feel that, they dont know that youre not stressing about a predator so they get nervous too. Knowing my mental state might be scaring my horse, I started to try and take things less seriously. Once I got past that, it was easy to transition into remembering that showing and riding are supposed to be fun. Sure money is involved, but it's an experience for you and your horse, it's just gravy if you can take home a prize. Also remember that your performance at a show is not a true reflection of you as a rider. If youre fabulous at home but have a bad ride at a show, that ride at home is your baseline. If youre amazing at the show and have never performed better, that's your new baseline. Your riding skill isnt judged by one or the other, but rather the whole of all your rides. If you ride for unity and for fun before anything else, youll bring home prizes and have loads more enjoyment. ♡ You got this! Just breathe!

1 like

03/11/24-03:47

Keep exploring the community!