Any riders here with extreme show anxiety?

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Rider12

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Me and my OTTB are both keen Eventers, but while he has been getting on with his performances, I have not. I'm a socially anxious rider and person, and my anxiety seems to be getting the best of me. It's really taking the fun out of competitions that me and my horse have worked so hard to take part in. I'll give an example. Our first dressage test during a competition, I was so nervous I almost didn't turn up. When we arrived at the event, I vomited 3 times and didn't talk to anyone before my test. After all this, it turned out okay, mind you I almost cried mid test and ALMOST wet myself with nerves.

I really don't want to be "that anxious girl".

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to overcome this? Am I alone in my nervous and anxious state?
 
I suddenly got like this after a break of competing I have recently got better but I use rescue remedy and I try to block everything out around me and just focus on my horse, there are workshops around the country that help with this I contacted one they get you to fill out a questionnaire then send you ways of helping with how you feel, I did plan on going on one of the days they run but I ended up missing it.
 
I have to park by a toilet cause I need to go about twenty times before the first few shows of the year. I can't talk to anyone and have a bit of a rep for being standoffish but it's just my Nerves! After it's all over I'm chatty and happy lol
 
when i used to compete i felt ill beforehand, couldnt eat and would make any excuse not to ride....my friends knew not to speak to me before as i would be very snappy (not like me at all) and they just used to be around and supportive... i was fine as soon as i had done my first test and always wondered why i was so very nervous as it was never as bad as i thought it was going to be. just keep going and eventually you will start to feel less nervous and will be able to enjoy it more..good luck
 
I suffer from anxiety in life and in competitions. Aside from the obvious things (breathing, drinking water, positive visualisation) I've found one of the best things is this: About 15 minutes before I go to tack up I'll go somewhere where I'm to myself, put my headphones in and run through my tests a couple more times while listening to some music that makes me feel positive. Usually, this is something ridiculous like songs by RuPaul. Call Me Mother is a particularly good one. Aside from confirming I know my tests, it psyches me up and makes me laugh, which is always a good thing for nerves.

May I also direct you to Olivia Towers Dressage on Youtube. She has brilliant and helpful videos on improving mindset towards riding in general as well as show performance. Best wishes OP xx
 
My sister is affected like you but just to be able to get on her pony and ride, she plans it then will be up all night being sick, diarrhoea, anxiety attacks the lot, giving up isn't an option for her as she loves the pony and does love it when she gets through the nerves.
In her mind she plans these crazy outcomes of what might go wrong and cant snap away from it, its really affects her. I am the opposite and almost a bit too carefree about riding so you would think that would rub off a little but it doesn't.
The only things that do make a bit of difference is doing it more spontaneously so she doesn't have time to let it build up.
We also put music on while we are tacking up and then have a sing along while we start riding which helps.
Other than that I would honestly suggest you do it as much as possible and become de-sensitised to it x
 
I consider myself to be a normal person, generally. I'm happy to hack out solo or in company. But put me in a situation when someone is watching me and I go to pieces! Years ago, before computers, I learned typing at school and can remember the horror of the teacher standing behind me and watching my fingers - which naturally went completely wrong, even though I actually excelled at typing. I feel uncomfortable if I have a friend over and they stand watching me cook. So you can imagine my absolute horror at the thought of doing something like dressage!!! (Which I never have, for the record.....see reason above!) I have done in-hand showing because that is mainly being part of a group, but even then the individual show has caused jelly legs and an inability to breathe!
 
What exactly is it that you get anxious about? Do you worry it will all go wrong? That you'll fall off and hurt yourself or your horse? That you'll ride badly and embarrass yourself? Or is it more like you want to do well and know you can, so you've put pressure on yourself to perform?

I think finding out the exact issue would make it easier for people to give you tips :)
 
Yep, always have, but only when on my own horse, I am fine competing other people's or horses that I'm producing to sell.
With me it's because I feel very detached from the whole competing thing - I'm not a competition rider, I don't fit in, I'm not one of those people, I'm just terrified that someone will find me out as a fraud. Whereas with a horse that's not my own it's like I have a legitimate reason to be there - it's just business.
I haven't found the answer yet if I'm honest, but I like RO's music idea, so might nick it if that's OK :)
 
JustMe22 said:
What exactly is it that you get anxious about? Do you worry it will all go wrong? That you'll fall off and hurt yourself or your horse? That you'll ride badly and embarrass yourself? Or is it more like you want to do well and know you can, so you've put pressure on yourself to perform?

I think finding out the exact issue would make it easier for people to give you tips :)
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Sorry If I have caused any confusion girls! Thanks for all being so kind!

After my friend had a bad XC fall schooling I'm always nervous about falling of and becoming disabled or hurting my horse. I embarrass myself every ride anyway :) ��

This is going to sound strange, but I also worry about what I look like in Joddies and Breeches. I'm overly sensitive I guess.
 
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