Competition Nerves, how to deal with them.

[rara007]

Do any of you get really nervous before or during shows? How do/did you deal with it?

I compete roughly once a month, sometimes less. Do you think competing more would help?

Fortunately I have some sessions witha sports psycologyst

coming up, organised by the team ready for Austria next year, but what are your veiws, any suggestions other than wacky backy and gin?

Thanks for any help.

sorry for muddledness, i have a ODE tomorrow

Haz

 

[Sali]

I always think of it as just a schooling session, and will mutter it to myself everynow and then! Our comp record improved no end...But thats prolly coz I'd started to breathe whilst going round!

 

[rara007]

Thanks, breathing and doing dressage, wierd idea!

 

[Sali]

Strange concept eh?

 

[rara007]

errr yes, gah getting all sweaty thinking about dressage. It doesn't really help that Pip is sucha sensitive type. If i get abit tense with Ginga he carries on, where Pip bucks and goes above the bit and on the forehand.

 

[hadfos]

I am that nervous about showing myself up jumping that the closest i have got is to the practice jump!

YO just told me i should get my horse out and show him off as he is striking to look at,i know this and want to show him off,been trying for 8 yrs but crap myself at every show and bottle out,lol

!!I will be following these posts with great interest!Don't think 5 cans of lager will go down well with the judges,lmao,would me,jump anything then,lol!!

(have only just built my confidence up to jump 4 jumps in a row in the school,lmao,how sad is that!!,i have such a fear of falling off or going the wrong way round a course,hate the thought of being laughed at for trying,even the local shows are that competitive now it is scary

!!)

 

[WFL]

I cured my show nerves a few years ago, but there is no way that I am saying how, as it would probably get me banned from the forum!

 

[katie_and_toto]

Resue Remedy. I have the pastilles which you chew when you feel nervous and I think they're quite good.

 

[Stella]

I have only just started going to shows. I have done 4 so far (dressage). I'm not quite as bad as I feared, but what I find it that the nervous tension results in me being unable to think about all aspects of my riding. By the time I go into the arena I can think about the movements of the test, but not how to ride them well. This means that I don't ride it anywhere near as well as I'm capable of doing

I hoping this will improve with more experience!

Edited to ad - TFT is very effective for fear and lack of confidence. Jo Cooper has helped me a great deal with lack of confidence. www.jo-cooper.com I'm still thinking that my nervous tension at competition will pass with a little more experience though because its not too bad - fingers crossed

 

[Skhosu]

I get nervous just before I start, then it goes! I just visualise a perfect round

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

Remember - it's all meant to be FUN - if you aren't enjoying it, don't do it!

There are no rules saying you have to compete, and if you'd rather be out having a fantastic hack on your horse, then go do it.

Your horse doesn't care if he wins a rosette or goes around the block for a walk.

 

[hotellie]

keep busy!

 

[rara007]

Thanks, it is fun, competitions are my favorite things, but I still get nervous...

And thanks every one else.