Coping with Competition Stress

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worldchimp

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19 May 2009
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Right, here goes my predictament. Have entered for unaffiliated dressage competition tomorrow but worrying like mad as having competed for about 2 months. First, it is a new venue that I haven't been to before. Second, have had to get new long boots as zip had broken on other. Call me suspicious but I haven't ridden in them yet, have been wearing them at work and around the house to get use to them. Third, my horse hasn't been schooling for about a week due to work/weather/ect and I feel that I am out of touch. Am I just being silly?
Plus to top it all off, my OH who I love to bits and would do anything for me and horse, has just been crowned british champion for his hobby and feel that I can not live up to his standard with mine.
At this rate, I wouldn't be getting out of bed tomorrow!
How do you cope with competition stres?
 
I used too get so so nervous, mainly on just one particular horse. My trainer used to have the ride on him for 3 years and was very successful, so think that used too add to my pressure. Along with my brillian dad, who would take me too any show, but god help me if i didnt do well! All understandable, as he puts alot of time and money into my jumping. Well i qualified for HOYS and decided unless i got help, i would be able to cope with competing there!

Book myself in for sports hypnotherapy!
grin.gif
Its cured me, dont get nervous or stressed at shows now! Dont even row with my dad anymore. Think it also helped highlight too him that the way he acted if i did do cr*p was only making things worse!
 
Stick a red ribbon on your horses tail so people give you room. Sing your favourite song whilst warming up, tho not to loud if you cant sing. Have a mate go with you if possible, even just to take your mind off things and most importantly - A big bottle of wine indoors for after and a nice hot bubble bath ready and waiting.
 
Break everything down in to small sets and an say a small internal woo hooo everytime I manage one.
EG loaded and ready to leave woo hoo
Find the venue woo hoo
you get the idea.
 
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