Dealing with nerves...

N

NewHeights_SJ

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Random post really since ive had a crap training session today
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I have always suffered with nerves...but it is not just in the ring. Does this happen with anyone else? I was jumping Arctic today at home and all was well, he jumped Fab, but towards he end of the session one of the jumps went up to about 1.35m and i just thought, 'i cant do that.' Now my trainer was there, but she was jumping one of her own horses and her rider another horse...and i dunno if it was the pressure but i just felt i should do it. The thing is when im nervous like that, i just stop riding...which is exactly what happened and we ended up just sort of crashing through it. I felt so guilty as Arctic is such a good boy!
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We put the jump down and i jumped that, then jumped it at the same height as before with no problems, but because i as angry at myself i rode much better.

Does this happen to anyone else? How do you deal with nerves, not just in the ring but at home too? Am i stupid?
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Blergh...

N xx
 
I know where you are coming from I am not getting any younger and it hurts more when I fall off.
Have spent the winter backing my homebred TB he is very sharp and although he feels like he could have a huge party he hasnt yet (perhaps I shoulnt have said that!)
I do find that I can reach a point where I dont want to do anymore, but with some breathing exercises and positive thinking I havent given up yet!
It also helps that OH will stand in the school and talk me through things, but sometimes leads to a slight disagreement if i think he is pushing me too far.I will always do what he says and I hate to say it, it always works and I leave the school grinning!
 
Popscile - Thanks, but i have tried all sorts of these things and nothing seems to work...besides, can you imagine having to take it even to jump at home? I am more concerned with ways of dealing with the mental side of things as this seems to be the most effective for me and will hopefully make me stronger for when i move up from 1.15s/1.20s in the ring. I did some work last year with a sports psychologist, perhaps i need to go back down that route.
 
Its difficult for me to advise as i have the same problem.

For now at home and training wise if your not completely happy with something don't do it just build up your confidence slowly
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In terms of competing i have really found that simply thinking "its supposed to be fun, don't worry just enjoy it" - has helped me no end and im getting better.
 
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For now at home and training wise if your not completely happy with something don't do it just build up your confidence slowly
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You know, i think this is the key... i need to be strong enough to say that im not happy and that i dont have to do it. Its hard not to feel like a wimp though!
 
The way to deal with nerves? Just think "sod it. Life's shite anyway" as you approach a jump. Works a treat.
 
Feefee- i know how you feel!
With an old horse i did a demo thing one evening in front of a small crowd with Laura Renwick but i had not been told the fences were going to be high but i didn't want to say anything and it went so badly
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and i ended up in tears - i just wish i had said no.
it is difficult to find the balance between challenging yourself and stayin in your comfort zone. You are getting on really well so you should be pleased with yourself
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You need to be proud of yourself. I'm a confident jumper up to about 3'6 but you wouldn't get me near a jump 1.35m high!! Sit back & take a look at your achievements. You've formed a very strong partnership with Artic in a short time. Stay in your comfort zone & stretch yourself when you feel you're ready. Enjoy!
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First thing the symptoms of nerves are the same as excitement, always remember that and think of the wonderful feeling after you have succeeded. Also, I was at a x county clinic with Phillip Surl who asked me to pop over a simple course after jumping just 2 jumps. My horse at the time was getting his confidence at Novice after having a fall. He wanted me to pop some Intermediate fences, out of a group of 6 I was the only one who said no. I later jumped those same fences but only when I felt the horse and I would be ready. It takes great conviction to speak up but it also takes great conviction to ride horses. If you don't have that conviction, don't do it for your sake or the horse. Oh on a lighter note - If it isn’t fun don't do it.
 
I get this all the time in my lessons!
When my trainer puts them up she says she can see the change in my face instantly and then i just dont ride at all - so now, when she puts something up bigger than what i am used to i end up going "oh dear, you know what is going to happen now dont you..." then we talk about it for a bit and i have a canter round to take my mind off of it and then come to the fence! Its really weird, I suppose i just like to analyse everything
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Someimes clearing the air and talking about why you are nervous etc....instead of stewing over it in your mind is better!

Practise makes perfect remember, dont be too hard on yourself.
 
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The way to deal with nerves? Just think "sod it. Life's shite anyway" as you approach a jump. Works a treat.

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I use this philosophy is many areas of my life, and not just horse riding
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Glad you are feeling better
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I think you put yourself under way too much pressure thinking that you *had to* jump bigger than you ever had before, and you went soaring off to do it, almost as though you had to prove you could. Fact is Arctic doesn't care if you stick to 1.10m and 1.15m all summer, you need to gel into each other and have fun. Make a rule, do not jump anything over 1.15m at home from now on, there really is no need (exception is the odd nice, meaty oxer at the end of a grid) x
 
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Make a rule, do not jump anything over 1.15m at home from now on, there really is no need

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Heh...thats probably not gonna happen since im jumping bigger than that in the ring (1.15 and the odd 1.20)... i think the biggest thing is feeling like i *have* to do something. I think its best i jump what im happy with, i know the odd time will come up when i really want to jump bigger and will be fine with that, i just need to listen to myself and do things im comfortable with.

xx
 
Just try to remember that this is your hobby and you are supposed to enjoy it, if that doesn't work head to the pub... up to you.
 
I went for hypnosis in the end as my nerves were so bad, and it did help, but I've fallen off since then and I am just as bad as I was before. It definetely helped though at the time.
 
One thing I always try and remember is that the difference between fear and excitement is breathing - when you are scared you stop breathing. So when you get that pit of your stomach feeling make yourself take deep, regular breaths and pretend you are excited instead!
 
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One thing I always try and remember is that the difference between fear and excitement is breathing - when you are scared you stop breathing. So when you get that pit of your stomach feeling make yourself take deep, regular breaths and pretend you are excited instead!

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I think this is absolutely 100 per cent on the mark!
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