gentle kicking required - first show this weekend and nerves are kicking in already

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blood_magik

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I suffer quite badly with nerves when I jump. My last lesson ended in tears after I came off twice and shattered my confidence.

There is UA jumping on at my yard this weekend so I've decided to take the plunge. I think that part of the problem is that we've spent so long building up to the big 'first show', so I've decided to do the 80cm class so I at least have a chance of getting round the course without crying or having a meltdown.

Only problem is that I'm nervous already and the show isn't until saturday.

So, a gentle kicking is required. Horsey is more than capable of jumping round discovery height without much input from me :rolleyes: so I need someone to tell me to man up and get it over with. Or failing that, suggest a good whiskey that will give me enough dutch courage without putting me over the driving limit. :o
 
I have seen your videos and I surprised you are only doing 80cm! I thought you would be doing 1.10m or something, you certainly are capable.
Keep yourself busy, I find it best not to think about it at all. I am not a confident rider but its all about managing your nerves, I managed 2 seasons point to pointing.
 
I probably could get round a 1.05 at the moment but it wouldn't be pretty or relaxed. we were jumping that height in lessons before I came off and I haven't jumped bigger than 90cm since.

to be honest, I just want to get the first competition over with to get myself back on track. 80cm is small enough that I can concentrate on keeping a good rhythm and not fiddling with him. it's all about building my confidence with Beau after having a 5 month break.

I was shaking at the thought of jumping an oxer today, which is pathetic because we jumped it fine the first time and again after my dad put it up.
 
I remember a saying from growing up "throw your heart over and the rest will follow". Go and enjoy . what or to who do you have to prove. just think hey im entering our first show smile and be proud . and i salute you for entering :) x
 
thanks for the advice guys :)
Beau is such a star - he jumps no matter how bad a stride I put him on so as long as I remember to not drop him just in front the jump we should be grand :D

I may bribe him with polos and cuddles beforehand :p
 
You know what? You'll be absolutely fine and afterwards wondering what on earth you were worrying about! Enjoy
 
Good luck, remind yourself you are doing it for the fun of it too and try and focus on how great you are going to feel afterwards.

(this from the woman who has felt sick all evening from getting her dressage times for Saturday)
 
Don't think of it as a first show - it's being held at your yard, right?
So it's just a course of jumps and you're merely getting some schooling in ;)
If you win a rosette at the end, well then that's just a bonus!
Good luck, you'll be fine and as others said, wondering what all the hassle was!
 
Close your eyes & imagine jumping the course- if you imagine it in black & white you take away any emotion (fear) this is a trick Iv used for riding situations in the past. Try it & you can thank me later hehe ;)
 
:)Hi there fellow scared person! My post on Feel the fear & do it anyway is just below yours - and have had some excellent advice - worth a look.:D

Just take it one day at a time. Concentrate on getting your (and horse's) gear together & cleaned so no last minute panic. Also no travel worries, horse will have seen jumps many times and as already said try to treat it as just another lesson.

I'm a fine one to be telling you how to man up - I'm only on week 3 of new relationship with new little horse:eek: Trust yours & he'll look out for you. Very good idea to start with small class - at our 1st show next week I'm going for 2' novice not to have won 1st, 2nd or 3rd which he could step over!! At least going with several friends from yard who are doing their 1st show so we can have a laugh at each other without any malice:D

You can do this - and the feeling of exhilaration afterwards will make it worth while. Will send you some good vibes - go for it!!!:):):)
 
you can do it!! its at your yard so yiu have removed most of the things that woild be stressful anyway!! if it makes you feel better i too an kacking it as im bringing my youngster over for the jumping (take it ur still at ingliston?) so your not alone!!
 
thanks guys :D I'm sure we'll be fine.

asommerville - yes, we're still at ingliston. ill be on the elephantine orange thing that looks like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards. good luck with your youngster :)
 
well, I did it :D
and I think I spotted asommerville on her youngster too.
will do a mini report when I get home.

thanks for all of the advice guys :)
 
:D So there you go then!! Well done to both you and horse - now just spare me a thought for next Sunday - my first show in two years & first ever with my new Cremello Irish Bog Cob!! He's a real little star - I'm the wimpish 55 y o with knackered knees & nerves begin to kick in:eek:
 
If it makes you feel any better, the girl who shares my veteran has knackered knees and the horse isn't supposed to jump after doing a tendon last year - they won their class today :D

okay, it was only them and one other in the j/o but still. I'm super proud of both of them. :)

And my Irish bog pony (okay - elephant) nannied me all the way round. :rolleyes:
 
:) Thank you for the encouragement - mentally I KNOW it's only a silly little show & my new Cremello Bog Cob can do this standing on his head (rather he did it on 4 legs) but physically my guts are starting to churn, mouth dry, heart pounding - you get the picture & its not pretty:eek:

So. I have to put my faith in clever brave horse, remember that when I was 17 this level would have been regarded as a joke & also remember THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do I believe myself? Not a cats hope in **************! So send me some vibes & a large glass of something (hic)!

To all my fellow nervous older riders with arthritic bits - GO GO GO!!!!!!!!!:D:D
 
:( Previous instructor forced us all to sing (loudly) as countdown to each fence. Trouble was, only thing that lodged in my brain (& remains obstinately stuck there 5 years later!!!) was:-

LAND OF HOPE & GLORY
MOTHER OF THE FREE!!!!!!!!!

Only problem is a) this is so non PC/Colonies & Dominions Overseas and

b) I can't remember any more of the words:eek:

So not only do I have to cope with the impending feeling of disaster BUT my poor addled brain is stuck with a snatch of Jingo-istic ode to an era when the sun never set etc etc.

Anyone care to share their Songs for Courage as the fence looms ever closer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D
 
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