How do you calm your nerves before going in the sj ring

[ILoveFoxy]

At the show i did last weekend i was crying and getting all worked up before i went in the ring because it was my first sj at a show.i get so scred when i look at the jumps and think no waqy shes gunna jump them.when ive gone over the first jump im fine its just the bit before i hate.

 

[kerilli]

i concentrate on how the horse feels in the warm up, and then i just watch other people and totally ignore the fact that i've got to go in and do it... a bit like going to Burghley and watching, knowing that you haven't got to actually jump the fences! then i just go in and get on with it.
hope that helps a bit!
btw... try to remember that you are doing it for fun. so, say to yourself, "do i really want to do this, or not? cos if not, i can say No at any time and just ride back to the box." this might take the pressure off you... you can decide whether you really want to do it or not at any time.

 

[DiablosGold]

In the very recent past I was the same. I bought loads of books on riding confidence and now I do breathing exercises, use rescue remedy and I have a little set routine for unloading/tacking up/warming up/going in etc, all based on calming me down.

Have a look on amazon, there's some good books on it.

The main thing I do now is: breathe in for 3 counts(imagining the breath is a blue calm colour) and out for 6 counts (red colour). Also use peripheral (sp?) vision, where you don't focus you just take in everything around you.

I still get butterflies now but they don't take over, I don't let them

 

[BankEndRescue]

double G&T works every time

 

[Cruiseonamiro]

Imagine yourself turning off the bad vibes and tuning into a channel where you see yourself do it well. I was the same, I still am... often being sick beforehand. Its no use thinking,well do I want to do this, you just have to concentrate on riding each stride and feeling the horse under you.

 

[ILoveFoxy]

Thankyou For All Your Advice

 

[whitemischief]

There are some great aromatherapy patches you can get which you stick on your collar bone and they really calm you. I think I got them from Victoria Health, they're brilliant. I've worn one for the last two comps and have been so calm and focused. I jumped a double clear the first week and won the dressage on Sunday.....