hunter trials this weekend - seriously nervous! could do with some reassurance/tips:)

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Happy_Horse

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I've been riding for 10 years and am pretty competent. I love jumping, but always get so nervous and try to chicken out, then kick myself for it later!
I haven't got a horse, but have been riding the same horse at a riding school for about 3 years. We've done lots of showjumping and xc, but never any competitions, so i thought it was time to bite the bullet when a hunter trials at our yard was advertised - entering before i had too much time to overthink it and woos out. im only doing the 2 - 2'3ft as its my first proper hunter trial, but my horse is very forward going / excitable at times , and this can sometimes cause me to get really tense/freeze up, and i dont want to be
like that at the competition - i want to have fun!
so yeah, any tips to keep me, and my horse! calm before (and during) the competition, as i reckon i'll be almost having a coronary in the start box!
I have to do it as I really dont want my nerves to hold me back anymore:)
 
yeah thats my worst thing - overthinking! yeah im sure il love it once ive got going and both me and my horse are settled, im just getting nervous about the lead up to it really. after it i'll wonder what all the fuss was about:P
 
If I'm feeling nervous I sing to myself, pick an annoying song then you won't get it out of your head - I sing when the saints go marching in !

If you're worried about your horse charging off keep in a good strong trot so you feel more in control, it'll be fine jumping that height in trot.

Practise give and take the reins, this will stop you hanging on for dear life and everytime you release the reins the horse will relax.

Drink a bottle of Vodka before you go round.

Enjoy yourself :)

P.S I didn't put Breathe as you'll never remember to do so along with everything else:p
 
When i used to get nerves at a competition I used to pretend I was a famous rider (whoever you look up to) then ride as if you are actually them it really helped me then it wasn't long till I had no nerves whatsoever.
 
Well done for taking the plunge and entering!
I get terribly nervous, and have always had to give mum the money to enter so I couldnt back out
Im sure once you get going you will love it :D Will there be a photographer?
 
I suffer terribly with nerves as I am guilty of thinking too much about it. You can do this, you are a capable and competent rider - just keep reminding yourself of this. Trust your horse - he is also capable. Then remind yourself that you will hate yourself if you wimp out.
I also pretend i am someone else. Not a famous rider but a friend of mine who just always has a great time when she is riding. She laughs and jokes as her horse is practically exploding under her - she just isn't bothered by any of his daft antics.
Above all - have fun and remember that getting to the start and getting over some jumps is a great achievement for your first time. Don't set yourself high expectations then you won't be disappointed!
 
Thankyou all very much for your advice, im feeling less nervous already! Yes I think there is going to be a photographer, if not my dad is coming to take photos, and im sure my friends who are also competing will take a few:) - i'll be sure to upload them on here and tell you all how i get on:D
hopefully i can remember all of your good advice and put it into practice!
 
I get seriously nervous too. I talk to my horse all the time in the warmup, and most of the way round - keeps you breathing and focused. I also have a baileys in my coffee!!

If you're going to imagine being anyone, be Mary King! Smile your head off all the way round and get some fab photos!

You will love it. Bet we see a thread gushing about it after the weekend!;)
 
The event is tomorrow, and now im just really excited! im sure it will change to nerves later, but for now i just cant wait to get on and go! Thankyou all again for your wonderful advice, i will definately update you all with how it goes! ive noted down your advice so i can give it a quick read in the morning:)X
 
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