Inferiority complex at shows

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showqa

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I've been mulling this over since reading another thread.

I've done quite a bit with horses over the years, different types of horses, and my riding is respectable. I have two nice horses who are capable of some nice work, and the one also pops a course of jumps well. I really would love to compete but the fact is I'm intimidated by the cliques that I know - through grooming for friends - exist at the shows. Being aware that we're never going to be rosette winners, I suppose I feel a bit inferior. Does anyone else suffer with this and if so, how did you put it in its' box?
 
Well if you start out with the attitude that you're going to come last then you probably are... I judge at local shows and trust me, unless you're exceptionally rude to me (personally) I judge the horses I don't have 'favourites'... I DO have favourite horses but that is just cos they're my type and THEY wouldn't beat you if your horse is better..

Bx
 
I think the key is finding nice friendly shows to go to. I'm in the south east so loads to choose from every weekend. Some I avoid as they are known for cliques and not very supportive people - others are known for being nice and laid back.

The more you do it, the easier it gets x
 
My instructor keeps telling me to stop comparing myself to others. He says "Its not about them, its about you and your horse and how well you do together". Would be nice to think you could win all the time...but unrealistic...but hey, thats horses for you. Forget about the cliques, enjoy yourself!
 
I have the same although he has picked up a few rosettes but only at little shows :) I just try to concentrate on what he is doing and set my own little goals like no major spooks and then just go from there if we get a rosette its a bonus. I have always found people friendly aswell but this could be because we are new together or because we dont go aiming to win every thing just aiming to have fun and I have the most non pushy parents around they just stand and watch because they are not horsey.

so basically just give it a go you might find people are nicer that you think :) and if not ignore them and enjoy the day with your horse
 
That's really good to hear. I suppose I'm a bit over awed by the obvious quality of many of the horses out there, and if I'm honest at times I find some of the attitudes a bit snooty. It's quite an intimidating environment if you're not a regular. That said there have been some nice folk too. Ok - my problem!
 
I took Puzzle to two shows this summer. I was the annoying person at the show who was just so damn proud of my pony, and myself, that when I came 4th out of 4 I was over the moon, and when I came 1st out of 8 I cried!!

I never had a competitive streak in me - I just wanted to have a good day with the babyhorse. Did that, came home, loved it.
 
The secret is to become a regular!!

My Mum has always told me to 'feel the fear and do it anyway' and I find this a useful maxim when I'm going into something new... after you've done it once it's not as scary and all of a sudden, after a couple of times, you'll be having fun (and winning rossies).

B
 
GO FOR IT!!!!! Just enjoy and you never know who you might do better than. Aparently we annoyed a girl on an expensive pony kept at a well known posh venue because she came 2nd and we came first because her pony cantered all the way round on the wrong leg and she didnt correct it, non horsey parents are great at finding these things out while taking photos :D
 
flamehead said:
I took Puzzle to two shows this summer. I was the annoying person at the show who was just so damn proud of my pony, and myself, that when I came 4th out of 4 I was over the moon, and when I came 1st out of 8 I cried!!

I never had a competitive streak in me - I just wanted to have a good day with the babyhorse. Did that, came home, loved it.
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Im Going To Take That On Board With Me On Sunday! when my mare and I venture to our first dressage outing in 2 and a half years!!! I will be so proud of her and I will enjoy it. As long as "she and me" enjoy ourselves thats all that matters.:)
 
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Sod 'em. Do what you want to and do it for your horse and yourself. I've been eventing a mare all season who freaks out big time at dressage, gets sooo nervous it's ridiculous, she goes white hot and can barely stay in the arena but needed to gain confidence so no other way than to keep going out. I had judges get out of the car mid-test and ask me if I want to continue (yes because we're here to jump not trot in circles). Finally I felt we were getting somewhere when we got our first test over 50% at the end of the season - ground breaking for us but pitiful in the eyes of those looking on. Do I care, nope just proud we may be getting somewhere. Stuff the cliques and do your thing, it's all about enjoying it...
 
Honestly, just go, have an aim. My aim for the first show was to load the yearling onto the trailer, drive to show, have a nose. If we'd only done that, I'd have been happy. As it was, we entered one novelty class the first time, and she was 99% well behaved.

Second show, the aim was to do 1 novelty class, ideally in a well behaved manner. We did 4 in the end.....! And got 1st in one. But I was most proud of the supreme thing at the end - because she'd been a ****er to trot round and just wouldnt move so when she FINALLY did it in the last one I was so proud.

There is no point doing anything in life if you just want to beat the others. Do it for you and your horse!
 
anj789 - that's a great story, really inspirational. You're completely right - all of you - and yeah, I've got to give it a go and just enjoy the time I spend with my horse as if I was working him/her at home. Thanks all!
 
Why not start out over the winter with some dressage. That way you're in the ring on your own, not pulled into a line in order with everyone like showing. Also you'll be able to read what the judge says and get some constructive comments.A few encouraging comments on your dressage sheet will probably make you feel much more confident and then you can go for it and do some other stuff like showing. Good Luck! :)
 
Good tip Walrus. Yeah, dressage with my one horse or a bit of fun jumping with the other is my thing, rather than showing. Thanks very much.
 
I've been like this: thinking that because I'm a good (but not great) rider and don't own my own horse that I'll be looked down at... and to a certain extent that's true. However, I've found a yard that's not elitist although it does cater for hobby horsing all the way up to professional competition careers. I've realised why I want to do shows: to enjoy them, to get the experience, and if I come home with a rosette then all the better! I don't care if the woman with 2 KWPNs and an ISH look down at me for popping a mongrel school horse over a course of jumps as a hobby - I'm too busy enjoying it! So I guess you have to ask yourself, can you let those cliquey snobs go and just enjoy it for yourself and your horses?
 
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