Nerves - why do we do it to ourselves!

Hullabaloo

Hullabaloo

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I'm taking my horse to a local show tomorrow to do a couple of show jumping classes. We haven't been out for over a year as he's had some injuries so I'm really looking forward to it - I think!

Yesterday we had a jumping lesson to get in a bit of practice and he was fantastic, although a bit cocky and "I know better than you" (which to be fair he probably does).
Since then my nerves have been kicking. I know when I get there and we get going I'll be fine but I've got butterflies already and the show isn't til tomorrow. I don't normally get nervous this far in advance - maybe I'm just out of practice!

Anyone else wonder why we put ourselves through this for fun? Also, if you have any tips for how you cope with your nerves, I'd love to hear them.
 
Have you tried taking KALMS???? They really help!!!

You'll be fine once you get back into it!
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I get like this, I get so bad, I think i'm going to faint ! I always have Rescue Remedy with me put a couple of drops on your tounge. I get really really bad nerves but doesn't stop me though I just have a mega mega fight with myself and then just get on and do it.
 
Both sound better than my original idea - Gin. Thought it was a good idea til I remembered I have to tow the trailer!
Thankfully I've never been so bad I've thought I would faint - you must have real guts and determination to get on with it when you feel like that.
I had got to the point of being excited rather than scared before my horse was out of action so hopefully we will get back to that point with a bit more practice! I know though that he's likely to be over excited and quite naughty as he loves a party.
 
I always wondered why i put myself through all the time getting ready for a competition and then getting up early, driving there in the hope of a good day. I sometimes get nervous more for the jumping phases but once i was on the horse all my nerves went and i just got on with it. At the end of the day it was all good fun - but never could work out why!!!
 
I battled with nerves for years - I loved jumping, but was terrified at the same time, and suddenly I began to wonder why I was doing it to myself......so after much soul searching, I gave up and went back to dressage and hacking! Am much happier now; I think it is pointless to force yourself to do something that tears you up inside.
 
I know what you mean! My OH doesn't understand it at all. If I say to him that I'm nervous he says well don't do it then. I suppose you can't fault his logic, but he completely misses the point.
 
I think for me that's the point though. I'm a bit of an adrenalin junkie and although I get nervous, I do really enjoy it. I just need to get back into the swing of things.
I think you're right though - if you really don't enjoy it at all there is no point. I feel like that about dressage. I don't get nervous but I find it really stressful and frustrating and I get no fun out of it. I only ever do it if I do a one day event.
 
Well in that case the path I have chosen would definitely not be for you!
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If these nerves are just because you havent competed for a while, I'm sure it will all be fine once you get out and about again!
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PS. I thrive on adrenaline too; when I get nervous before an exam, I take 2 paracetemol which just take the edge of my nerves, but keep me fired up!
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Definately not - far too stressful for me, not to mention the fact I hopeless at it! Boo loves his jumping, so I think he might leave home if I told him we were switching to dressage.
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I always get a bit on edge when I'm jumping. I think I'm just worse this time because we haven't been out for a bit. It doesn't help that last time (about a year ago) he was a nightmare in the warm up as he took a real dislike to another horse!
Hopefully once we've got a few outings under our belt and we both settle I'll feel more confident. Meanwhile I will go armed with gin, calmers and paracetamol
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Competing is the best diet on the planet...nothing sticks to the sides, does it?!!
We do it because altho' we almost can't bear to do it, we really couldn't bear NOT to do it!
 
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