Show nerves!

[Libbyn1982]

Has anyone had experience with their horse claming up in a show environment? My boy is starting to work well at home on the flat and over fences but when we go out to events he becomes very backwards. Have had this issue at home which I am getting much better at overcoming now, it's like he totally ignores every aid i try and use when we are out, like he's zoned out! We don't get any typically stressy behaviour but I think he does get inwardly stressed away from home.

Has anyone experienced this? Is it just a case of keeping on going and getting out as much as poss or are there any tips to help? Would some kind of calmer work? Seems daft on a 'lazy' horse but could be an option?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pinkvboots]

I have an Arab that would do the same when he was young, he just would not move it was awful and embarrassing as he would go perfect at home, I tried rescue remedy I think it helped a bit but I just took him everywhere even if it was to just ride in the warm up and not compete, I did two seasons with him and would say he is loads better now, I often would look for a big field to have a long canter around almost like a bit of a hack and I think it helped him relax, I know it's not easy to do at some venues but I would say just get him out as much as you can, I even used to box somewhere and have a lesson.

 

[Tapir]

my mare used to do this. It was like sitting on a block of wood. She'd just about do what I asked for in the right places (prelim dressage) but that was it. It was horrible, and like Pinkvboots said, embarrassing. I felt like I had to tell everyone that she does normally go better than this! She did get much better just through going out again and again but she had to be retired with arthritis before I really got anywhere near the work we got at home.

 

[Pinkvboots]

my mare used to do this. It was like sitting on a block of wood. She'd just about do what I asked for in the right places (prelim dressage) but that was it. It was horrible, and like Pinkvboots said, embarrassing. I felt like I had to tell everyone that she does normally go better than this! She did get much better just through going out again and again but she had to be retired with arthritis before I really got anywhere near the work we got at home.

I know judges used to say to me he needs to be more forward, I used to say he does go forward at home just not at shows and I used to think they would think I was lying it is really embarrassing, I did a small local show once and the judge loved him but said he just didn't move, so I explained my problem and she got me going round the ring with a schooling whip until he moved, I think it helped him realise he could go round and be safe she was a really lovely judge to help me.