Why do I do this?

[parsley]

I'm off today for a little dressage event and I feel absolutly sick with nerves

(i've been to the loo 4 times already this morning so a bonus is that I may be a bit lighter though!

). The annoying thing is that I have been really looking forward to going and its only this morning that I feel sick so I suppose things are getting better! I'm going to try some brandy today but what else do people do? I suppose in the long term if I keep at it I might start to feel better about it all, but I remember feeling like this as a child before a show - I think it might be down to people's expectations of me - the better pony I had the more nervous I felt - maybe I should tell everyone my boy is being an absolute pig of a donkey

No point to this - I just wanted to sit down for a minute and think calm down!

 

[Saf]

I often feel like this but I'm not sure at what point the nerves usually go away and by the time I am in the ring thats all I think about

I hope you have a fantastic day, try that small brandy, I go for the wine

Dont forget to report back

 

[carolmalin123]

I think it is completely normal to feel nervous before competing, but sometimes it can spoil the enjoyment of the event itself, if it makes you feel a bit ill. I too get nervous, I always like to do my best and not let myself or my horse down. For me, good preparation helps, I give myself loads of time to get everything ready, get there, tack up and warm up etc., also knowing your tests, having a helper and practicing leading up to the competition ensures that you have 'done all you can'. I also try to tell myself that it is just a hobby and that even top riders, with a lot at stake, have 'off' days, when things just dont go according to plan. In the great scheme of things (life) riding a dressage test is not really that important, the main thing is to just enjoy taking part and keep things in perspective. Be positive, I strongly believe that positive thought is beneficial to us all. Dont worry if things dont go quite how you would like and dont ponder on it and analyse it afterwards. Just take the positive comments from your sheet and bear in mind any advice for next time!

Have fun and enjoy your day!

 

[dieseldog]

Rescue Remedy - you can buy it at any chemists - no idea if it really works - but in my head it does and that is all that matters

 

[catembi]

Rescue remedy helped me a lot when I was competing Cat.

Also a stern talking-to from myself often helps, strange as it sounds. On the lines of, ffs, stop being so wet & get on with it.

I try to rem that no-one's *making* me do it - I'm there thru choice, so I should either do it & enjoy it, or decide that I'm not going to do it any more & retire to hacking.

Oddly, this tougher kind of approach has helped me far more than trying to be "nicer" to myself, if this makes sense?

 

[parsley]

I had a lovely day!

It was a nice relaxed venue and I was in loads of time for everything and my boy was a complete gentleman - and I actually enjoyed riding the tests

SO next time - I will make sure that I give myself plenty of time as I am usually always running late and I will have a giant slug of alchohol before I get on

 

[catembi]

Oh well done! How did you do?

 

[MGG]

Well done! Now I am sure you won't be so nervous next time...And now you know why you do it. Because it's fun!!