Question # 33: Show nerves! So...I've recognized for some time that show nerves (mine!) are the current single biggest obstacle to our success.
My solution to that more than 6 months ago was to show frequently, just "get used to it!" What happened is that Henry figured out the system (he totally knows the difference between warm up and the competition ring now) and I'm still nervous. Though, I remember you told me about a horse of yours that you thought had "figured out the system" and it turned out to be your issue at crossing the line at A into the dressage ring. I know that I'm a large part of the problem, we went to a schooling show a few weeks ago that had NO consequences! No one knew we were there. We were the only ones in our divisions! I actually focused and rode! And Henry was brilliant, we earned a 32 and a 33 in the level above our current level and 2! levels above what we've been showing (a 32 is a GOOD score for us at the lower levels, never mind 2 levels above - we got our first "10" Ever!) So...I know it's all my issue. What do I do? I can't seem to fool myself into not caring. If it matters (i.e. a recognized competition or god-forbid, AECs in Sept) I get tense and make our lives hard regardless of the speeches I give myself in my head about this is all just for fun, it doesn't matter, ect. If I care, I get tense. Any suggestions??? (Briana)
Hi Briana!
First of all, congratulations on your great scores!! A "10", wow! That's great! Managing show nerves is a big problem for many people. You may never eliminate the problem completely, but there are certainly some things you can do that will help. (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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