Instructions
Prepare for the horse show a few weeks in advance, and this means more than merely schooling your horse. Study the class list and schedule. Make sure your horse can execute all basic requirements of every class you enter. Keep in mind that classes may run late and interruptions (like the water truck wetting the arena) are bound to happen. Develop a plan for your show day that will allow plenty of time for transport, eating, restroom trips, grooming touch-ups and warm-up time. Make sure your horse is fed and watered. Plan opportunities to sit and relax, even it if means you miss a class. After all, this is supposed to be fun.
Trainer Jane Savoie suggests that you stage some practice runs or dress rehearsals before your show. (Reference 2) Head to nearby farms or show grounds on an off-day and perform the functions of some of your classes. Do this enough times so that going to a new place and riding are easy and relaxing for both of you. If you never have competed, attend horse shows as a spectator to get a feel for them.
On show day, be absolutely sure to spend time relaxing yourself and your horse. You already have planned this. Take advantage of breaks by hand walking your horse and letting it graze, which will relax your horse as much as you.
Once in the saddle, if you are still nervous -- even though you have prepared, practiced, calmed your horse and relaxed yourself -- do some soul searching and positive thinking. Try to understand why you are nervous. Are you afraid of failing in front of others? Have you put too much pressure on yourself to win? Adjust your goals as you wait to enter the ring. Instead of focusing on winning a ribbon, focus on maintaining a perfect rhythm for the whole course or working on your own position, just as you would during a lesson.(See Reference 2)
Relax during your performance. Jane Savoie suggests performing a mental scan of your body, starting at your head and neck and working down to your toes, looking for stiffness or tension. Tell yourself to relax your neck, seat, hands, etc. as you ride, to pull off a fluid and quiet -- maybe even winning -- round.
How to Handle Show Ring Nerves.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-time competitor, the excitement and pressure of horse showing is sure to cause butterflies in your stomach. In fact, nervousness in the show ring can manifest in physical signs such as muscle tension that leads to leg cramping and stiffness in the saddle. A stiff seat, hands and legs not only will spoil your appearance during your ride, but will communicate nervousness to your horse, ruining its day as well. Preparation and positive thinking can be the best ways to cope with show ring nerves.