Help with competition nerves!

[Jonsnowsghost]

Hi all,

I have my first competition in 3 years on Sunday and I am so nervous already! I used to compete my old pony until he retired (and then sadly I lost him last year) so this will be the first with my new horse who I've had for a year. I bought him with the intention to compete but we didn't manage anything last year as he ruptured a tendon 2 months after getting him 🙄

I used to do up to 85cm xc and sj with my old pony (13hh absolute star) and i would get a little nervous before the class would start but this is only 65cm and I am nervous thinking about it already! I am looking forward to it too but I was wondering what others did to help them stop being nervous? Any tips will do!

[Dontknowwhatimdoing]

Good luck! I'm afraid I've never found anything that stops the nerves. I do often find that once on the horse and getting on with it I feel better though, especially if they feel relaxed. I think the anticipation before hand can often be worse, especially when it is a newish partnership.

[Jonsnowsghost]

Thank you :) I think I'll probably be ok once I'm over the first jump and the competitiveness kicks in but it's just the build up!

[Butkin1]

I found it very hard to tackle my nerves until I was on my horse and then it was all just fun.

Try to spend all your time planning rather than overthinking. Try and go and walk the course the evening before and get there early so nothing is a rush on the day. Once you're there walk both courses again and double check all your gear is ready to use. If you're going to put studs in do this sooner rather than later..

Remember it's all just going to be fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself to do well first time out..

[Dontknowwhatimdoing]

Good luck for tomorrow. Let us know how you get on!

[Jonsnowsghost]

It was cancelled because of the Snow! So annoying as I was actually looking forward to it and less nervous Saturday afternoon. Got some show jumping planned for 2 weeks time so will have some more at home practice.
Treated myself to some very nice long boots for showing today though to make myself feel better!

[Dontknowwhatimdoing]

Bloody weather!

[user1488061528]

Take rescue remedy!