How-To: Calm Show Nerves

Six Simple Ways to Calm Show Nerves


I have done it all. Forgotten courses. Fallen off in the middle of the ring. Forgotten essential items, such as girths and breeches. Misread the schedule and had to go straight from trailer to ring. As a rider who has competed in hunter, jumper and combined training shows in Zone 7/Area V/Region 9 since 1980, I have firsthand experience with many things that worry riders about shows. Over the years, I have found a few strategies to help me keep my focus and calm my show nerves.

Horse shows are fantastic fun. As much fun as shows can be, they can also be terrifying. What if I fall off in the middle of the ring? What if I forget the course? What if the judge hates me? Guess what? Even olympic level riders sometimes fall off or forget their courses. And yes, sometimes the judge won’t like you. But there will be other shows and other judges. In the many years I’ve been showing, I’ve found six ways to focus on doing my best in the ring.

1. Read. Long before you load your horse in the trailer, even before you fill in that entry form, READ. Jane Savoie’s That Winning Feeling! is a classic. Heads Up! by Janet Sasson Edgette is also very good. Understanding sports psychology can help you get a grip. Read things that are upbeat and inspirational.

2. Prepare. Do the work. Put in the saddle time. Ride without stirrups. That way, if a leather breaks or you drop an iron and can’t find it, it’s only a minor inconvenience instead of a showstopper. When you are packing your gear TRIPLE CHECK that you have everything you need and that you know where it is. Few things are more panic-inducing than getting to the show and realizing your girth is nowhere to be found and you are in the first class of the day.

3. Music. Whether in the vehicle on the way to the show or on your iPod at the show, choose music to set your mood. Consider both your horse and your state of mind. Does your horse need to be more allegro (lively) or adagio (slow)? I like to listen to Beethoven’s Für Elise while getting ready for dressage, and The Shamen’s Move Any Mountain while preparing for cross country or stadium. Whatever music you choose, make sure it keeps you in a positive frame of mind.

4. Routine. Have a routine for getting ready for your class. If you always do it the same way, you’ll be less likely to forget something. Here is my routine for getting ready to go out on cross country: Apply/check studs. Put on and tape boots. Put on breastplate and saddle. Vomit in corner of stall. Put on my boots, spurs, vest, pinney, armband and helmet. Put whip in boot. Bridle horse. Set watch. Go warm up.

5. Visualize. When you are walking your course, imagine your horse going clean over each obstacle. Is there something that might worry him (or you)? Imagine yourself riding the fence perfectly. If you are not one of the first riders in the class, avoid watching more that two or three goes. If other riders make mistakes, you don’t want to copy them. If they are flawless, you don’t want to psyche yourself out. Instead, spend the time imagining yourself going around the course boldly and cleanly. The exception is if you are in a jump-off. You’ll want to know exactly what you need to do to win.

6. Deep Breathing. While the rider or two in front of you is in the ring, take deep breaths and repeat an affirmation or mantra. Breathe all the way down into your belly. Tell yourself something like “My horse always jumps clean and under time” or “Elegant” over and over until it is your turn. If you keep your mind focused on positive ideas, there won’t be any space for negative ones.

Horse shows don’t have to be scary. Add a few cheap psychological tricks to your arsenal, like mental preparation, visualization, music, and affirmations. If you train yourself to relax and focus on what you want, they will be fun, exciting and rewarding.