Top tips to help overcome competition nerves

12 top tips for Horse Riders to overcome competition nerves

1.            Preparation, preparation & practice !

               The better prepared you are – the more relaxed you’ll feel.

2.            Take a support team.

                The help of a friend who can read your test for you, or help groom or hold your horse when you need 

                to rush off to the secretary’s tent, or walk the course, or that last bit of show sheen is absolutely                   priceless.

3.            Allow plenty of time.

                Both for travelling, and time to get ready for tests or classes. Feeling rushed is not relaxing.

4.            Breathe !

                Three deep breaths before you start can calm your nerves, and help you “centre” and focus on what                     you need to. Don’t forget to keep breathing in the ring. Practice breathing in rhythm with your horse’s                   stride at home.

5.            Practice your focus.

                Whether it’s on your partnership with your horse, or the task in hand.

6.            Give yourself permission to be a learner and lose the ego.

                Aim to do a “correct” round or test – and have fun enjoy the journey - not plan to win first time out.                       Horses are great levellers and will constantly surprise you - and even the professionals have their off 

                days.

7.            Compete below the level that you are working on at home.

                You will feel more relaxed when you and your horse are working well within your education and                            comfort zone.

8.            Do small unaffiliated shows, or riding club clinics or group lessons.

                This will help to socialise your horse, and prepare yourself for outings, company and travel.

9.            Get yourself a mentor.

                Some-one who has been there, and can help and guide you and stop you making mistakes that will                     frustrate and distract you.

10.          Be kind to yourself.

                Turn off the negative self talk and strengthen your internal coach.

11.          Celebrate each small success.

                There is no such thing as failure – only feedback.

12.          Learn how to quickly get into the correct emotional state for the job in hand.

                A few sessions of Hypnosis and NLP has been proven to really help with relaxation and focus.