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.
