Nervousness is something that every rider experiences at some point. Show jumping is an incredibly challenging sport that tests a rider’s ability to overcome their fears and anxieties on a daily basis. Riders are constantly measuring themselves against their teammates and the rest of the competition and this can make anyone feel anxious about their performance. However, there are ways to overcome such fears and make them a non-factor when jumping in front of a crowd of spectators and fellow riders. We’ve put together some helpful advice to help you overcome these nerves and be the star of the show on show day!
Before the show even begins, it’s important to make sure that you’re fully prepared for the event. Make sure that you’ve read the course brief thoroughly and practise the course a few times before the event so that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re not sure about a jump, don’t hesitate to ask the judges or your teammates for advice.It’s also important to bring plenty of water with you and remember to eat something before the event begins. If you start to feel hungry, remember that there are plenty of food vendors on site that you can purchase snacks from.
Having a positive mindset is the key to overcoming any nerves. You can’t control what happens in the ring, but you can control how you react to it. Make sure to stay relaxed and remember that nerves are a part of every sport, and there’s no point in stressing about them.If you start to feel anxious or nervous on the way to the event, try to distract yourself by listening to your favourite show jumping podcast or an audiobook. You may also want to bring a friend to support you throughout the day so that you have someone to talk to if you start to feel overwhelmed.
No matter how you feel, you have to keep telling yourself that everything will be okay. No matter what happens, you have to keep your cool and remember that it’s just a show! Try to keep your mind off the outcome of the event and instead focus on the process of jumping to help you stay calm and relaxed during the competition.If you start to feel too anxious while jumping, try to focus on the feeling of the horse underneath you. Remember that everything you’re feeling is normal, and you’ll eventually get over your fears.Keep a positive outlook and remember that you’re doing something amazing for your horse, yourself, and others by participating in show jumping.
It’s important to stay hydrated before and after the event to avoid feeling fatigued. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you on show day and sip on it whenever you feel like it.You should also try to get as much sleep as you can before the event. Try to wake up at least an hour before the event so that you have plenty of time to get ready.
While it’s important to focus on the bigger picture and overcoming your nerves, it’s also important to remember to enjoy the smaller parts of show jumping. No matter how stressful the event gets, it’s important to try to stay calm and enjoy the experience as much as you can.Try to make as many friends as you can while competing, and try to take as many photos as you can during the event. Being around fellow competitors and having a genuine interest in what they do will help you stay calm and relaxed during the day.
Show jumping is a sport that tests a rider’s ability to overcome their fears and anxieties on a daily basis. Nervousness is something that every rider experiences at some point.However, there are ways to overcome such fears and make them a non-factor when jumping in front of a crowd of spectators and fellow riders.Be prepared, get in the right mindset, try to focus on the positives, stay hydrated and rested, don’t forget about the little things, and you’ll be ready to show the world your best.