The Final Show

Amateurs get nervous before a show, but some of the best professional riders also admit to pre-show anxiety.

When nerves threatened to take the reins before I even got to my last show of the season, I was in good company. To alleviate the tension, I searched for help.

Accepting nerves as part of the experience

There, on the F.E.I. (Federation Equestrian International) website, I found an excellent article featuring Dr. Janet Sasson Edgette who wrote about 3 common reasons for show nerves.

1. You want to perform as well at a show as you know you can at home, but you can’t “make” that happen or control the outcome of the show.

   
   

2. You know “everyone” is watching and there are no do-overs.

   
   

3. You feel that how well you do at the show will reflect your judgment about your choice of trainer and/or horse, so you feel you have a lot riding on it (no pun intended!)

Dr. Janet also says you have to accept nerves as part of the horse show experience.

So, when Captain and I entered the ring, I heaved the tack trunk-sized nerves onto my shoulder and looked for the first jump.

Show's over. Nerves have left the building.

Photo credits: Frances Albers