Page 14 midwest horse digest April 09
Want to Win:
Overcoming Show Ring Anxiety
mind that he picks up a wrong lead. How five judge panel, unanimous decisions are
you handle life’s pressure and anxiety is rare. This means that trained and tested
critical to your success, both in and out of Judges don’t always agree on who is the best
the show ring. in the class! I have been to judge’s
conferences and watched experienced
Don’t think the jitters are unique to you.
international judges argue about how to place
It is natural to feel anxious, nervous,
a class. While strict standards comprise the
intimidated, and even a little scared when
you place yourself in a position of scruti-
ny. No matter the sport, all athletes feel
a spike of adrenaline once competition
© 2009 by Jennifer Lindgren
begins. Adrenaline helps the mind and
body kick into high gear, increasing our
“The Horse Show”, one defining awareness and our alertness.
moment that has been preceded by months Unfortunately, this also increases our
and months of practice, countless hours of heart rate, blood pressure, sweat glands,
grooming, the search for the perfect outfit, and nervousness, etc. Sensitive to these
a long night packing the truck. And that’s just changes and feeling a difference in our
behavior and cues, our horses sense that
Building confidence in young riders is
critical to their future success. Enter them
only in classes they are fully prepared for
and remember that proper tack and attire is
important to even the littlest contestants.
Here, Bryce Haemker proudly models his
leadline outfit before his class.
Kryl Sadowski photo.
majority of the decision making in placing a
class, there is a slight influence of preference
and vision. Remember, Judges cannot see
everything.
Gabby Mueller wears comfortable clothes and warms up Ima Bodacious Dee early,
Enter Classes You are Ready For: Don’t
giving both of them a chance to cool down before her class. Stay out of the sun as
push yourself or your horse into a division you
much as possible and give both horse and rider plenty of water. Lindgren photo.
aren’t fully prepared for. It is not fair to you, to
the other competitors or to the Judge. If you
the beginning. Next comes the pressure, danger is near and become more aware of the have never done showmanship, try a halter
anxiety, fear, elation, excitement, & often distractions of the show ring. You can expect class first to get both of you used to the
disappointment. Horse competitions bring on a your horse to be “on” when you are “off”. pressure of the show ring. Open shows offer
flood of emotions and often drain our energy. Winning riders learn to refocus and redirect walk/trot for many age divisions. These large
While some competitors can’t wait for the next their energy to turn butterflies into blue classes will help you learn to navigate around
opportunity to show off their skills, other ribbons. Take steps now to make sure your multiple horses, maintain rail position, and
competitors get so overwhelmed with the nervous energy doesn’t ruin all your hard work deal with nerves. Successfully completing the
preparation and pressure required to compete, and excitement. class, not winning, should be your entire focus.
that they fail to meet the goals they had set for Once you conquer the pressures at one level,
themselves. Over the years I have seen it all.
Realize what a Blue Ribbon Really Means:
move on to a tougher challenge or a more
From the seasoned amateur competitor who
Winning a class only means that one person
difficult class.
breaks down in tears after a failed pattern, to
believed you and your horse were best at
the hardworking underdog who doesn’t come
meeting class requirements on that particular
Care for Yourself on Show Day: Do as much
forward for the championship ribbon because
day. Not winning does not mean that you have
preparation as you can before the show (pack
they don’t believe it was their number that was
failed or that you have an inferior horse. At
your trailer, organize your clothes, list your
called, to the trainer who has so much on his
major shows where there is a three judge or a
classes, etc.). Get a good night sleep and eat
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