Tame Your Horse Show Nerves

 
Believe it or not fancy ribbons arent the most important part of a show. Its getting to experience it with an amazing partner! 
Youve been practicing your patterns nonstop but when show day comes it can feel like your stomach is doing flips. Here young riders Ryleigh Katie Emma and Riley offer their top tips to ease horse show nerves. Coach Becky joins in too.
The Week Before
Show prep starts early and the more prepared you and your horse are the smoother show day will go.
The prep work done at home is very important says Becky Kuc an Interscholastic Equestrian Association IEA coach. IEA programs across the country allow kids in grades 412 to compete without owning their own horse. The more confidence you have in your routine the more prepared and less nervous youll be.

Ryleigh is a serious competitor with some serious show ponies. She likes to write down a few simple goals for the show. These can be anything from getting a certain score to just remembering to have a good time with friends. Coming up with obtainable goals beforehand can help keep you focused and leave less room for worry.
I make riding through the dressage tests second nature so that even if Im distracted and my pony is distracted I still remember where to go says Ryleigh.
Theres nothing worse than getting to a show and feeling like you dont know your tests when you could have been practicing at home for weeks. She also likes to do some yoga and stretching leading up to the show to get both her mind and body ready to compete.
The Day Before
Its almost gotime! Before you head to the show its important to have all your things organized. Is your show coat clean? Does your horse need an extra bath? If you are staying overnight do you have meals packed for your horse clean water buckets and shavings ready to go? Dont forget snacks for yourself! Preparing all of this the dayor even better a few daysbefore your show makes show day morning less stressful.
Get your horse bathed and all of