Top 10: Ready, Set, Show!

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Show season is here! Many of us have been working over the winter months, or are pulling our horses out of the pasture, to get ready for the first show. In our Show Season Is Here Forum there's been a fairly entertaining exchange on show jitters. We thought it might be a good idea to put together a Top 10 that covers the mental game of showing. Let us know if we're on target and add your ideas by either commenting below or posting to the forum! See It – Do It!

1. Preparing yourself to be in the right state of mind should happen days, weeks, even months before the first show. Take time to visualize your perfect go when on a walk or working out. See the ride over and over in your mind and allow yourself to think about how you will anticipate your horse's moves and actions so you can pro-actively respond in the ring. Know you're a pilot, not a passenger whether you're in the show ring or working your horse at home.
2. Get organized. Dare we say it – make a list! Lists are good and help you get prepared and organized so you have what you need, where you need it when you do finally get to the show. If you're scurrying about trying to make sure you have the right bit ten minutes before your class, you probably are going to be a bit out of sorts when entering the show pen.
3. Solitary or Social? Think about your preferences before you go into the show ring and don't be afraid to let others know what you need. Some of us like our alone time to focus and get prepped. Others are calmed by talking and hanging with others before going into the pen. Learn what works for you.
4. It's about you! This is a big one – so pay attention. Do not pay attention or try to mirror what you see the competition doing in the warm up pen. You know how to ride your horse. Don't let yourself get psyched out by what others are doing or not doing. Pay attention to you and your horse and nothing else.
5. Learn from the pros! Do watch the pros ride at shows. Learn from watching – and don't just watch the show rides. If you're really serious about improving your skills get up early or stay up late and watch the pros work their horses in the practice arenas. Guess what? The pros are also watching the other pros. Get it? See It – Do It!
6. Go with it. How many times do you hear things like, “the footing is horrible” or “this judge must have been out too late last night because I don't know what she's thinking”. Guess what? Everyone is in the same boat and has to deal. Focusing on the negative doesn't get anyone anywhere and will actually impede your success.
7. Compete with yourself. Seriously. Set realistic goals and benchmarks for success. It's really not about the blue ribbon or the rose garland. It's about riding well and making progress each time you enter the ring.
8. Own it. Good ride, not so good ride, catastrophic ride – we've all had them. Own it and know what you could have done or couldn't have done to improve the outcome. Then go into another class and to the next show and the show after that.
9. Keep it positive. This isn't just about the show. Surround yourself with positive people and cut loose anyone that brings you down. That goes for friends, other competitors, even parents or significant others. You can kindly let the people that make you a little nuts know you need to focus and you appreciate their support and good intentions, but this is about you and the best thing they can do for you is give you space.
10. This is supposed to be fun. Yes, fun! Stay chilled and enjoy the people with you at the show. Enjoy getting ready for your ride and the ride itself. The perfect ride is rare, so to take it for what it is and live it.