[CanterPlease]

Yes... this would be the same show that HoofPrints11 was at...


I got sick. Plain and simple. Almost threw up in the Flat Class EQ. I kept seeing black flashes so my mom made me scratch from Pre-Children's. It was awful. I guess it was a combination of the heat, not eating properly, and my nerves.

Speaking of nerves...

I NEED SERIOUS HELP WITH MY NERVES
I get sooo nervous and anxious before I go in the ring. it's awful, and it makes me sick and light headed. I'm fine in the warm up ring, but once I stand outside the ring and start waiting for my division my stomach goes beserk on me. It ruined my whole day yesterday. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can't take it anymore

any helpful hints?

dont tell me to "relax". thats bull. it wont help me at all.

[passe831]

I get really bad nerves too. Luckily I don't get too sick. I get really b* itcy and a little light headed but never anything as bad as what you had.

I can't be a huge help because I still fight mine constantly but here's a few tips.
Firstly, try to find out exactly what your nervous about? forgetting your course, refusing, making a fool of yourself. Those are the 3 that get me.
Anyways once you know that, its easier to control.

Smiling always makes me feel more confident.
BREATHE. I know its simple, but many people forget it. If you stop breathing through your courses this can make you very sick (trust me, been there done that)
Know exactly what you want from your round. Anything from, I'm going to get him over that oxer to I'm going to collect him enough to put the 6 strides there. Know what your aiming for and do it.

Sorry I'm not a big help. But I hope you get some good advice that I'll be stealing too

[HoofPrints11]

OMG! I was like "who was at the same show I was!!!???" Then I got it...

-hands heartburn medicine-

[terrifictay77]

I used to get exteremly nauseous before my showmanship patterns (I felt like I was going to get sick infront of the judge). Let me tell you, relaxing isn't just bull.

Drink water. Not Juice, Not Gatorade, Not flavored stuff. Water.

Try to eat a little breakfast. I'm usually not very hungry but I usually try to have a few bites of a granola bar or muffin on the way to the show.

Visualize yourself having a perfect pattern...every part. theres a really good book about that and confidence...I'm pretty sure its called The Winning Feeling-its super good.

If you feel like you're going to get sick, take deep breaths and relax.
It will probably get easier as you become more confident and more experienced. Also, remember to have fun. Good luck.

[CanterPlease]

Thanks, I'll try some of your ideas out. Me and HoofPrints11 realized that we have the same issues in our stomachs so I'm going to a doctor soon, and hopefully they can prescribe something that calms down my stomach acid. lol. Sounds pretty darn lame huh?

[CanterPlease]

LOL, niiice one Abby.
Now I'm gonna go comment on your "great show" post... not fair! lol.

[Quick2Skip01]

Ive been in your shoes. I used to get extremely nervous.

I guess what got me over it, is realizing that Im going to do the best I can, and what will be will be.

I know this probably doesnt help much- I still get a little anxious- and I am probably going to be really nervous at IBHA World Show. 0.o

But I agree with Terifictay- drink water, and eat something. Dont stuff yourself of course, but it helps to have a little something in your stomach.

Make your friends distract you- I find that chatting with people before classes helps as well- helps to distract you.

[irideazip]

i don't feel nervous any more, but my tummy still gets upset....i usually have about 1/2 cup of coffee in the AM and then just let nature take over....hopefully before we get to the show LMAO....and then drink about 2 bottles of water on the way to the show, and put some in the cooler, and only get to the ring right before my classes....it stresses me out to warm-up too much or work too much before the classes....and in showmanship, i just smile through the belly pain and the nerves and do the best I can LOL

Good luck!!

[Kat&Ashton]

I forget to breathe.

I do get nervous at a show. My trainer hass been working on getting me to breathe when i feel stressed. She is getting ready to start giving me a glass of wine a little bit before. Which is ok..except my classes are in the AM.

[Roxi&Bingo]

I used to get really bad nerves at shows and freak out from being so stressed. But now, I sit back and just imagine myself having a perfect ride and winning the class. It helps. Also, is there anyway that you don't super duper warm up your horse before your class or you can do it else where? I warm Roxi up in the ring like 10 classes before me and then wait until like 1 class and go in and trot a circle to get the blood moving again. It cuts down the nerves because you don't see and here and don't feel so crazed while warming up. I hope this helped.