Be Confident For Your Best Performance

Have you ever found yourself putting a lot of work into something. But rather being full of confidence that it's worthwhile. Instead you've been nervous? And so the outcome hasn't matched your efforts?

With horses this can often be the case! The first show I took Tara to, was a 'showing only' show. No dressage or jumping. My friend and I thought it would be quiet and a good way to get Tara (and me) used to competing.

I spent the evening before getting the tack cleaned and looking good. I got up extra early to get down to the stable yard to get Tara ready. Get her mane plaited. Making sure I groomed her to perfection. So her chestnut coat shone. Tara and my friend's horse travelled together in the lorry. It was only 20 minutes or so journey.

There were a lot of horses there when we arrived. More than I expected. This did make me feel a bit daunted. Tara's eyes were out on stalks - so many "new friends"! The show was in a large field, and there was a lot going on. People arriving in cars and horse boxes. Horses warming up. Some horses whinnying. A lot of distractions.

I told myself that it was our first equestrian competition together. So no pressure. The first class entered was an in-hand class. This went ok. Although I found keeping in the right place alongside her harder than it looked. And difficult to keep looking relaxed at same time for me and Tara!

The second class was a ridden horse class. At this point Tara was finding this all a bit boring. Standing around a lot. Following the other horses around. Definitely required some patience! But I found it surprising when the judge wanted to speak to me. Even more surprising that the judge told me that Tara was lame. Yet Tara wasn't lame before! Tara'd worked out that by looking lame, or being 'bridle lame'. Meant she'd have to leave the class.

How embarrassing. As if I'd take a lame horse to a show. And she was ok in the previous class! I suppose Tara had given it a go, and decided she didn't like it. When we got out of the ring and had a ride around afterwards she wasn't a lame any more. She knew she was going to go home, so no worries now!

Having spent hours getting ready. I felt deflated. But my mindset may've been lacking commitment to it. I was nervous. Now nerves can be a good thing, but they can also overwhelm. And when that happens it can affect the result. Nerves can definitely translate to the horse.

Tara wasn't nervous of the show. She could tell that I was unsure if it was all a good idea. Could I hold onto her. Could I do the right movements. Could I keep her focused (and myself). So much to think about. Tara made my mind up for me! By voting with her hooves so to speak!

The outcome of this equestrian event was definitely not what i'd planned.

But it's all a learning experience. And now I look back on memories of that show with a smile. Tara knew her own mind. And knew me more than I know myself! She was confident in her mind. Such an inspirational horse. If only I could be as confident as her!

And I also learnt that pure showing classes weren't our equestrian destiny. So didn't try that option again! As the saying goes "horses for courses". And Tara didn't like showing.

Comment below or DM me if this resonates with you!

If you want to know more mindset and business tips for equestrian and canine professionals. Take a look at my blog here or my other articles here on LinkedIn.

Regards,

Suzanne Harris

Founder www.taranet.co.uk (Complementary Therapies for Animals) and https://animal-star-social-media.teachable.com (Online Coaching/Social Media Training for Horse/Dog Care Businesses)