First show nerves

[HelenG]

I'm going to my first ever show with Jinks where i will hopefully get on him for atleast 5 minutes.
(last year i took him to the same show and i only managed to get on him for a small walk round the horsebox with my mum holding on becuse he was being a stress head!)
I'm already nervous about it 6 days before. I know i should be riding him up untill the show day to get ourselves ready but the more i'm riding, the more i'm getting nervous and tense. He picks up on it really easy and the bucking doesn't help

I know deep inside we can do it and i do have the confidence to ride him it's just that all of a sudden it's vanished!!! I am definately worrying about it far too much. Lots of people have offered to help on the day, at the latest count i'll have 4 helpers there to hold each leg down when he get's stressed out lol might need an extra one to knock me out ha ha ha
There is also the minor problem of me riding him in his bitless bridle. I love it, i think he does too but i won't be allowed to go into the ring with it on so i'm now having to get him used to going in a bit again I wish the rules would change.

Has anyone got any tips for me as ways to calm both me and jinks down at the show?

[Mellymoo]

Hiya hon! You'll both be fine, honest. Have you got anything like rescue remedy? I have a show calmer that I give Jos in a feed once we arrive at the show, and I also have a bit as well if I am feeling wibbly. Failing that, a wee nip of scotch is always good. I used to have a wee drink before every ride.

Also, if he is just too excited to concentrate well in the ring, just enter and ride him around the warm up for a while then go home. It takes the pressure off you both, so he will realise that it's like a ride at home, but in a different location.

Good luck!!

[HelenG]

I've started him on Naf Magic a couple of days ago and hopefully that'll make life a little easier, i'll have to get some rescue remedy for me though eurghh scotch it has to be cider

I like the idea of just aiming to ride in the warm up ring, never thought of that. I am not competitive at all but i would really like a rosette so i'm thinking of doing handy pony (yes 16hh is the new pony ) if he behaves himself and can stand still.
Yesterdays ride was lovely, today he was like a bomb ready to explode... i would love to get inside his head and find out why he acts like he does.

Oh look i'm worrying again. 3 days to go :s

[Kelly Marks]

Hi Helen
Get everything planned the night before
Arrive at least 2 hours before your class.
When you get there ride him around for however long necessary to both feel calmer and then put him away with a haynet after he's been offered a drink.
Have some 'proper' food for yourself i.e. wholemeal bread with a protein filling and a drink
Have calming people helping you
Get changed into your clean gear (or just tidy up) somewhere on your own where you can just think things through
Before you enter the ring imagine you have a candle in front of your mouth and you don't want to blow it out - just make it flicker.
Remember the second most important thing is you have fun.
You KNOW the MOST important thing I hope!
I'm at a show with Banksy on Bank Holiday Monday and I will be following these rules myself!
Kelly xx

[HelenG]

I did all the above and we've come home with a 1st and a 6th and a big grin on my face !
I am very proud of him and it definately helps having calm understanding people around you.
And the most important thing is to breathe? i think i forgot about doing it at some parts lol

We took it very slow and after being at the show for 2 hours i finally had the courage to get on and walk about (with somebody holding on of course lol). Jinksy was really chilled out though and before i knew it i was in the warm up ring walking and trotting and even had a small canter

I did Senior handy pony as my first ever show and he was amazing! I struggled to get on from the offside as he is 16hh and i'm only 5'2" but he stood good as gold, and i've never tried him with flags before but he took it all in his stride and we came first! we got a lovely rosette, medal, easter egg and i qualified for Northwest showing ha ha ha

Then after lunch with my new found confidence and persuading from my helpers, i entered novice equitation. It was a large class of 10 horses and ponies. My friend came 1st and i came 6th i am very very very proud of his good behaviour especially when we had to canter as a group because i was really nervous about it and our little show was amazing! We got correct canter leads! and no bucks!

Good luck for your show

[Mellymoo]

Oh Well done!!!! What a fantastic result! You both look fabulous. There'll be no stopping you now!!!!

[poppyandbea]

well done and you both look great together

[Telstar]

That's brilliant, Helen. Well done you and Jinks.

[georgina23]

How brilliant is that for a first show. Well done the pair of you!

[HelenG]

I am so proud of him. I woke up this morning thinking it was all just a dream but it actually happened

[Dalesgirl]

Well done what an amazing achievement for you and your lovely horse x

[Kelly Marks]

Well done! Lovely photo!

[Kelly Marks]

You should write this up for Listening Post magazine!
Kx

[HelenG]

Oooo I'm not very good with writing but i might try and see what happens.