Went to show at weekend

[nicolaj]

I ummed and aahhed a bit about posting this thread, based on the negative comments on another thread on the board, about people posting just to get a pat on the back ... but then I though oh sod it! When you have had riding ups and downs and confidence dips, when you achieve a milestone, which to some maybe nothing, but it is a massive thing to me, especially how far my confidence had dipped (at Christmas I was all for giving up and moving to a new yard was my final attempt at regaining my confidence)!

Anyway, I went to a show on Sunday, local riding club event and did a walk & trot test, got 46.6%, which I know isn't top marks, but who cares! The point was I entered and took part, and that is worth all the red rossettes in the world!

The weather on Sunday was horrible, windy and chucking it down. Myself and my friend on the yard had decided a couple weeks ago to enter, so emailed off the entries and got times. Woke up on Sunday and saw the weather and very nearly pulled the quilt back over my head! LOL!:p

Loaded up the horses, who were both as good as gold, just got a bit worried about the misted up window on the trailer, think they might have been snogging!;)

Got there, paid up and tacked up. Led my pony over, and eventually plucked up the courage to get on, and horror of horror, all my confidence stayed firmly on the ground and didn't follow me into the saddle!:eek:

I went into complete melt down! Felt sick and tearful, (very nearly was sick!), OH was very supportive, but the steward came over and she was really good and there was no way she was letting me get off!:rolleyes:

After a little walk and trot I went in and remembered the test, but did ride with the handbreak on, and she kept breaking out of trot, anything not to work! Bless her heart I think she really thought she was looking after me in her own way.

Anyway, I've gone and done it, nothing happened/went wrong and next time will be better again!

To all you nervous nellies, there is light at the end of the tunnel and when you start to hit it, the leaps you make are great!

[highamreb]

well done, you deserve a pat on the back, you shouldnt have to worry about posting good news, people should be pleased for you!!:cool:

[coyote]

Hey well done for getting out there and having a go.:D

And coming back unscathed.;)

Onwards and upwards.:D

[Alle]

:) Well done! I get nerves just doing a schooling show at the barn my mare lives at. I am glad you shared your news!

[Thistle]

Brilliant! Well done, next time you won't be half as nervous, the first step is always the worst :)

[perkypinky]

my first and only attempt at being a dressage diva on D was ridden with the handbrake on just like you!:o:rolleyes:
i am awaiting a chance to do my second just like you!
well done - feels good when its over doesnt it!!!!
x

[orbvalley]

I'm happy for you, its nice to read a cheerful post:D I know how you feel about wanting to be sick, last Sunday I did my 1st ever "friendly riding comp" & I seriously thought about going round the arena with a bucket as I sooo wanted to be sick:eek: (I'm 38 btw:o)

[noumenon]

Well done you and you shouldn't have to worry about posting a positive story - I think people deserve a pat on the back if they've overcome their nerves and actually gone out and done it and come back in one piece. I always like to hear people's success stories - doesn't matter how small the success it, it's encouraging to read because I always feel utterly sick with nerves before going and jumping round a course and I for one like to hear from other people in the same boat who've overcome the sick feeling and gone in there and competed. I hope you'll find the next one a lot easier!:)

[sancho]

Its very off putting when you keep reading how people dont come on here often anymore because it just seems to be about 'fluffy' things and not great debates!

Im all for 'fluffy' look what I did posts and I say congratulations to you too!

I too am on the verge of doing a W&T test so I am very interested.

Well done!

[ANN H]

You sould give yourself a very big pat on the back. I'd never have the courage to do that. I always get a 'rider' for Misty if we're doing a show. The best I can do is a canter in the warm-up ring. This might be the start of something big for you!

[pedilia]

Well done:D

I don't think it matters how many times/years you have competed the nerves always seem to kick in:)

[chickflick1066]

Woo hoo for Nicolaj, you're posts are just LOVELY :D

[eventerbabe]

a massive pat on the back to you :D i know how crippling competition nerves can be, i become a jibbering wreck at shows :rolleyes: i think you've lots of positives to take away from the day. very well done!

[posie]

i love happy posts!
well done xx

[nicolaj]

Hi guys, thanks for all the nice comments!:)

I often read the threads were people have overcome and done things, don't always post on them, but I do know how much it means to those people, and it can also help to inspire as well.

Yep have printed off another show schedule, with loads of nice show classes, which we are going to go to in August, I especially like the Pretty Mare competition, and if my pony doesn't win, well I'll kick the judge, because she is sooo pretty!!!;)

Seriously, however, they do have a class for foreign breeds, including Haflingers, so I just have to enter.

Ann H, at the end of the day, you do as much or as little as you like I think when it comes to shows. You are braver than me, I hate the warm up areas, I just want to get into the ring! Yes I am bonkers!!:p

Sancho - go for it, and don't forget to smile and the judge, I was grinning like a complete loon down the centre line, or was that clenching my teeth?! Enjoy yourself, it will be worth it in the end.:)

Also planning more dressage and maybe the ground poles clear round at the same place in August. Watch out Staffordshire here we come!!!:D:D (maybe with the sick bucket :rolleyes:LOL)

[Hullabaloo]

Well done you and you shouldn't have to worry about posting a positive story - I think people deserve a pat on the back if they've overcome their nerves and actually gone out and done it and come back in one piece. I always like to hear people's success stories - doesn't matter how small the success it, it's encouraging to read because I always feel utterly sick with nerves before going and jumping round a course and I for one like to hear from other people in the same boat who've overcome the sick feeling and gone in there and competed. I hope you'll find the next one a lot easier!:)


I agree - well done!
I didn't see the thread about people looking for a pat on the back. Sounds a bit silly to me - with all the hard work we put into our horses plus having to deal with our nerves when we go out competing, we all deserve a bit of encouragement from time to time.
I love reading about people getting out there and having fun (getting wet, feeling sick etc is fun, isn't it?)

[Ginger Thing]

Woohoo, well done Nicolaj!! :D:D

Doesn't matter at all about the score, you didn't get off and that's the main thing - you did it!

How about Watt Meadow on the 7th Sept then? Intro A walk & trot - see you there? ;):D

And why wouldn't you want to post it on here? (I didn't see the thread you referred to, or this thread until just!). This is one place we can share things with like-minded people who understand such things (nobody at work for instance, used to understand my confidence issues, but I got plenty of support on here).

[nicolaj]

GT - you are desparate to ge me to Watt Meadow!!!:D Strangely enough, I have just got hold of the new 2008 prelim series, which has the Intro A walk & Trot.

Hmm, 7th September, I will take a look at the calender!

[Skippys Mum]

Really well done:). Having major confidence issues myself I know how good it feels to achieve any little milestone.

Good luck with your next outing - we are waiting to hear.

Oh, and I'm another one who likes "I went out and did this" threads:)