scared

[*MiRi*]

Hi there. I was wondering if anyone could help me
I want to start entering mini jumping shows but i am really scared to do so. I am firghtened i will fall off, go over the wrong jump, lose control, everything!!
I also dont want to do it because i wont have anyone to get ready with. I think at my stables you have to pay to use a pony at a show. Is anyone else like me or anything?
The owner of my stables runs the shows and the one who stands and the box and watches everyone..anway she is REALY horrible and rude. Im also scared of her!!
HELP plz!
Bye
xox

[westley_jacobs]

hi again,lol
first if all if its a mini, midi, maxi, then you can wear casual stuff, and if u only wan to enter the micro-mini, then you can be led round---sorted!

[*MiRi*]

o riht kl. I dont want to enter anythin big at the moment. but i am really conciece of the crowd. Because my stables is quite a big one and holds a few stables and a lot of crowds come and watch! I will ask my sintructor kim about it on wednesday and ask her who she thinks i should compete and ride?!
reply
xox

[Jazz Girl]

Everyone will feel as if they are going to make a fool of themselves the first time they compete. It's completely normal. When i first started competing i though the crowd would put me off, but as soon as i got into the arena, i forgot all about them because i had other things to concentrate on!
As for forgeting the course, if you study it enough before the class, you'll be fine. Even if you do forget it, it's not that bad! I've forgotten the course loads of times, i've also forgotten to ride through finishing flags & loads of other stupid mistakes i really shouldn't have made! :p
If you start small on a horse that you like riding, you'll be fine and should definitley give it a go. Good Luck. Tell us how you get on. :)

[*MiRi*]

hey!
Ta for your adivce. It was funny reading about your mistakes Jazz Girl :p ;) I found out how much it is to rent a pony for a night show or evening. Its £20 and £5 depoist. I dont know if that is reasonable or not because i dont have any expierence with competing and prices! I will ask my instructor if she thinks i am ready!
Hope so
miri xox

[canadianbeaver]

I'm always nervous before a show, but I think everyone always is!! Making a fool of yourself just won't happen, even if you go off course, it's a learning experience! It's not Spruce Meadows, so just relax and have a good time. It'll take several shows before you become used to the show feelings... but I gotta say that the adrenaline rush you get from competing is the best!! Specially when you champion at your very first show!!

[Hevz2001]

Try not to worry about the crowd too much... most of them have all been there before and will understand what your going through! Even world champions have had to enter their first show at some point and have probably made heaps of mistakes! Just try and enjoy yourself!
If you DO make a mistake and your stable owner is rude to you then shes not worth your time and money, and you'd be better off going elsewhere. Riding is supposed to be enjoyable so don't let anyone ruin it for you!
£20 sounds fairly reasonable to me (though I live in Essex, where you're quite likely to get ripped off!!!!).
If its the jumping you're really worried about, why not book a couple of extra lessons beforehand and practise your jumping technique?
If you don't have anyone to get ready with...bring a friend/cousin/sibling and introduce them to the wonderful world of horses! (If they're not already introduced!) and get them to be your groom for the day! It will also give you more confidence, to see a friendly face in the crowd!
Good Luck and if you still don't want to do it, you really don't have to! Just stick to what you enjoy!

[*MiRi*]

Everytime i read a post on this thread a feel a bit better and confident!All your advice has help expecially hevz2001!! thank!
I really do want to start doing mini shows it looks really gd fun and it sound impressive! :p I have a big long strip thing in my room and i really want to fill it up with rosettes. I have one already but only for christmas time at my stables! They gave it to me years ago (well 2 years ago :p when i first started) Im going to ask my sister mybe if she would like to come and help out!
See you later and thank!!
xox