At 18:17:27 on 25.01.10, Flicka wrote:
This year I want to start show jumping again. Unfortunately I get myself in a bit of a stew when I compete and have difficulty remembering the course, especially as I AM so worried about forgetting it lol!! Then afterwards I am really bad about focusing on what I got WRONG! I've been working on my breathing when riding a lot recently so I'm sure that will help when I start competing. But any other suggestions would be gratefully received!

At 18:54:27 on 25.01.10, xXxPonyLoverxXx wrote:
hey, I used to get really anxious about remember the SJ course, but I have a few tips about remember them. Firstly make sure that you walk the course more than one and If you sturuggle like me to remember numbers try and remember coulers.When you are jumping count the fence you go over (e.g over the first fence say to your self one ect.)then When you are riding the course, if you get lost just take a few breaths and look for the next number. Also don't worry about your position and dont be afraid to use your voice or talk. I go around every course talking to Zoe even though she dos't need me to it helps keep me calm and breathing. Also try doing a few class's that are much much smaller that you would eventually like to do so that there is no pressure on you or your horse about getting over the fence. I always try and think of the fences that we have jumped well and just try and forget about the outhers. I also find it very very very helpful to do more than once class if I can so by the time it the second class I have got used to the course and the venue. Hope this helps and good luck! :)

At 20:19:57 on 25.01.10, Angelalain wrote:
I was always told its not the numbers you should watch, its the shape of the course and the fences, like PonyLover says, follow the colours. If you are looking for the numbers you are not looking at the fences. Most courses (decently built ones anyhow! I could name a couple of shows where it doesn't follow) have a basically simple layout to the course, especially if its indoors. Tends to be down one side, across the diagonal, up the other side, across the diagonal! As for what you got wrong! Don't!! Do not dwell on it! If it went wrong, unless someone can tell you that you are making some awful error in the way you are approaching things, look forward not back!! That is something Tim Page (one of the best up and coming young show jumpers in the East) told our PC kids when he came to see them at camp. One of them asked him 'what do you do if it goes wrong' and his reply was exactly that,'forget it,its past, just do better next time' If you start at a friendly riding club level I'm sure it will all be fine. Let us know how it goes.

At 22:25:12 on 25.01.10, NMH wrote:
Go over & over it in your mind, then watch a few over it, anticipating where they are going next, is the best rehearsal i know. Ride the rhythm, impulsion & the line & forget about everything else, it's the horse's job to clear them not yours! Each round is a practice for the next one so mistakes don't matter. Agree with starting stupidly small if you've been out of it a while, & with doing more than one round. What happened to Clear Round? nothing wrong with that, my local E.C. does that before the evening competitions start & there are fewer people watching!! Very best of luck & you are right don't forget to breathe in the panic of the moment

At 07:03:13 on 26.01.10, wrote:
I think "Breathe" should be first on the list. It has been a really long time for me but I believe when i walked the coarse I walked it as if I was actually riding it taking the same line as if I was on the horse, after I walked the coarse I would use the style of fence as well as color to remember, yellow rail, oxer,(left) in and out(including strides)straight ahead,brick wall ect...as far as you beating yourself up afterwords, why, you don't do it when your schooling. What I mean by that is don't change your attitude because it s a competition, your only competing against yourself really, for every time you ride that in itself is an accomplishment. Reward yourself for the positives just like you reward your horse with "positive reinforcement" for her good behavior. AND most important take lots of pictures to share:)

At 19:59:44 on 26.01.10, wrote:
Some great advice here - as always! I used to find that the "flow" of the course helped me to remember it, particularly with jump off courses. It will get easier when you've got back into it, I think. Using mental rehearsal to run through the course several times in your head, imagining jumping it, will help too. I know you can do it, Flicka ;)
http://www.enjoyriding.com

At 13:13:34 on 27.01.10, Flicka wrote:
Wow, thanks everyone-all this advice is absolutely brilliant!! It's got me all excited about competing again!! I shall definitely be 'looking forward and not back" from now on!!

At 14:24:47 on 27.01.10, Dazzle wrote:
Have you thought about tapping therapy? This is so easy to do and really helps in stressful situations.

At 08:20:16 on 31.01.10, montyblue wrote:
These people are running a jumping clinic on competition nerves in March! http://www.happyrider.co.uk/Coaching.htm#breaks They specialise in helping riders with confidence. I called them about dates and prices and they will publish this week. Looking at only £175 for wknd and £200 ish for mid week -bargain!!
http://Www.happyrider.co.uk

At 02:50:27 on 04.10.10, alanna wrote:
hi forum i'm starting to show this season and i'm going to be given a more difficult horse at my stables. I'm used to the horses i ride now and i'm really nervous about showing on a new horse that might not be a good match for me. Even if it isn't a good match, I can't switch off! My stables won't let me!