lost the urge?  

Somewhere along the way that competitive streak seems to dull. Perhaps it’s pressure of work, maybe caring for a young  family. Whatever it is, time just for YOU, seems to be in short supply and the early morning bustle of to an event just loses the sparkle it once had, let alone the motivation to get one’s horse in condition for competition.

Don’t panic help is on the way to put the ‘get up and go’ back into your day… 

just don’t feel up to it….
The lack of enthusiasm for riding competitively is a sure sign something is not right, especially if it has been a big part of your life for many years - but what is missing? Sometimes the answer isn’t always easily accessible, you might just feel very ho hum about competition, you have probably tried the psyching yourself up bit, but that hasn’t worked. Sometimes you really do need to step away, have a break and look closely at your chosen discipline. Have you become bored with what it has to offer you? While doing the same thing for years may make you excel, it could also lead to feeling “same old same old” so if you really want to continue you may think about how to shake things up a bit.

why do I feel this way…..
For some, the reasons can be very clear, riders that battle the nervous butterflies every time they compete can not really expect to enjoy the thrill or fun of competition nor ride at their best.Some riders cannot enjoy the experience because competition is associated with someone else’s judgement especially when we compete within the show world.

Fear, nerves call it whatever you like, is probably the number one killer when it comes to competitive spirit. For some riders, one solution requires the realization that nervous feeling or butterflies is a normal aspect of the competitive experience, and to look at them as a signal that their body is getting ready to focus and perform. All competitors get butterflies before a big competition, and the good ones channel this into providing focus to do well.

The nervous rider needs to learn to cope with the uncomfortable sensations associated with performance nerves, and know that they can still ride effectively.

Affirmations here could help a lot, to tell themselves ‘its okay to feel this way, we are going to compete, all is going to be fine’ By just saying something that makes you feel comfortable, instead of these nerves ruining your performance you can make them work for you.

For others, a more aggressive approach may be necessary in order to get those nerves under control.Exposure to more competitive situations, taking your horse out but not competing, just riding around, and getting used to the atmosphere, learning anxiety management techniques can and will help. You can also try Bach Flower remedies. The old faithful Rescue Remedy is one that can be used by all “nervous nellies” with good effect, however if you have really deep issues there are a total of 38 single remedies available all that work on different ‘feelings’ and you cant do any harm if you  ‘remember what ever remedy you take yourself you can give to your horse as well’ Another super natural support is Aromatherapy. Again there are many oils that can be used to address so many issues. Talking with someone like Australia’s Catherine Bird an expert  in things like this, is well advised.

Being aware of your expectations can also be useful, having unreasonable or unattainable desires (the perfectionists are guilty of the latter) can guarantee yourself a miserable experience.

don’t want to compete at all…
Sometimes the problems you are having is just not limited to your competitive riding, riders can lose their zest for riding altogether. This is important to consider in solving your problem. If you are fully aware of what is keeping you from enjoying competition, you need to move on to the solving of this problem. Competing is not going to get any better for you until you address the issues, gather what assistance and support you need and lets go.

want to… but just cant find it
So you have the yearning to compete, you know you can feel it, but you just can‘t do it. First ask yourself what ‘competing’ means to you… it is very easy for past competition experiences to dredge up negative responses, because the ‘shady side’ emerge in all disciplines and its very easy to lose respect and interest in attending, some people have that “win at all costs” mentality, and results in abuse to their animals and the people around them. Try to remember that actions like these are not reflective of competition, but of misguided individuals who choose to engage in this behaviour.

Time and time again talking with those that were once so into competing, the main word when describing why they are so “been there – done that, is “there is no fun” Yes even to adults, ‘fun’ is important and it can come in many forms. Fun is sharing a joke with your fellow competitors, friendships made, that cuppa sitting on the tail gate of the truck as you wait your turn to compete, the laugh when something goes so wrong there’s nothing to do but fall about laughing.

It seems, the more professional you become, the less fun and good times are to be had. That WIN becomes so important.

Perhaps this is why the increase in HRCAV memberships has risen so dramatically over the last few years. This type of environment is where you can get back to what riding and competing is all about. Making friends, relaxing and going at your own pace. You can ride against other of similar talents, and the playing field is as level as it can be made.

Here the emphasis is on riders competing against themselves, their last best efforts, with personal goals that they commit to and change with every ride.

No one’s going to laugh at you, or your “thunder thighs”, the fact that you ride an unplaited pony, or your last birthday brought up a half century.

go for it!

Whatever you decide competition means to you, remember that you have a right to get total pleasure from the experience, its your day, your horse….. and your achievement, even if it is that you managed to go for a ride, on a perfectly beautiful winter’s day, leaving the housework, the kids, that unfinished office work.

do it! you won’t be sorry…                                                           by N Matt ©2005