Mistakes happen. That is a fact of every aspect of life. But how do we, as exhibitors, learn to conquer a significant error in the show pen? Maybe it was going off pattern at a major show or even falling off. After all, we are only human, and our equine partners are large animals.
We are bound to make errors, and nothing is wrong with that. Whether you are a rookie or a World Champion, it is often challenging to overcome that mental roadblock.
Use these seven tips to bounce back from any significant mistakes you may encounter in the show pen.
1) Acceptance
Motivational speaker Sonia Ricotti once said, “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” Pining over the mistakes you make is not conducive to a productive show career. Accept what had happened, no matter how minor or major the error. The best way to achieve this is by realizing that everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. No matter how talented of an equestrian you are, it is impossible to change the past.
2) Be professional
Every exhibitor is disappointed at one point or another with their performance in the show pen. Especially at major horse shows, mistakes can be devastating. However, it is crucial to be professional through those hardships. If you need a few minutes to recollect your emotions, find a quiet, relaxing space.
3) Learn from your mistakes
You have probably heard this before, but the best way to overcome mistakes is to learn from them. They teach you what works and what does not. Sometimes a “reality check” is needed in order to improve as an equestrian. Exhibitors also better understand the responsibility for their actions. Overall, mistakes teach us that it is ok to fail…that it is not scary to fall a couple times before rising from the ashes.
4) Strategize for the future
A game plan is an essential component to bouncing back from major mistakes in the show pen. You must set a goal and plan out the steps to reach it. This goal does not necessarily have to be major, it can be something as small as having a clean go. Everyone has a different journey with their horse. Recognize this and plan a strategy that works best for you, your horse and your trainer.
5) Work even harder than before
The well-known quote, “Work hard in silence, let success be the noise” is a perfect motto to follow when faced with setbacks. The only way to be successful is through hard work. After a major mistake, use your disappointment as fuel to your work ethic. That is the only way to grow and develop as a more educated equestrian. Ride more, step out of your comfort zone and push yourself to be the best you can be.
6) Don’t fixate on your previous error
Wasting time worrying about your major mistake is not going to magically make it go away. If you become fixated on the past, then you will be unable to blossom in the future. Maybe you spun the wrong direction or did not pick up the correct diagonal? Just address the error and move on to bigger and better things.
7) Remember there is always another show
Everyone wants to do well, have a nice go, etc. However, sometimes exhibitors place a substantial amount of pressure on one show. Maybe even a certain class. This leads to increased stress which is not conducive to a clean go. Take a second to breathe and remember that there is always another show. Whether it be the next weekend or next year, you always have a chance to try again.
***
American author John C Maxwell once said, “If you want to grow, you need to get over any fear you may have of making mistakes.”
Bouncing back from a major mistake is not easy, but is completely doable. Horse showing is a sport, but it is also a mental game. Confidence in your abilities, despite the times you make an error, will ultimately lead to success.
