When most people think of fall, they imagine pumpkin flavored drinks, Halloween decorations and cozy sweaters. If you ask a horse show exhibitor to describe the essence of fall, they can quickly sum it up with one event – The All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
Yes, the season of Congress is fast approaching, and excitement is in the air. However, so are those major horse show nerves. You have worked hard, set goals and are now about to attend the largest single breed horse show in the world. It is crucial not to let those pre-show jitters consume you.
Here are five easy ways to take control of those Congress nerves.
1 – Keep your focus on you, your job and your plan
Congress can be intimidating with all the fancy horses, expensive show tack and large horse trailers. Many exhibitors fall into the habit of comparing their abilities to someone else. Remember that everyone is at different points in the riding career. You are showing for yourself – no one else. Set your goals, create a plan and execute it to the best of your ability.
2 – Do not focus on things you cannot control
Some things are out of your control. Whether it be how the judge places the class or how late the show runs, these uncontrollable aspects are not worth the worry. If you focus solely on your horse, your ride and yourself, you are set up for personal success. Wasting time thinking about the inevitable is not conducive to an overall enjoyable Congress experience. You are unable to control anyone else’s ride except your own. You can only prepare yourself for the show. Focus on improving yourself rather than worrying about other exhibitors. It is a challenging life lesson, but most aspects of mundane activities are out of our control.
3 – Concentrate on the present
American author and religious leader, Thomas Monson once said, “Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present.” This quote is a quintessential aspect of the Congress. Sometimes it can be challenging to live in the moment but doing so helps maintain focus. As you walk up to the start cone, only concentrate on you and your horse. Focus on the task at hand at the moment. However, it is still important to learn from past mistakes or experiences and plan for the future. Just remember to take everything step-by-step…stride-by-stride.
4 – Practice visualization
Visualization is a potent tool, both in and out of the show pen. Be sure to study the patterns diligently and know your strengths and weaknesses. Then, create your goals and imagine yourself riding the class flawlessly. Accentuate your strengths and understand your weaknesses in the “perfect pattern.” The ultimate goal is to imagine your desired outcome. Like any skill, visualization becomes better with practice. These techniques are helpful in every facet of life. They are used in relaxation, meditation, etc. This can help you reach your potential at the Congress and calm those horse show nerves.
5 – Remember your roots
The Congress is a very intense show that can be intimidating at times. Whether it be the massive crowds or large classes, it does not take much to stress an exhibitor out. When the nerves start to emerge, take the time to remember your roots. Think back to why you started riding and showing in the first place. When showing at a competitive level, it is crucial not to let that stress consume your passion. Most of us are still just those little kids who love horses.
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Everyone has the inevitable Congress nerves at one point or another. The key is to learn how to manage those nerves rather than attempting to get rid of them. Techniques such as deep breathing or visualization can help with the stress. It is also important to understand that some things are out of your control. Focus solely on your goals and plan. Lastly, remember your equestrian roots. Think back to why you started and your passion for horses. Have fun and good luck to everyone at the 2018 Congress.
About the Author: Cat Guenther is a devout equestrian and a senior at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. She has been riding horses for almost nine years and has loved every minute of it. Cat started and runs her successful show clothing business, Behind the Bit Show Clothing. She expanded her business last year and started to dye show tack. Her favorite classes are equitation, showmanship, and trail. She hopes to attend Michigan State University in the future to study veterinary medicine and possibly also study business. Cat is excited to show the all-around classes with her new horse, Zippos Kat Man Do aka Teddy.
