Horse showing is not a sport for the faint of heart. It is subjective, expensive, requires blood, sweat, and tears, and can oftentimes be described as ruthless. It can be a daunting world for those who are new to the show world or those who are naturally more meek and introverted in nature.
In showing horses, we participate in a sport defined by the five words, “You are now being judged.” When exhibitors step into the arena, they subject themselves to the assessment of the judges, fellow exhibitors, and spectators.
It is an inherently vulnerable sport that requires a certain sense of self-confidence. It’s only natural that we struggle occasionally to trust ourselves, our appearance, and our abilities to be satisfactory in the show pen.
Psychology defines an introvert as an individual who tends to be inward-turning or focus more on internal thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than seeking external stimulation. Introverts are people who enjoy their own company.
In the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, a key message is to stop forcing yourself to be different by emulating extroverts. In the book, author Susan Cain describes how our culture has undervalued introverts and why that is a mistake and a “colossal waste of talent, energy, and happiness.”
Being a successful equestrian involves confidence in your abilities and connection with your horse. You can be an introvert and succeed in the show pen, but certain classes may be more appropriate. You may not like being the center of attention or going fast, so perhaps a group class like the western pleasure would be a better fit. However, maybe you like individual classes because you and your horse get to show alone.
Here are a few things introverts can do or follow to succeed in the show pen.
Accept Yourself
The horse show world is full of extroverts, and the world is geared toward more outgoing and outwardly confident people. Don’t feel pressured to go out and meet people if you’re the type of person who’d rather be alone and read a book.
We are often pressured to attend social gatherings and parties, but introverts are frequently uncomfortable doing this. If social crowds and loud gatherings bother you, find a small group of exhibitors to hang out with. Friends who are calmer and don’t increase your anxiety would likely be a better choice.
“While extroverts might be more comfortable networking, introverts build deep personal relationships with friends and colleagues from a solid foundation of trust and support,” says Bernard Marr, a best-selling author of over 20 books about business and technology.
However, don’t isolate yourself; find meaningful relationships that increase your happiness and are a part of your horse show support system. Find trainers and friends who appreciate who you are and do not try to change you into something you aren’t.
Being Calm & Quiet is a Strength
“Introverts have this great quality of thinking, observing before making decisions, which helps them analyze situations and decide, which is generally beneficial for all,” says Psychologist Shaifali Verma of Christ University. This quality can help you in the show pen because you are more aware of your surroundings and may be able to adjust and not panic if something unexpected happens in the show ring.
“Introverts are not very expressive; therefore, they spend a lot of time analyzing their emotions, thinking about situations, and sorting them out privately, and that’s why they are seen as very calm during a conflict, unlike others who might scream or shout,” Verma says.
“I’m pretty introverted outside of the horse world myself, so I can usually relate to someone introverted pretty easily,” says Georgia trainer Blake Carney. “The key is to make sure that you have a little extra quieter time to spend with them, especially when getting to know a new customer. It’s also important to ensure you aren’t singling or calling them out in a group setting. A group atmosphere where everyone works on the same thing can help introverts come out of their shell, speak up, and get comfortable. In my experience, introverts are very hard on themselves and spend a lot of time thinking really hard on achieving their goals, so you have to make sure you’re encouraging while getting them to open up.”
Make Your Own Happiness
To those of us who show, it might be shocking that not everyone wants the same things out of their show experience, and depending on various factors, not everyone will be able to achieve that top-level status.
“We all want to be happy at the end of the day. Introverts are happy with themselves, especially. They enjoy their own company and like to make their happiness to have control over it,” Verma says. “They seek happiness in small things, like taking their horse to graze in a pasture or simply observing things around, which also helps them gain great insight and learn about human behavior.”
APHA competitor Jenna Tolson told us, “I think it’s a pervasive part of the human experience to always feel insecure and have a little bit of imposter syndrome about what you’re getting ready to do. I was someone who hated feeling anxious. It was almost debilitating until I one time heard somebody say, ‘It’s okay to be anxious, it’s okay to be unconfident, to think you’re not ready to do this, and then do it anyway.’”
Learning to be comfortable will help you work through your insecurities. Tolson recommended considering your time in the arena as an opportunity to “play a character” to help channel confidence when it may not come naturally. Over time, you’ll likely become more like your show pen identity and encounter fewer insecure moments.
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You don’t have to be loud and an attention-getter to succeed at showing horses – you can use your strengths as an introvert to remain calm, observe the situation, and to realize your goals. The key is to follow your own path – as Poet Walt Whitman once said, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.“
