Horse show competition nerves can be a huge challenge for many riders of a certain age - affecting your mental focus, performance, and communication with your horse.
Whether you’re preparing for your first local show or a high level competition, the anxiety of performing can feel overwhelming.
You might worry about making mistakes in front of an audience, how your horse will behave, letting down your coach, or whether you’ll meet your own expectations.
That knot in your stomach, the racing thoughts, and shaky hands can steal the joy of showing before you’ve even arrived at the show ground.
But here’s the good news: you can control those show nerves so you can perform at your best!
Why Do Equestrians Get Nervous at Horse Shows?
Nerves before a competition are completely normal. It’s your brain’s way of preparing you for a challenge—but sometimes, it overreacts.
If you’re constantly thinking about “what ifs,” like:
- What if my horse spooks?
- What if I forget the pattern or course?
- What if I mess up in front of everyone?
...your mind can go into overdrive, causing your body to tense up, your breathing to quicken, and your focus to blur.
This fight-or-flight response is meant to protect you, but it's not helpful in the show ring or cross-country course. Especially when it makes you feel frozen, disconnected from your horse, unsure of yourself, and unable to ride your best.
How Show Nerves Impact Your Performance
When your anxiety takes control, it creates a ripple effect that affects both you and your horse. You might notice that:
- You ride tentatively. Instead of committing to each movement or obstacle, you hold back, second-guessing yourself - and your horse.
- Your horse responds to your tension. He picks up on your nervous energy and the tension in your body interferes with his ability to move well. And that makes him feel uneasy and unsure, too.
- You can’t focus. Instead of riding in the moment, your mind is out in the future - imagining potential problems, mistakes or outcomes that aren't real.
- You start avoiding shows altogether. The fear of failure becomes so strong that you talk yourself out of competing, even though you really want to be out there.
Sound familiar? If so, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken.
Show Nerves Are Normal (And Manageable!)
It’s important to understand that nerves are natural, even for top riders. In fact, many riders feel some level of performance anxiety before a show—it’s part of caring about your sport.
The goal isn’t to eliminate your nerves completely. Instead, it’s about managing them so they don’t interfere with your performance or your enjoyment.
That’s where your control room comes in.
Resetting Your Control Room for Calm and Confidence
Your mind has a control room—a space where you manage your emotions and reactions. If your nerves are dialed up to maximum before a show, it’s time for a reset.
Visualise Your Control Room
Close your eyes and imagine (just pretend) that you're stepping into the control room of your mind. What does it look like? Does it have buttons, levers, or digital screens showing your emotions? Have fun with this!
Notice the dials or settings that represent your emotions like calm, confidence, fear, and joy. Add in as many emotions as you'd like to change. There's even a dial for your mental focus.
Is the anxiety dial turned way up? Is the confidence meter barely registering?
Make the Adjustments
Now, picture yourself making changes:
- Turn down any negative thoughts and emotions (like those nerves). Lower the volume on those racing thoughts and doubts until they feel manageable.
- Crank up your confidence. Imagine turning the confidence dial higher, filling you with a sense of calm and readiness.
- Add a new setting. Perhaps it’s “Calm Focus” or “Joyful Anticipation”—something that reminds you to stay grounded and positive.
The beauty of this exercise is its simplicity. You’re in control, and small mental adjustments can make a big difference in how you approach the show ring.
Preparing for Success Before the Show
Here are a few additional tips to keep show nerves in check and ride with confidence:
- Practice under pressure. Simulate show conditions during training—practice your test or course in front of friends or video yourself to get used to performing with an audience.
- Focus on what you can control. And let go of the rest. You can’t predict every outcome, but you can prepare your horse, memorise your pattern or course, and centre your mindset.
- Visualise a successful ride. Your imagination is powerful. You've just been using it in an unhelpful way. Instead of seeing things going badly, close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply, and picture yourself riding confidently, moving as one with your horse, and doing your best.
- Use a calming routine. Create a pre-show ritual to ground yourself—deep breathing, listening to music, or repeating a calming phrase like "All is well" or “I’ve got this.”
- Celebrate progress. Remember that every show is a learning opportunity. No matter what happens, find at least one (3 is even better) good things from the experience. Focus on small wins, like showing up, maintaining a calm connection with your horse or nailing one movement.
Remember: You’re in Control
Your control room isn’t fixed—it’s a flexible, powerful tool you can use to manage your show nerves and ride your best. The more you practice resetting your mindset, the easier it becomes to ride with calm, confidence, and focus.
Do you want help taking control of your horse show nerves in competition? Join the Horse Riding Confidence Solution program and transform your mindset in just five weeks. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned rider, this program will help you approach the show ring with confidence and excitement.
