Relax, Nervous Nelly
- Explore ways to put your pre-run tension to positive use.
- Take notes about your nervousness- when, where, and how it affects you.
- Don't let Sabotage Sally corner you. See her after your run.
- Try a few jumping jacks or other exercises to dissipate tension.
- Be silly; laugh at yourself. Whether you finish first or last, no apology needed.
No Apology Needed
For some, admitting to nervousness is a help. Tell your traveling partner that your nerves are bothering you. Getting it out in the open often helps, especially if your nervousness comes from a fear of looking foolish in front of people.
We often advise our students, "If you have a problem with looking silly in public, you need to give up competition." Sooner or later, we all end up in some sort of embarrassing position in the arena. It doesn't mean that we won't do well, or that we're not talented, or that we're not trying. All it really provides is a little humor for everyone else. Be sure to share their laughter when it happens to you. It happens to all of us.
If fear of failure is a problem, ask yourself whose opinion really matters anyway. Yours, or a bunch of strangers and acquaintances?
I'd hate to think that, after competing at a big rodeo, we had to go out and, one by one, apologize to everyone in the audience. "Hi, I'm Cheryl Magoteaux and I really messed up tonight. I'm sure sorry."
"Hello, I'm Savannah Magoteaux and I want to apologize for hitting the second barrel tonight."
It sounds pretty silly, doesn't it? Remember, those people who are watching you didn't pay your entry fees. They didn't go out in the cold weather to work your horse. They didn't stay up all night when your horse was colicky, or endure everything you have to get to where you are. You don't owe them anything!
Move It, Move It!
Some people who get really tense or tight report that exercise-a few jumping jacks, or running around the horse trailer a couple of times-seems to help them loosen up.
Still others say that they like to have a whole agenda of things to do before the barrel race. They make lists-everything from cleaning out their horse trailers to actually warming up their horses-and work methodically through the action points.
Some people say they get nervous if they eat; some say they get nervous if they don't eat. If you feel you have to eat, don't eat something heavy that will make you uncomfortable when you ride. Also, don't go without food for so long that it makes you weak and shaky.
One girl said that chewing gum seemed to help her for some reason. Another swears by listening to some motivational tapes while driving to the show. Still another just has to hear "my good luck song!" She even sings it as she walks her horse around getting ready.
Try anything. It just may work. In any event, you'll be working on the problem and gaining mental strength in the process.
