Posted by Hayley on 6/21/2006, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Re: i get nervous" Earlier in the year I was trying out a little pony named Jewel in a schooling show they have at my barn. I was doing a whole division: walk trot, walk trot canter, walk trot canter one jump, and a 6 jump course. Everything was going really well and I was pleased with how she was being and I was having a good time. I was the last one to do the 6 jump course and she was so amazing for the jumping, until the last jump. She sailed over the little diagonal with ease, and everyone in the bleachers clapped. But they had gloves on due to the weather, so when they clapped it sounded really weird and just before she reached the track and spooked at the clapping noise, and spun to gallop the other way. I wasn't at all prepared, I thought it was over so I let dow n my guard (bad idea).
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I just thought this would be a good story to share after hearing you mention your fear of something happening in front of the judges....
I flew off, landing flat on my hip, and then felt a huge burst of pain hit my chest. Jewel tried to avoid stepping on me, and had to jump right over me, and her black leg knocked the wind out of me. Sunned, I sat on the floor of the arena. The first thing I hear is my mother gasp. I sat up and gave her the thumbs up, and staggered to my feet. My knees shook and somewhow I stayed standing. Someone asked if I was alright and I choked out a yes, blinking away tears. The pain in my hip was almost unberable and I hadn't caught my breath.
I looked over my shoulder and saw Jewel standing at the other end of the arena. A man ran out to take a hold of her reins. He walked her over to me. Just as I was leaving the arena I looked at my mother who was white as a ghost and gave her the thumbs up. The people stood up and clapped for me as I was going out of the ring.
The weird thing was, I wasn't embarassed. I thought about it a lot and it was good for me. This may not be for all people, but it boosted my confidence. Now if i get nervous at shows I think to myself, well I've already fallen off, what's the worst that could happen? And I learnd that don't let down your gaurd wheter it be in a lesson or in a show, because who knows what could happen.
Hoped my story helped you out a little!
Good Luck,
Hayley
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