Show day is exciting—but it can also bring a rush of nerves and pressure. No matter how well you’ve trained, competition day adds an extra layer of emotion that can throw even experienced riders off balance. Staying calm and focused is just as important as your riding skills when you step into the ring. With the right preparation and mindset, you can perform at your best when it matters most.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage nerves and stay focused throughout your show day.
Stick to a Routine
One of the easiest ways to stay calm is to create and stick to a pre-show routine. Familiar routines reduce uncertainty and help you feel in control. Plan your morning, know when and what your horse will eat, and map out your warm-up.
When you don’t have to think about small details, you can save your energy for focusing on your ride. Keep everything predictable where possible—this builds confidence before you even enter the ring.
Visualize Your Ride
Take time before your round to mentally walk through your ride. Visualize the course, the turns, the pace, and even how you want to feel in the ring.
Imagining a smooth, confident ride can prepare your mind and body to deliver it. Visualization is a proven tool many top athletes use to sharpen focus and build mental readiness before they compete.
Breathe with Purpose
Show nerves can cause shallow breathing, which leads to tension in your body. One of the fastest ways to reset your nerves is to focus on your breath.
Before you mount, take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Not only does this help relax your muscles, but it also signals to your mind that everything is under control.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to win, place, or impress. But focusing too much on the outcome can distract you from what actually matters—riding your best.
Shift your attention to the process: stay soft in your hands, keep your pace consistent, and ride each jump one at a time. Trust the training you’ve put in.
Riding in the moment keeps you grounded and dramatically increases your chances of a good result.
Prepare for Small Setbacks
Rarely does a show day go exactly as planned. Maybe your warm-up doesn’t feel perfect. Maybe the footing changes. Maybe the horse gets a little more fresh than expected.
Plan ahead to expect small challenges, and don’t let them throw you off course. Flexibility and a calm attitude when things go slightly wrong can turn a rough start into a winning round.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Who you spend time with at the show matters. Choose to be around trainers, teammates, and friends who encourage, support, and stay positive.
Positive energy is contagious—and being around calm, focused people can help you stay grounded too.
Trust Your Training
When show day nerves creep in, remind yourself: you’ve put in the work. Every lesson, every practice round, every correction has prepared you for this moment.
Trust your horse, trust your training, and trust yourself. Confidence is built long before show day—you just have to believe it when you step into the ring.
Final Thoughts
Show day will always come with a few nerves—that’s part of what makes competing exciting. But with a solid routine, focused mindset, and trust in your preparation, you can stay calm, focused, and ready to ride your best.
The goal isn’t to eliminate nerves entirely—it’s to manage them, ride through them, and let your training shine when it counts most.
