Awareness of the outside world. Olympics.com: Olympic Torch Relay, Marseille. Also, Inside The Games: Paris 2024: Olympic flame set for France arrival, May, 7 May 2024.
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As the moon follows the sun, so a nerves report follows a show report. [Hey Kids]
A few flat classes at a small, local show on a kind horse. Yes, the nerves were bad. Yes, it was ridiculous. Take that as read.
Two possible contributing factors.
Snobbery
Academy?! Seriously? And I am not stomping this into the ground? What is WRONG with me?
No one ever said snobbery was pretty, nor connected to reality in any way.
Scheduling
Being at a certain place at a certain time is a skill I do not practice often, even prepandemic. My lessons are generally at non-busy times, when I get out there, when I get ready. For doctor’s appointments and such, one can be early and wait. A horse show class requires bringing self and horse together at an exact moment.
I’m not saying either one is a big reason, just small elements forming the hot mess mosaic that is the inside of my head.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Performance anxiety is very common. Some say that if you are not nervous, you’re not doing it right.
There’s a ton of research on the subject. I assume you’ve gone down that rabbit hole?
Louise
Have looked into. To the extent that I find sport psych professionals dont have a lot to add. Shrug. Thanks for the suggestion.
Ohhh, you are so accurate on this one. Sometimes my stomach clenches at the mere thought of showing — who me? After years of showing, still get nerves, and why??? Thanks for post here. MM
I guess some level of nerves never go away.
I feel for you, and know how it feels! Not fun! I both love the idea of showing and then since I have a very deadline-oriented job all the time I love the idea of relaxed trail riding more and more…
Why not both?