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 Veteran
Posts: 288
 
| Ok, I haven't entered a rodeo in 6 years. I had a bad wreck and would have panic attacks every time I ran. I now have trained a nice mare that I'm starting to run. I've been in some jackpots and my anxiety is fine now (SOOOOO HAPPY) so I entered a local hammy rodeo just to test the waters again.
I'm trying really hard to not be scared. Really, really hard lol. Does anyone have tips for managing anxiety in a more intense setting? Tips from those with similar issues would be great. I literally went from being scared ****less of being horseback to being comfortable at the 4D's. But the rodeo setting is a major trigger.
TIA
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4641
 
Location: Texas | Just go have fun. Don't worry about your time or what place you get. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
 
Location: OH. IO | I agree.Go have fun.dont be critical of yourself.Get the first one out of the way then GO GET EM:)))))) There is a trainer I know who stays at the trailer until time to ride.warms up away from everyone and hand walks horse to the arena while he mentally goes thru the pattern.BReath |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: on the fine line between insanity and geniusness | Take a deep breath!! I also swear by my lavender oil to help me relax. I put it on my wrist the first few runs I made after having my son. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 878
Location: "...way down south in the Everglades..." | Xanax.
But seriously, deep breathing and mental imaging are your best friends for combating fear. As the other said, just go, and once you get one run your confidence will grow and just keep building off of the last good experience.
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Veteran
Posts: 288
| jake16 - 2017-04-25 6:33 PM
I agree.Go have fun.dont be critical of yourself.Get the first one out of the way then GO GET EM:)))))) There is a trainer I know who stays at the trailer until time to ride.warms up away from everyone and hand walks horse to the arena while he mentally goes thru the pattern.BReath
I like this. It's easy to do at that particular are too. I think that's my strategy. |
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 Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I do warm up by myself usually but I sing a song that makes me happy and relaxed. I find that it makes me smile which then relaxes me. I've done this for years and used to do it to be silly and make people laugh, but now do it to make myself laugh so as not to put too much pressure on myself.
Good luck and get the money! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| Herbie - 2017-04-26 12:41 PM
I do warm up by myself usually but I sing a song that makes me happy and relaxed. I find that it makes me smile which then relaxes me. I've done this for years and used to do it to be silly and make people laugh, but now do it to make myself laugh so as not to put too much pressure on myself.
Good luck and get the money!
This! I am in the same boat as you...used to be a badass show jumper and had a wreck, then switched to barrels and had my good mare flip over on top of me. Now I have a really nice colt coming along and I have fund that singing a stupid song really helps me, plus envisioning the perfect run. Good luck! We know you can do it! And congrats for entering up again instead of letting anxiety win!  |
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5409
| Take a deep breath, deep seat and let it all hang out! Just have fun!
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