Self doubt in the show ring

Its natural to have self doubts when it comes to showing horses. I'm sure of it, and I'm definitely not an exception. Some of my showing fears are actually quite peculiar. Diagonals: I've always got in a knot about them. I love going around the ring, but it constantly plays on my mind whether I am in the correct diagonal . I probably overthink it entirely.

When I was younger, I used to move my hands and fidget quite a lot while riding. It took a long time and a lot of practice to get my hands still. I always think, "Oh no, am I moving my hands too much?" I also know I have a tendency to tweak horses. I think this has come from jumping young horses and getting accustomed to adjusting their strides. So yes, I sometimes override, and I'm very conscious of that.

Another concern, which is probably a bit more serious of a serious one is slipping. There have been a few of times over the years when the grass has been greasy and we’ve slipped and horse/pony and me have gone down. I try to be very careful not too turn too tight and use studs where necessary.

But, yes, everyone has worries, and I try not to get stuck in my head too much about it. It's natural, we're human and we worry. The main aim of the game is too have fun and come home in one piece!