Being Judged

Four weeks ago, I made a casual comment to my riding instructor about showing in a local horse show. Since then, she has had laser focus on getting me ready for the show on Saturday. I have never shown and have only been riding (well, correctly) for less than a year. And, I only got focused four weeks ago. Yes, I am behind the power curve.While Lakey has been adament that I would show, I kept saying maybe. And, earlier this week, I had pretty much convinced myself that I was too busy. Really, though, I am just scared. I am afraid to look stupid in front of all these people, afraid that I won't be able to get my horse to canter, afraid that I will run into a 7 year old on their pony, afraid that my legs will be flying all over the place. The bottom line is that I am out of my element in the show ring and that makes me HUGELY uncomfortable.So, yesterday morning, I told two of my horse friends that I was going to show. They are both coming to watch (at 7:30am, aren't they great!). I bought the clothes and boots that I needed. I downloaded the class schedule. I have been on the phone constantly with a good friend who spent half of her life showing hunter jumpers. I can't turn back now, because my friends won't let me.It doesn't change the fact that I am nervous. I am putting myself out there in the show ring and asking people to JUDGE me. Yikes! The funny thing is I don't want to look out of place, but I will because I am a beginner and this is my first show. I will do incredibly stupid things - its just what happens! I know that. I have been around horse shows for years. I have watched all of my friends do stupid things including falling off in the ring! But, if I want to stretch myself beyond where I am right at this moment, I MUST do it. And, I will do it. But, it will be nerve-racking and stomach churning the entire way. What stomach churning thing are you doing? Because, you know, misery loves company!

Note: Another transfer from the myspace blog Summer 08