NEX GEN YOUNG HORSE SHOW | BATTLING SERIOUS NERVES | HACKETT EQUINE

[@Toast-b4o]

I want to say something to you, something from the heart. You are a fantastic horsewoman, you put every ounce of your heart into doing what you do with horses, your passionate, kind, thoughtful, your doing it for all the right reasons. Your nervous because Zora is a product of you, and your hard work, she's yours and that adds extra pressure, you are hard on yourself because you want to be sure your doing a good job, and I want to tell you, you are! Not a lot of people can take an exuberant baby like you did, and turn her into this amazing riding horse she is becoming, take it easy on yourself, at four years old she has already overcome more than many adult horses, and that is directly linked to your good guidance. Allow yourself to enjoy how great you are doing now, instead of focusing on how much you could improve. Always keep that in your mind, but don't always let it take over the successes. Remind yourself that the steps your taking right now, will ensure your horse has a brilliant life, and not just a brilliant now. Your setting yourselves up for a beautiful Future and not sacrificing that by pushing too far too soon. You have so much to be proud of. Don't forget it. From one trainer with real anxiety to another.

[@hackettequine2059]

julia Leblanc Thankyou Julia your comment means a huge amount. ❤️

[@vikkineish5790]

I love how brutally honest you are. We see all the different sides of you. Your nerves and anxiety make you who you are and even though they are horrible, I for one think they make you more human than other bloggers I’ve watched. Zora is a stunning mare who will go on to be amazing in whatever you decide to do with.

[@marogers01]

Zora has the loveliest trot. I’m really enjoying watching her develop.

[@Nina-md3tm]

I think she absolutely would have remembered that arena and the anxiety she must have felt at the sales. Massive testament to your training that she could go in as calm as she was. Thanks so much for being honest and sharing your nerves. Being a sensitive person is why you can train so compassionately. It's a gift. Also I really hope people appreciate how hard you work. Seeing a young self made person like you (i.e. not backed by super rich parents) is so inspirational!

[@molliesydenham5269]

I honestly bloody love your vlogs! Especially the show vlogs🤩🥳

[@tammybaker8577]

Zoras colors are so beautiful. She's coming around really well.

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Oh Miri, we have ALL been there when it comes to wanting to throw up before getting on! Well done for keeping it together for her and still giving her a good experience regardless!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Also that thumbnail! Oh my god 😍

[@hackettequine2059]

The actually being sick part hasn’t been present for a long time thankfully so it was very unexpected!

[@Katy.Lou.K]

Zora did great for her second show and first ride inside a big indoor venue! It took my horse 6 months riding 2-3 days a week in an indoor to settle down and she was 12 at the time!😱😂You’re a clever girl Zora, I am proud of you! Miri, you did brilliantly with her! Give yourself some praise!

[@Ingridlosneslokken]

Miriam, you need to stop talking yourself down! You're such a lovely person, and you're doing an absolute great job, on all the horses, and everything else you do ❤️❤️ I love that you show everything, not just the good parts too.

[@DaWongStar]

I love your story - when you say you are also a professional but you don’t have a multitude of 4 year olds, you only have 1. You still put in the time, work, sweat and tears over your one 4 year old and show up with your head humbly held high to compete against people with bigger yards. ❤️

[@leadouglas695]

Hi Miri ... So much progress with Zora ... she has the most open and engaged movement ... So lovely to watch ...what a star!

[@EE-zd6xh]

I get really nervous too, thanks for sharing your "real life" journey (realistic!) Your horse is so lovely.

[@sues7589]

What a beauty Zora is. Wow.

[@debbieadkins2803]

She is gorgeous all platted up and looking her best so good luck and enjoy these moments👍👍❤️🇺🇸

[@ladycornish]

Nerves are crazy. They come out of nowhere and do different things each time. I really felt your stress. You will work through it - I think experience and time are the best remedy. And try - somewhere in the middle of all that bad feeling - to remember that you’re doing it because you love it and its fun!

[@nataliesmith2040]

Top tip for thin forelock plaits: keep a banded section of hair from a tail trim or bridle path trim in your plaiting box and use it as a mini hair extension to plait into the forelock and make it lovely and thick 😺

[@eringray426]

i get very bad competition nerves, to the extent i have panic attacks and loose my breathe/am sick/feel faint so i end up retiring in my classes but i haven’t competed in about a year and hopefully if i go back to competing i won’t be so bad as i’ve had a break 😕

[@hackettequine2059]

I’m sorry to hear it. I plan to work with a sport psychologist to help with my nerves

[@eringray426]

Hackett Equine thank you, yeah it’s disappointing as i would love to compete but i’ve tried lots of different things to help like calming tablets, breathing exercises, telling myself things and i can’t seem to find something that works but i have heard about sports phychologists so i might look into that in the future!

[@joeypotter6051]

@@hackettequine2059 That sounds like a great idea. I also quit competing and sold my horse because I struggled with nerves to the point where I'd stopped enjoying competition riding. I still coach and ride for pleasure, and I'm now looking at working with a sports psychologist to develop a competition journal that involves writing down goals and focus before the event, and reflection and 'homework' after the event. When I competed a young horse last year my prototype really helped me to come home with a positive mindset even though the horse had played up quite badly during the event. I work with predominantly young riders, and I'm hoping that this will help them when they find nerves affecting their performance. I'm meeting with a sports psychologist soon to discuss this concept, here's hoping it comes to fruition and can make a difference for some people! Please keep us posted on how you get on as competition nerves are so common and can be so debilitating.

[@debndogs2208]

Zora looks superb you are both beautifully turned out🐴💕

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Felt for you Miri, feeling so nervous,anxious. Deep belly breathing. Guided meditation. To calm your nervous system. You are in the fight or flight response. It must be horrible. Puking up too... your mind is telling you stories. These are not true. As you are a brilliant rider,horsewoman. I bet you are an overthinker. Over analyser? Yep? You can sort this out. Just need a coach to teach you. How to calm down. You were both amazing. Watching your journey is just inspirational...funny finger dog..🤣😂 You work so hard...your passion dedication to horses is awsome... Well done beautiful girlies.xx

[@jillycannan6243]

Beautiful lenght of rein and fabulous hock action on Zora💕

[@julen2380]

Zora really has such lovely movement, she seems to float. And not only does her spooking a bit show that she has something going on between her ears, it also shows that you give her time to be a baby and develop. I'm sure she's talented enough that you could have rushed her, forced her into a lovely frame and so I really love that you let your horses be themselves, figure things out and be a partner not a trophy-hunting sports machine. And as someone who has/still is suffering from anxiety, I do hope the sports psychologist can help you! So tough to combat on one's one, anxiety is. :)

[@katiebryant4796]

Every movement Zora made was so beautiful. You have done such a wonderful job!

[@SE_1111]

She is gorgeous. Well done. How exciting for the future. Love how positive you are about the horses and understanding of how they respond in situations.

[@polochick2006]

Zora is so pretty! She's great to watch!

[@gillianesquilant4091]

I think you are just marvelous. You do an awful lot and probably like me you are your harshest critic and yes, it does mean the world to us all, BUT, working on you is a life long thing we do until we get old, it never changes so accept that you have high standards and you are driven to achieve. It's ok to be these things and is why you are where you are today, and accept your own observations as being correct, it was for young horses to gain experience and exposure to competing in a wonderful facility specifically for those young horses to gain experience and all the while on a level playing field. You do not need to feel any way about it other than on this basis and no need to be so hard on yourself either. I am AMAZED it was her first time being ridden in an inside arena...INCREDIBLE! She and you did wonderfully well I thought and had it been me I would be over the moon to achieve what you both did today! May I suggest exposing her to some banners while you train in your outdoor arena? see if you can loan some or perhaps paint a few up yourself. They don't need to be flash they need to look real to her only. You did a great thing getting on your beautiful horse and riding even though you felt sick...great job...!

[@jacquiepitfield9805]

Rescue remedy is great for calming the nerves. Used to use it when I first started showing dogs. Might help. Hands on steering wheel Miri. 😂 I wonder as you have so much to do, it must be hard to fit in training with Zora as you'd really like too. People used to say that about training dog's, the more you have then time can be precious and your certainly a busy bee. I'm sure you'll get there. You've had a really good start with Zora and Obi is just adorable.

[@velvetsimon1100]

Miri, Jacquie is absolutely correct. All thru your video I kept thinking, Miri use Rescue Remedy. Just be careful with the dosage. Too little will not help, too much and you will feel groggy. Try it at home before going to shows. I know some at shows here use an entire bottle. I cannot do that too much. It does work. Works on pets too. I too use it when competing at AKC shows around the US with my Standard Schnauzer and my newest show boy, my Aussie. I do not know why but showing our Morgan Horses never got nervous put me in the doggie ring and forget it. Thankfully gotten better but some days it just hits me. I always carry a bottle on the road just in case. Nerves can be a real nightmare. Hopefully the more shows with Zora you attend the better you will feel going forward, because she will be more confident. You won’t have to be worried. She is a gorgeous girl who I am sure has an amazing future ahead of her. Congrats on all you and she have accomplished pat yourself on the back you have done amazing with her. Best wishes going forward. Also, thank you for taking us along for the ride really appreciate it.

[@pippakay7234]

I do think maybe something for you to cope better with the nerves maybe a good plan. It has to be a strategy that you can hook into quite easily. I so knew where you were coming from though as it was something I suffered with a long while ago. Considering you were as anxious as you were before the test you both did amazingly well. I did notice Zora sniffing the ground quite a bit before you went in for the test, so who knows she may have remembered the smell from when you bought her but didn't recognise the inside. Have a long soak and a wee drink.👍🙂💜

[@whitedoveofdelaware544]

Work on being calm and collected everyday, not just on show days. You have mentioned having anxiety about being overwhelmed with your work schedule. Work on letting go of that too as it builds up in your body and comes out strongly when least desired: i.e. at the show. As you focus on being calm and confident everyday then you will be able to control your feelings on show days too. I just love Zora. You made a fine choice when you selected her. She probably reacted to your anxiety a bit too as she is very tuned in to you all the time. It is all a process of growth. You are both doing very well!

[@sherrieshatzen3801]

She is so beautiful. Zora is absolutely elegant. I love how much you appreciate her effort and forgive her foibles. In the end she will be a much more polished, secure and reliable--not to mention happy--horse than if too much demand and too high an expectation were being placed on her. Patience and diligence always get the best results when your horse has natural talent.

[@lizzyrbits1283]

What a champion baby! I know in your last vlog you mentioned that doing canter work at home is difficult so it's not surprising that her trot work is more developed. But she is a great thinker and such a nice girl! Your anxiety and stress were tough and I'm sorry they were so difficult to wrangle! But when you got on, you did a great job being there for her! :) Well done!

[@CAR0TASTISCH]

Thank you for sharing the REAL side of competing (young horses). From far away it all seems so simple, but once you're there... I went to a jumping show where I got so nervous I had to get off the horse after the round because I was hyperventilating and on the edge of passing out (all while crying lol). Since then, I only competed twice with a online Website. Also, I find it very hard to not compare myself with the other riders and horses (as you said, there were loads of very nice horses). It can get difficult sometimes. Thanks for sharing and being real

[@kippen64]

I admire your ability to find good staff.

[@amberrose7023]

Thank you for sharing the bit about being anxious before competing! It happens to lots of people including me!

[@PotatoQueen1989]

Wow Zora is so beautiful, i absolutely love her, i can't wait to watch her journey and how she progresses ♥

[@ellierowe6626]

Sounds stupid, but it makes me feel better that you get nervous too. Love your honestly. Zora looks epic, you’re doing so well. 💕

[@bethanyweston5464]

Wow, she is going to be a serious, serious horse in the future! A complete credit to you x

[@kathybertone8837]

Well done! She was a star and was so intent on getting it right. Sky is the limit in your future with her. I thought you handled it all beautifully. Don't beat yourself up! As we all know, when it comes to horses, they feel your nerves. I used to go into the show ring pretending that I did not care and it made a huge difference! Keep telling yourself it does not matter (of course it does) and you may be amazed at how relaxed you get. Looking forward to seeing you two again. Cheers.

[@fenyasiepser3965]

I totally know the feeling of going to a young horse class and seeing all the really nice fancy horses and feeling way out of your league I took my 4yo to a YEH comp and I was sooo nervous

[@helenlamb6560]

I love your vlogs. And what a good girl Zora was today. Well done Miri. You used to chew on a calming biscuit with Obi? Have you tried doing the same now that you are taking Zora out and about. I used to suffer horrendously with pre running nerves and at equestrian events, and have to say Bachs Recue Remedy is a life saver. They do chewable pastels and liquid form which you pop on your tongue with a pippet. Cant wait for your next outing. Such exciting times ahead 🥰

[@rawfedk9]

Have you tried rescue remedy for your nerves. Not drugs but may help take the edge off your nerves. Great video, and really good results in the end. Well done - its lovely to see how you have both come on together. Xx

[@84Moori]

Zora is lovely 😍! Well done 👍🏻! Loved this honest video 💗.

[@tgburger]

Love your honesty and openness. You’re such a real person!

[@Lietjesmarket]

Ahhhhhh the first test! I totally get it. But well done. She looks so much more grown up! Love to see more of zora.

[@karenharvey112]

Well done the both of you!!! Well done for moving through your nerves!!! Nerves are funny old things... love your vlogs... I have just found you on you tube so have a bit of catching up to do!!! But massive thanks for doing them, they help in many different ways... all info is great info!!! A kiwi fan from NZ, a returning adult rider 👍👍

[@felicityhutton6157]

Well done both of you! An amazing transformation from Zora's sales vlog! Beautiful trot, what potential 😊😍😊😍

[@zandraengel7761]

The lasr video of yours that I watched was when you bought her at the auction. She was beautiful then. But I'm now reminded how lovely het gait is. Great choice in investing in this horse for your future goals. Just stunning! You look lovely too. I always told my granddaughter when she was nervious at shows to pretend it was the last day of her life. Would she care about judges or placeing? Just enjoy your partnership with your wonderful horse. I think she likes showing.

[@CaseyDaneDressage]

You both look amazing Miri! Such a fab job and this is just the beginning for you two, excited to keep watching your progress 😊

[@ellierowe6626]

Actually tearing up at you feeling sick, you are so amazing. I relate to you sm.

[@rondathompson2628]

So Happy for you.

[@JustHorseyMie]

Excellent vlog! Enjoy them so much, and again thumbs up for voiceover. Poor you, feeling so nervous. I would have thought that going to so many shows, you would be immune. I used to be very nervous, excited nervous. But then I rode at Gothenburg horse show, and I think that arena holds 6 thousand spectators... it was full when we rode... so after that I stopped being nervous.

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

Beautiful trot! Where are your calming cookies? 😉

[@mauraswenson8892]

I enjoy your videos so much! Your beauty combined with Zora's make them just a joy to watch. 😀🇺🇸 Thanks.

[@bocolewish]

Really good vlog. Working through nerves of yours and Zora's and seeing the bright points and excited to do more! Realistic. I haven't shown in a long time and get nervous just thinking about it.

[@mphorsemanship4737]

She’s so lovely😍🤩 also would love to see a braiding dressage braids tutorial!! (If you haven’t already)

[@jenniferblears192]

Zoe's is an absolute babe! 😍 No wonder you are so proud of her. And well done you for riding so well through your nerves. I used to get such bad nerves when competing (I'm sure I still would, I just haven't been at a show for years and years!) and my riding would turn to shit 😢 You both did so well xx

[@hollyjenkins7323]

I enjoy watching your videos. :)

[@ekeeventing3074]

This vlog was amazing 🤩🤩🤩

[@rachelohagan5736]

Brilliant video just entered my mare for one of the qualifiers so thank you zx

[@elainecole6896]

Discussion in the lorry was good, however I was a bit distracted by both your hands moving around and me shouting 'keep your hands on the wheel' 🤣🤣

[@annaporter538]

Well done

[@horsegirl07]

When I feel the nerves coming on I remind myself, that I am my biggest competition. If I go out there and have a good, clean ride then THAT is my win (no matter the placing). Try to think of everything in steps, step one walk in, step two trot to so and so.. ext. build on your rides after each one or try and be consistent if you had a great last go. No one else (so to speak) is your competition. Horses are unpredictable sometimes you just have to think “it is what it is!” If she spooks or moves funny then ok, get her brought back, focused and make the best of it 🙂 OR you’ll never understand a judges scores/placing. That’s only their opinion! I don’t ride dressage but, I feel you can still try to apply it lol!

[@therabbitresidence]

Have you had sessions with Jo Cooper? I was the same as you every time I got on a horse and they did help. Zora looks amazing, she’s a real credit to you! Huge well done!

[@according2her]

Horse first, sport second should actually be the slogan for your business :)

[@yazy201]

When I try to visualise any thing of jumping , which is when I get nervous mainly at home, my mind always goes to what could go wrong and I have tried to positively visualise for years.

[@rainbowsandunicorns9196]

Wow I love your chanle this the frist video I've committed on your videos 🌈🦄🦄❤️🌈🐴🐴❤️

[@hackettequine2059]

jodie the unicorn audio audio so glad you like the videos!

[@madeleinedrinkell5793]

i love your show shirt, where is it from? x

[@annaporter538]

Zora is beautiful 🥰

[@ES-ch6il]

When I was jumping I had a good friend who worked with a sport psychologist, she shared with me that the s.p. Told her to put herself in an imaginary bubble about half an hour before her ride. She was supposed to pretend not to see the crowd, the other horses, etc. while in her bubble, she was supposed to mentally go through various lists like what she had done to get ready, how her ride was going to go, the course etc. the goal was for her to eliminate distractions and to feel Uber prepared. The lists do both. Just sharing.

[@charlottewooldridge9702]

Amazing! Try calming cookies for humans from @premierperformace! They are amazing! Never tried something so good! Your amazing don’t doubt yourself!! Xx

[@hackettequine2059]

I love them and had forgotten to have one this day, I definitely felt the difference ☹️

[@lisajames4150]

What a beautiful forward test. Such a shame the nerves made you sick so you couldn't enjoy it. 🙄

[@GlassDragon21]

Keep it up miri, love watching your vid/vlogs. Do you have a video where you talk about the saddles you use and why?

[@hackettequine2059]

Alison Park not at the moment but I’ll be sure to talk about that soon

[@kathrynmorelli5226]

Such a pretty girl! How many hands is she?

[@danielabackstrom]

I'm so jealous you can ride in rising trot in dressage tests, in Finland we have to do sitting trot, that is one of the reasons I don't compete in dressage 😂😂 I also get serious competition nerves, it's so annoying!!

[@naunettemartin7450]

I like it

[@susangray4459]

Did you forget your calming cookie

[@fionabrennan1052]

the most hilarious is that my name is Fiona Brennan! in the results there was a rider by the same name!

[@buckleyboy0999]

Would you do a video on how you plait?

[@goatgirl5968]

British drivers and roads must be much better than in America. I would never dare take my hands off the wheel while driving my truck and trailer here. 😀

[@charlottecanalle2621]

What is Zora’s breed?

[@yazy201]

9:06 you match the lorry in the background.

[@jessicahansen3868]

this is really late of me to comment on but if you by chance see this it could help you a ton as it has me. before my first ever national competition i was extremely nervous and i called my trainer and she told him to sing a song while i was riding. it felt stupid at first but it makes you focus on something other thsn your nerves. because you arent overthinking everything relaxes and in turn your horse relaxes. to this day if i feel myself get tense on the horse or nervous in the ring you will see me singing a random song to myself

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

Know nothing about horses as such, just think they are beautiful and amazing, but Zora is very pretty and for her first attempt she did very well.

[@finshona]

When you breathe try breathing into your belly not your chest. 4 seconds in 4 seconds out long slow breaths.

[@BelleandBuddy29]

Not to worry, you are human. Check out Dr Jenny Susser from the US, thru Noelle Floyd masterclasses for athlete stress/fear. Life changing.

[@donnajeffery8267]

Can I just say she was good and you where good nerves and if everything was perfect all the time it would be so boring and you would not have lessons to learn and everybody would just be like robots and all the horses would go the same there would be no point in judges because what would they mark on if where all the same and I think nerves are also linked to our flight or fight response because when things get to much we find the need to be able to fight it which you did or run away it is from when used to have thing that where out for us like dinosaurs etc so don’t beat yourself up or be embarrassed it’s just some people suffer more than other and is what make us individual can’t wait till the next one

[@MissJools11]

^were good not where.

[@donnajeffery8267]

Ok miss grammar police not everyone is perfect

[@emk7132]

the stuffy nose and vomiting makes me so worried about covid-19 for you

[@hackettequine2059]

Em K don’t worry, just nerves and hay fever. I have always thrown up from nerves, Thankyou for your concern though xx