The FOMO of Missing Out On the Big Horse Show

            Have you ever missed one of the biggest shows of the year?  Have you felt like you were missing out on something big by not being there?  I have been there too!  It sucks when you can’t make it to that one big show that you go every year.

            Missing that show that you worked all year for can be mentally devastating and emotionally too.  We put so much work into our horses and training all year.  As we get closer, a week out actually, from NSBA World Show I feel the FOMO coming on.  I love that show it is challenging, competitive, fun and I feel that I always grow as a rider and it is so much fun.  I had planned all year to attend it, but then I had some things come up and was not able to make it to this show this year.

            When you have worked so hard to prepare for a show and that was your goal what do you do now?  Well you pivot!  You keep working hard and training with your horses.  You can still practice the patterns that you would have done at the show, still can become a better rider at home with those patterns.  Practice makes perfect right?  So more practice of things that challenge you and your horse will always result in you growing your bond and your confidence to do those tougher patterns. You can then add a show to your schedule this year to take that ones place.

            Don't let FOMO take over you and make you sit on the sideline while everyone is showing.  Make sure you keep training and working hard not sitting around wishing you were there and knowing you're missing out. Most shows you can live stream anymore so you can watch your friends or just watch to see how patterns are done, and watch the classes you like.  Then you set a new goal for next year.  Always look ahead and to the next show or even start planning and budgeting for the next year.

            So even when you have FOMO find ways to make you feel like your not missing out.  Preparing for next year, practicing the patterns, or cheering on friends from a far will help.  Then start working so when next year’s show comes your even more prepared so that next championship show you will be set to place even better!

Love,

Julie + Decker