#15 Competing For The First Time!
Eight weeks of facing my fear of horses have flown by, and the time has finally come to shine and put my non-horse-fearing moves to the test.
On the day of the show, I arrived early to North Coast Equestrian Park to scope out my competition. My trainer pointed to some extremely small 9 and 10-year-olds. I knew they would be young, but I didn’t realize how young. I thought to myself, if I beat them in the competition, that’s just mean and embarrassing given I’m almost three times their age. And if they beat me, that's even more embarrassing!
My family, friends and co-workers showed up to see if I have really been going to lessons or if I was telling a big lie. Overall, there were about 60 people there, and I have to admit I was ridiculously nervous. I was certain I would forget everything I learned. During the competition I was required to walk, trot, turn, halt, hold a two-point and change diagonals. Luckily I remembered to bring my helmet!
I actually had to remind myself to breathe so I could calmly remember to keep my heels down, shoulders back and be aware of my diagonal. When I was in the arena trotting, I could hear my trainer in my head saying “she who looks down ends up on the ground.” It reminded me to keep my head up and smile. I was so focused on trying to calmly remember everything I have learned that I didn’t even pay attention to the other fierce competitors. Before I knew it, we were told to line up side-by-side so that they could announce the winners. I have to say, I was shocked when they announced me as the FIRST PLACE winner! The feeling I had inside when I won is almost indescribable. I was shocked, a little embarrassed, relieved and so proud of myself for facing my fear. The judge told me that I was the only one to get both diagonals correct, I almost fell off my horse I was so surprised!
Afterwards we had a little pot-luck and our Troxel team surprised North Coast Equestrian Park with a donation to their barn. A few weeks ago I forgot my helmet and had to borrow one of theirs. It was so old and smelly, I decided it was time for some shiny new helmets. So after the competition we gave them an assortment of about 10 different English, Western and all-purpose Troxel helmets.
I have to give a big thank you to North Coast Equestrian Park for giving me lessons. They were so kind and helpful and never made me feel ridiculous for having a fear of horses at my age. I can look back to that fearful place I was in just eight weeks ago, and I can honestly say that I have officially gotten over my fear.
I am still a bit intimidated by horses, but I have learned to appreciate their beauty and their incredible calming ability (I never thought I would say that in my life!). At the end of the day, stepping out and doing what I’ve always wanted to do is saying yes to life. And that's something I'm sure we could all use a little more of.
I hope that my experience encourages others to get out there and face their fears. Here is a short video summarizing my experience: Enjoy!
View more photos here
Next blog: Tips from the pros on overcoming your fears
Comments
Jane Savoie, over 2 years ago
Yay Karisa!! I'm very proud of you! Yes, action cures fear. Good for you to take ACTION. It's very empowering, isn't it?
Jessica, over 2 years ago
First place! That is fantastic Karisa. Loved reading about your journey.
Jennifer, over 2 years ago
I love the music the photos are set to. So inspirational!
Kathy Nelson, over 2 years ago
I am so proud of you! Congrats on your Win on all fronts! You go girl!
Hunter, over 2 years ago
Nice!!! Blue is your color!
Jill, over 2 years ago
The music makes the video! Should you opt not to become a professional writer, I think maybe you should become a producer. Congrats on the first place - you sure have come a long way :)
Wallis, over 2 years ago
Congratulations Karisa!
ricardo, over 2 years ago
Well done, especially getting over your apprehensions. Not easy. R
Julie Goodnight, over 2 years ago
Well done Karissa! It's an incredible sense of empowerment to face your fears and over come them. Most riders have dealt with fear at some time or another and it is awesome for you to share your ordeal with others. Whether it is a fear of horses, riding or somethig else altogehter, learning how to face fear and control the emotion is a valuable skill. For some more tips on facing your fear, there is a whole section on it in my Training Library and please check out this article http://juliegoodnight.com/questionsNew.php?id=96
Heidi, over 2 years ago
Love the video!!! The music tells your story! So proud of you and glad you took the leap! Heidi and the Horse Master crew.
Joyce, over 2 years ago
I can't see past my proud tears !!!! YOU are amazing, to say the least. #19 never looked so good and with perfect posture! Hooray for you tackling such a big fear and spitting in its eye;)
Amy, over 2 years ago
Congratulations! 1st place!!! Maybe one day I will do the same thing. Horses freak me out and I have never even sat on a horse! So proud of you!
Cindy, over 2 years ago
I too am VERY proud of you also. I am a fellow scaredy-cat of horses. So it makes it even more impressive. I was glad that that baby wasn't in the competition. I was thinking.....I could even beat that baby. You looked so cute. What a fun blog. You are a wonderful, and funny writer, and good comedian. I know you'll be famous someday. Maybe not as a professional jockey, but something close;)
Karisa, over 2 years ago
Thank you Julie! You are such an inspiration to so many riders, so your words mean so much. I am going to do another post on tips for facing your fear so your Training Library will come highly recommended!
JEG, over 2 years ago
Karisa,
Nice job! You actually look like one of those little girls in your Shinny New Troxel Helmet. Our Judges dont play favorites, so you really did a great job, and age also has no factor. There are plenty of little ones around here that canter and jump circles around their adult contemporaries.
Thank you very much for documenting so nicely the educational process we teach at North Coast Equestrian Park. Many thanks to Troxel for their helmet contribution. Everyone enjoyed having you here and tracking your journey and hoof prints.
Many to follow will take pleasure in the horses and the encouragement you presented to try something that may be intimidating at first. It is the foundation of our school to provide life long memories in a fun and educational environment and hope we accomplished that for you. We are thrilled to have you earn your first Riding Certificate of Achievement at NCEP and extra carrots for Libby on the way!
Hope to see you again soon,
John Garner, President North Coast Equestrian Park, Inc.
Karisa, over 2 years ago
Thank you John! NCEP was so welcoming are patient with me. That was an experience I will never forget, I look forward to continuing my lessons with you guys. Thanks again, Karisa
Jeannette, over 2 years ago
Karisa! I am just so darn proud of you. You're an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your adventure. I wish you many more in the future!
Debi, over 2 years ago
Karisa! Wow! Never knew you had a fear of horses. We are so proud of you doing this. That is extraordinary. Good for you! Love your pics!