A bad mood after a horse show is more common than most riders admit. One disappointing score, one frustrating run, or one ride that didn’t go the way you hoped can have you replaying every mistake long after you’ve left the arena.
As the first hints of dawn crept over the horizon, I felt the excitement stirring in my bones. The first show of the season had been a resounding success—a perfect day where everything from the weather to my horse, Gidget’s performance, was nothing short of spectacular. I had left the arena with a ribbon and a score that set a high bar for the year. Spirits were high, and the sense of achievement was palpable.
But now, as I prepared for the second show of the season, there was a palpable shift in the air. The second show—often talked about in hushed tones among the riders—had a reputation. It was the show where scores seemed to dip, where the gloss of the season opener wore off, and reality settled in. I tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on grooming Gidget, whose coat shone under the stable lights.
The day unfolded under a gray sky, a stark contrast to the vibrant blue of the first show. As we entered the arena, Gidget seemed to sense my nerves and was slightly off her usual rhythm. Our performance felt stilted, the connection between rider and horse not as fluid as it usually was. When the scores were posted, my heart sank—a number decidedly lower than the first. Around me, I noticed similar expressions of disappointment on other riders’ faces.
Why a bad mood after a horse show feels so common
Ok, it’s that time of year. The first show came with great fanfare, and maybe even a great score! But that second show of the season is notorious for being a bit of a letdown. Scores are lower, spirits are depressed, and it’s a perfect storm for a bad mood.
As your go-to mental performance coach, I’m here to share some straightforward tactics to help you steer clear of the bad mood mire and get back in the saddle with confidence.
DO: Healthy ways to handle a bad mood after riding
Identify Your Feelings
Ask yourself: What am I really feeling? Is it frustration, disappointment, or something else? Pinpointing your emotions is the first step toward managing them effectively.
Understand the Cause
Think about what triggered your mood. Was it a missed cue in your riding, or maybe some barnyard drama? Understanding why you feel a certain way helps address the root of the issue, not just the symptoms.
Take Action
Address what’s bothering you head-on. If it’s something at the stable, maybe it’s time for a frank chat with someone. Or, if it’s about your riding, consider what adjustments could be made. Act on the cause, not just the feelings.
Vent, but Briefly
It’s okay to let it out! Worry, complain, or write down your frustrations—but keep it brief. Set a timer for two minutes. When it rings, wrap it up. Can you stick to the time limit?
Change Your Scenery
If you’re feeling stuck, change your location. If you’re riding, take a different path around the ranch, or maybe just outside the arena. A change of scenery can shift your perspective.
Get Moving
Physical activity can be a great mood lifter. Take a walk, stretch, or just do some barn chores. Movement helps release tension and clear your mind.
Connect with Nature
There’s nothing quite like the outdoors to improve your mood. Touch some grass, breathe in some fresh air—embrace the natural environment around you. It’s truly magical.
DON’T: Habits that keep riders stuck in a bad mood
Beat Yourself Up
Remember, it’s human to feel. Don’t be hard on yourself for having emotions.\
Bottle It Up
Avoiding how you feel won’t help in the long run. It’s healthier to acknowledge and deal with your emotions.
Isolate Yourself
Don’t withdraw from your friends and family—they’re your support network. Let them in, and let them help without taking your mood out on them.
Distract Through Busyness
While keeping busy might seem like a good distraction, it often only masks the issues. Face what’s bothering you so you can truly move past it.
How to move past a bad mood after a horse show
Driving back to the ranch, the weight of letdown heavy in my chest, I couldn’t help but feel engulfed by a storm of frustration and self-doubt. But as I unloaded Gidget, who nuzzled into my hand looking for comfort, a realization dawned on me. It wasn’t just about the scores or the ribbons. It was about learning, growing, and enjoying the journey.
With a deep breath, I decided to let go of my disappointment. I took Gidget for a slow, meandering walk around the barn, taking in the crisp air and the gentle rustle of grass in the fields. The simple act of moving and being in nature started to lift my spirits. I allowed myself a few minutes of venting—just me and the open sky—and then firmly resolved to leave my frustrations behind as we returned to the stable.
That night, under the soft glow of the barn lights, I made a plan. I would take each show as it came, celebrating the victories and learning from the losses. The season was long, and each show was just another step in the journey I was privileged to share with Gidget.
Turn a bad mood after a horse show into your next breakthrough
As I closed the barn doors, a sense of peace settled over me. Tomorrow was another day, and I was ready to face it head-on, with Gidget by my side and a clearer perspective in my heart. The second show might have been a letdown, but it was also a valuable lesson wrapped in a challenge. And for that, I was grateful.
Ready to stop letting one bad ride define your confidence?
A disappointing ride doesn’t have to turn into a disappointing season.
The riders who stay consistent aren’t the ones who never have bad days. They’re the ones who know how to recover from them.
If you’re tired of letting one score, one mistake, or one frustrating show steal your confidence, it’s time to train your mind the same way you train your riding.
5 Days to Confident Competitor is a simple, practical audio program designed to help you quiet the mental spiral, regulate your nerves, and show up with confidence—even when things don’t go according to plan.
Because confidence isn’t about never having a bad mood.
It’s about knowing exactly how to move through it.
👉 Start your journey with 5 Days to Confident Competitor and build the confidence that lasts far beyond a single ride.
Read Next
If pressure, overthinking, or show nerves have been getting in the way of your best rides, 5 Days to Confident Competitor is a simple place to start.
This five-day training helps you understand what happens in your brain and body when the pressure rises, so you can begin building tools to steady yourself, communicate more clearly with your horse, and ride with more confidence.
Start Building Show-Pen Confidence
I'm ready to stop show nerves →
Your horse feels what you bring into the saddle.
When pressure hits, your body, timing, focus, and confidence all affect the ride your horse gets.
Nicole Burnett is a mental performance coach for western riders who want their mindset to match their skill, their horse, and their goals.
Through practical mindset coaching and nervous system training, Nicole helps riders stay steady, communicate more clearly, and ride more effectively — whether they’re rebuilding confidence at home, sharpening their show-pen mindset, or preparing to compete on the national stage.
Work With Nicole
Explore ways to work with Nicole →
