Fake it 'til you make it

​My life runs around humor and making light of things when you end up being stuck in an awful situation. My husband taught me humor cures all-and I strongly believe he’s bang on. One of my favorite things to say is “fake ‘til you make it” and I find it fits pretty much in every situation you’re in. If you feel anxious about jumping a scary fence FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT. If you’re stressed about something going on at work like an interview or meeting FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT. A few weeks ago I was in a cross country clinic and some of the obstacles we worked on scared the crap out of me. I was convinced I would need new underwear. What did I do? FAKED IT ‘TIL I MADE IT.  Don’t get me wrong, you need to also be careful to not override your abilities and make stupid decisions(more about that in another thread). But going in and repeating that to myself really helped me NOT focus on the hesitant inner voice and lack of confidence to tackle those obstacles. Our clinicians wouldn’t asked me to do it if she didn’t think I couldn’t do it. Faking that confidence to yourself can really give you that little up that you need to get the ball rolling-honest! Give it a try, I won’t charge you for the copyright either *giggle*.
I have watched a lot of horse shows through work, as well as riding at local shows and I love to watch these people ride.  I am comforted by people making the same mistakes I would, or having the same awesome reactions that I think I might in those same moments.  That said, something that stands out to me every time, in every show, is how stupid some people act.  Just because you have the guts to get out there and do it, doesn’t make it the right thing to do.  One obvious example that stands out (painfully) is the person who shouldn’t be in the class at all.  I can’t tell if it’s because trainers are also motivated to move their clients up the levels, or perhaps they don’t have a trainer, or maybe they have really evil friends who lied to them about great of a rider they are. Needless to say, there is always THAT person in every class.
I am a perfectionist by nature, so I am very critical of my riding when I review video or photo content of my latest ride.  I find also because I have had my share of injuries in life(horse and non horse related), that it’s made me think carefully of every decision I make when it comes down to riding. As an adult rider, I have learned that I just don’t bounce like I used to every time I have a fall(which thank God is not often). Then again, they say that if you never fall off, you’re not riding hard enough. I find myself not entering some classes because I don’t feel that I have the required level of riding skill to be able to even have a chance to compete against those riders. What’s “funny” to watch though, is those absolutely awful riders who do go in them and attempt their luck. All credit to them for trying it-credit fails to those awful friends and trainers who lie to them telling them they belong in that class. At least you can say that they have definitely faked it ‘til they got in that ring.
I find it interesting that you can usually clearly see why some riders only compete in the jumpers and gallop unsafely around the course like lightning McQueen vs the calculated hunter riders with fantastic rhythm and position. I feel like the riders in each category should swap the classes they enter. Always a lot more excitement watching those jumpers classes though because you end up cringing and holding your breath every time they get to a fence(come on, let’s be honest you know we all know a few riders like that). Pass the popcorn around. Those are not brave or confident decisions. Those fall under the stupid category.
So why do it?  Why do they move up to a place they are no longer comfortable in or capable of?  I would rather spend my whole life at 3 feet killing it, than make a total ass of myself in a higher division. I can’t be the only one.  And beyond the chance to win, how many times will you push the envelope on possibly hurting yourself and your horse.  That just makes no sense to me.