Teaching courage?

[Joegeer]

My daughter wanted to show a steer at the major shows ie FW and Houston. We have been working toward this for about 9 months and the steer is ready. But the more I talk to her about it she is scared to death. She is a beautiful girl with a great personality, but she is pretty shy. And she is scared to walk out in front of all those people. What can I do to boost her confidence, so when she walks in the ring she is strutting her stuff instead of being timid????

[WCB]

I don't know if you can teach it. One either has it or learns it.
But not sure it can be taught. Maybe shown though...

[Deb]

First, how old is your daughter? How much time do you have left? It can be both taught and learned, however some people just can't deal with being in front of a crowd. You say you have talked to her about it. What does she give as the reason for her fear?

[Joegeer]

She already showed at our county fair and won breed champion. I figured that would help but she is really nervous about this for some reason.

[Joegeer]

First, how old is your daughter? How much time do you have left?

She is 15 and we have about 13 days to go!!!!!!!!

[Deb]

Has she told you why she is so nervous/afraid?

[klooney]

I showed animals growing up, Denver fort worth, Houston and San Antonio, and was nervous everytime I went out there! Just let her know to go out there and smile, the rest of that stuff works it's self out! And be sure to remind her that if she makes the sale at any of these shows it can pay out really well! I made about 10k on a year when inwas about 15 or 16

[okietaxi]

All I can say is that I was a shy kid. I still have problems in certain situations. Just encourage and be there for her.

[HOUN]

It might be best to explain the difference between courage and fear. Fear is pretty much defined as an emotion caused by danger, a threat, etc. BUT, courage is more or less a persons ability to face difficulty, danger, or FEAR. To me its fine to be afraid, especially if you're in a situation you have never been in, in immediate danger, or doing something like showing an animal; where she has to worry about how she does in front of the judges and people AND also how her animal (that really could do whatever it wanted) acts. You can't tell me that the guys who fight for our country everyday might not get afraid at one point or another while doing what they do but I'm sure they overcome that fear because they are courageous and understand their jobs still have to be done. To be nervous and have a huge knot in her stomach is going to happen to anyone. Let her know that stepping out there in the arena is showing enough courage to fight through that fear and it only gets easier, maybe it will help. Take that for what it's worth.

[GRIZZ64]

This is what I did with both my son and daughter last year. Keep in mind it was their first year showing and they only showed at the county level. My son is 11 and my daughter is 10. Although it was a county show. The small barn that the show is in, is packed (standing room only). Sensing the nervousness coming from both of them, I just kept a positive conversation going on with the both of them talking about show techniques, do's and dont's (mostly do's) in the show ring, reminders of earlier success at jackpot shows, etc... Once in the holding pen they were both busy with last minute grooming of there pigs. So they pretty much were occupied up until the time they hit the show ring. Once they hit the show ring it was on, being nervous was the last thing they were worried about.

Maybe try and get your daughter to focus on two things and two things only, her steer and the judge. Let her know that if she focuses purely on those two things, she won't even notice the crowd. Hope this helps.

[Willbehunt'n]

Be the best encourager you can be, remind her of the past victories she had showing, support her and let her know the nerves will pass when she steps into the show ring. The choice is ultimatley her's in the end, spending time with her and letting her know you are there will be something she will remember for a life time.
My kids and I show horses when they were young and made the youth Halter world show in 98. They were always afraid, it comes natural when you are front of people that judge you. This is something I found you cannot force on a kid

[Shane]

Remind her that it's a STOCK show, and not a kid show. People will be looking mostly at the animals. Her steer surely wants to win, but he needs her help to do it.

[Deb]

Ask her what is the worst thing that could happen. Listen for awhile. Then start suggesting other things that could happen. Slowly get funnier and funnier until she starts to laugh. If you have other children ask them to be the "steer" and let her practice in front of the family. After she overcomes her teenage "dignity" this could become fun. She just needs to get used to the idea of being in front of people. Also point out that people will be looking at the steer, not her. This is the best I can do without more info. Hope it helps. Pm me if you think it will help. Good luck.

[kfd82]

She should be fine once she walks in the gate. I know when I was showing, once I walked in the gate I didnt even know there were people in the stands. I was focused on the judge and the animal in front of me.

Tell her to focus on the judge, dont take her eyes off him except to see if the person in front of her has started or stopped walking.

[Joegeer]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I have been telling her that they will be looking at the steer and not her. I think she will be fine once she gets there. I will keep yall posted on how she does!!