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Peters gave the young riders a piece of advice that is actually useful regardless of career path they follow. He warned them to watch their behavior, particularly in public. “You have to get your name out there, but once you do, what matters is how you conduct yourself in public. It’s important that you show good manners and show respect for people,” he said. Peters said bad manners will not attract sponsors.

One other issue important to young riders for which they sought advice, was how to deal with show nerves. Gal showed them much empathy. He admitted to being extremely nervous when he rode his first Grand Prix test. He said show nerves are normal and the best thing riders can do is prepare. This means exposing their horses to things that are not part of their normal routine.

Brommann’s advice was be prepared. If your horse has problems with flower pots at a show, then ride with flower pots in your ring at home. If riders prepare their horses to handle the shows, then the horse won’t be nervous and that will help calm the rider.

Williams said nerves often result from the fact that riders are overly worried about what others think of their ride. Focus on yourself, was his advice for dealing with nerves. “Don’t worry about what other people think of your riding. Do the best job you can and rider for yourself.”

Williams especially warned young riders not to let a bad ride get to them, especially when the ride isn’t over. “Ride for the moment. As you ride through the test, forget what has gone bad and don’t hold on to your fears of what is ahead in the test. Just ride each moment as it happens.”

More News from the 2007 Wellington Junior/Young Rider Clinic