SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Friday, August 28 2020 / Published in General

Combating the COVID Challenge

By Margie Sugarman 

I’m experiencing anxiety with going back to horse shows post-coronavirus. I find myself worried about catching the virus or spreading it to my family, even with all the precautions in place. How do I cope with the anxiety?

Many of you might have recently read a piece that’s been circulating online regarding Margaret Mead, the famous and much-respected anthropologist. The quote had to do with a discussion with a student who asked what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture.

The student expected Margaret to talk about clay pots, grinding stones or fish hooks. It was a bit shocking to the student when Margaret responded: “The first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur that had been broken and then healed.” It was explained that when you break a leg in the animal kingdom, you die. One can’t run from danger, hunt for food or get to the river for a drink. You are literally meat for prowling beasts. No animal could survive a broken leg long enough to heal. A healed femur is evidence that someone had taken time to stay with the one who had been injured, bound up the wound, carried the person to a safe place and tended to the needs of that person until they healed. Margaret said that helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization begins.

Amid the current pandemic, it’s normal to feel that you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. The constant bombardment of information, the changes to our normal life patterns, uncertainty regarding our own and others’ health and the rapidly changing reports all feed the ups and downs of the rollercoaster ride. This is all emotionally and physically challenging, as well as draining, and it impacts everyone a little differently. 

The questions, the uncertainty, the fear, the mistrust are all normal. Plenty of people are sharing your feelings and it’s essential to stay connected as we begin to phase back to more “normal” behaviors. The anxiety, loss, disappointment, frustration and anger are important to acknowledge. It’s vital to stay as connected as you can while going through the phases leading back to socializing.

You should identify and discuss the emotions you feel because they will change as the pandemic evolves. You should also find ways to cope with these emotions. As a rider and athlete, you’re aware of how exercise helps in managing stress and maintaining positive mental health. Continue to engage in any exercise that you can. It’s important, when thinking about returning to showing and all that carries with it, to remember “why” you compete. Keeping your reasons in mind helps with adapting to the new restrictions at the shows.   

Mandates are issued and temperatures are taken before entering the show grounds. Any elevation in body temperature will result in you waiting, taking any head coverings off, and trying again. Hopefully, you will then be able to proceed. Masks must be worn at all times if you’re not riding. Gloves are also part of the new attire when at the show and must be worn when helping to set jumps. Guards are driving around that will make sure there is social distancing if you’re not with a family member. Carrying out the new guidelines reduces risks, will help alleviate your anxiety and makes you part of the solution. 

It’s also a personal responsibility: Keep in mind that you’re only as exposed as you allow yourself to be.

Remember that because of the virus, everyone has been faced with a new challenge and we’re all trying to help one another through this uncertain time. It’s up to each one of us to follow the safety measures to help flatten the curve.

 

“We are at our best when we help others … that’s being civilized.”  — Margaret Mead

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: coronavirus, covid-19, horse show, pandemic

What you can read next

Sandy Ferrell – Too Tough For Cancer
RED BUCKET EQUINE RESCUE FINDS NEW FOREVER HOME FOR ABUSED, ABANDONED, Neglected HOrses
SMU Equestrian Best Start in School History

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Sho The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Show is happening now! Don’t miss another second by streaming it live! 🐴 📹👀HOW TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM The WPCSA will again be streaming footage live from the ring at the American National Show next week. You will need two free passes to get to the feed this year. 1️⃣�The first is a USEF fan membership which you can get through this site: Join or Renew | US Equestrian (usef.org) 2️⃣ Once you become a fan member, you will need to log in to the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse. A video demonstrating how to do this can be found here: Existing USEF Fan - Watch the USEF Network - YouTube 📸Pictured- Grand Champion Section B under UK judge. Owner-Barbara Chappell Handler-Paul Maye /Maye Show Ponies Fairfield, VA
A note from our editor. It's here!! The October is A note from our editor. It's here!! The October issue of Sidelines Magazine! So happy to have the fabulous Amelia Newcomb on our cover. Amelia is a dressage rider with over 100,000 students! You read that right! Amelia has a very popular YouTube Channel where riders from around the word can learn and improve on their dressage - and it's not just dressage riders who are benefitting from Amelia Newcombe Dressage on Your Tube but riders of all disciplines - don't miss her story! Thanks to Sidelines photographer Lindsey Long for the beautiful photos. This issue has so many great stories! Catch up with eventer Zachary Brandt Equestrian (make sure to see how much he loves his dogs), and meet show jumper Katherine Anne Brewer and her horse Super Bunny, artist Samantha Dawn, equestrian Megan Smith who teaches Pilates 4 Equestrians; and Ela Ladwig a dressage rider and trainer who's multi talented because she's also a talented artist also. We have an amazing story on hunter-jumper rider Lisa Mooney who has a story you don't want to miss!! We also have a story on Tyler Held who's passion for eventing has taken her on quite the journey, and we catch up with Jimmy Toon in our Unbridled column. This issue also features our Save The Date section where you can check out show dates for this year and next from horse shows around the country! So get out your calendar!! And don't miss our great columnists, hunter-jumper with Rob R.L. Jacobs, eventing with Liz Halliday Eventing and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. And check out the photos of riders at the 2023 The Hampton Classic Horse Show also! It's another great issue! Make sure to subscribe to Sidelines also - one year for $14.95 and the magazine is delivered right to your house or barn!! Enjoy the October issue: https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/#/reader/50029/1767167 Link in Bio!!!
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Bl Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Blue Ribbon Scholars is here to help! Whether you need help with a single subject, SAT prep, or transitioning to online school, Blue Ribbon will tailor a unique program to the needs of every student athlete, grades K-12. The exclusive education services provider at HITS Ocala since 2019, Blue Ribbon offers in-person tutoring services throughout the duration of the winter circuit, in addition to our virtual services via Zoom year round, anywhere, anytime! Are you showing at WEC this winter, but looking for affordable, fun, and individualized in-person support? Have no fear! In-person tutoring is available anywhere in the Ocala area, and everyone is welcome to attend our programs at HITS. Our tutors are kind, qualified, and understand the needs of competitive student-athlete equestrians. The founder of Blue Ribbon Scholars is an amateur jumper rider who holds a BA from Yale University and Master’s in Education from Vanderbilt. You will be in good hands! Message, email, or call us today to learn more about how we help you accomplish your goals. blueribbonscholars, hitshorseshows #sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses #wellington #wef #florida #college #school #blueribbonscholars #hitshorseshows #hunterjumper #showjumping #hunterjumpersofinstagram #tutoringforathletes #tutoringservices #backtoschool #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianlifestyle #horseshowlife #studyhardplayhard #homeschooling #ocala
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • PENNINGTON FARMS, INC.
    Ann Pennington, USEF "R" Judge Hunters/Jumpers/Ponies Fort Myers, FL 33966 Cell 239-850-2085 annpfinc@yahoo.com www.penningtonfarms.com

    [Read more]

  • POSITIVE TOUCH EQUINE BODY WORKS, LLC
    Karen Markham 404-964-5456 horsept.km@gmail.com 30 Yrs Experience, Licensed and Insured

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!