Recent content by sparklypickle

ah Fibble, I'm glad to hear you are making progress - it must be hard to rehabilitate after extensive injuries, but each little step is one closer to being healed :)

Thanks annaagain and pansymouse :) I do feel a sense of achievement though I'm a bit apprehensive about what the next ride will bring! At least there are two other riders to take the beast out and help burn off his energy at the moment, so hopefully we will go for an adventure together not...

Hello all. Time for an update! I've been steadily improving my confidence over the weeks and last week we had three very nice controlled canters which felt great. Spring has sprung though and this weekend the horses had some extra boing. On the way out everything was fine, but as we turned for...

Ok, now I have some extra reins, I am thinking about which ring to put them on - this horse has a dutch gag, ridden on the big snaffle ring, but should I put the second set of reins just one down, or on the bottom ring. Bear in mind I do not intend to use these reins unless there is an emergency...

Today I took my four legged buddy out hacking again. I told my riding friend about the fact that I was getting a bit nervous about if he bolted again and I couldn't stop him, she was, as always, very understanding. Someone else had ridden him a few days ago and they did walk trot and canter with...

My favourite thing about my friends pony is that she loves playing in puddles. She seems to stop to look at her reflection and then joyously splash splashes her way through making the most mess possible :) it's so cute!

How about dog whistles? I rode a horse before that was terrified of them :/

In the winter, I only ride once a week, in the summer twice and someone else rides him once too. The horse lives out and we only do gentle hacking. He's s 27 year old native /cob type and seems to cope well with winter and summer work, and spend plenty of time running around in the field I...

Thanks supsup, that's a lot of useful tips. The video loop is pretty much the problem. I need to get lots of positive memories inbetween it and me so I can focus on those. Moleskins mum, oh you poor thing. That could easily have been my fate too...a broken back and leg?!! I hope you heal up...

Thanks Atropa, That makes me feel a whole lot better :) I've got my stupid boyfriend in one ear telling me that horse riding is too dangerous and I should stop, but honestly the horse I ride is a real diamond, he's not a problem horse other slightest, and spooking and accidents happen with...

Applecart, sorry didn't see your reply earlier. I wear a body protector EVERY time I ride. My mum made me promise (even though I'm a grown woman of 33!). I do ride with a friend and she is understanding about the fact I'm still a bit nervy, and always says it's fine if I want to turn...

atropa, that is good to hear, Im so glad you got your nerves under control. panic attacks on horseback are not something ever wish to experience. they are bad enough when you are on the ground! Owlie - thank you for your kind offer. I will see how we get on in the coming months, but I will bear...

Hi Atropa, those are some great ways to get back in the swing of things. I've already decided that if at any point I feel like I'm about to lose control I will dismount if I can. I've been told mixed things about doing this - like that you have more control from the saddle and that its bad to...

Dapplegrey - that sounds terrifying...but you give really good advice. I'll try some transitions while out hacking and give him a chance to remind me how awesome he is :) Glamourdol - These days I don't do anything in the school unless I have a particular aspect that I need help with - like...

Hi Becks, thanks, a big sigh eh? it's worth a shot! I'll have a look at the horseconfidence website that you recommended. I refuse to let this silly worry ruin our rides out because its not fair on this lovely boy, or on me! Annaagain - oh god! the sight of other horses ahead turns my insides...