ahh terrified!

[TarantuLove]

Im riding my horse soon for the first time in nearly a year due to me having an injury and then him having an injury! At first I was ridiculously excited but now my nerves are really setting in - he can be a tricky character to ride! Any words of wisdom?!

 

[millreef]

Wear all appropriate safety gear and gloves - should give you more confidence. Remember too that they can sense if you're scared so just smile and think of England! Good luck and you'll be great I'm sure.

 

[sherbet]

Sing to yourself or just talk rubbish I told my girl all the names of the flowers we saw and what I had to buy in tesco any thing to make you breath

Set small goals eg im going to ride from A to C stop and take a deep breath or between a lampost and drain if out hacking

Small steps, then reward your horse with treats after a brillant ride and yourself with a nice cold coke of couse!!

 

[Pebbles]

Yes I'm a fan of singing to keep you breathing and reassuring for the horse!!
Good luck, bet you will be soooo happy after the first time back aboard

 

[Merrymoles]

Totally agree with the singing - I had a wobbly moment last week and gave the horse 10 minutes of the Archers theme and it did help! Next time I rode him I was fine so look at it as temporary too.

 

[Tinseltoes]

I know how you feel.I take deep breaths before I get on and try to relax.Its horrible being nervous. Good luck and let me know how you get on!!!

 

[Fairy Dust]

Good luck, sure you will be fine! Maybe use a neck strap just in case.......and maybe a glass of wine before hand!!

 

[Honey08]

Ride out with another person on a plod that can babysit you both - no matter how confident you both were before.

I'm recently back on my mare after she had been at stud for a year, and I'd been injured. She was a very bold, confident mare, but was much spookier and more nervous at first.

Enjoy it. It will be wonderful. I was gurning like a good'un!

ps. The alcohol suggestion is a good one. I have coffee with a splash of baileys rather than milk at nervous times!!

 

[TarantuLove]

thanks guys

 

[Tinsel Town]

keep breathing and keep your first session short and simple

 

[Tinsel Town]

Good luck, sure you will be fine! Maybe use a neck strap just in case.......and maybe a glass of wine before hand!!

also like this piece of advice! haha!

 

[TarantuLove]

haha wine makes me sleepy! i dont think he'd appreciate me falling asleep on his back!!

 

[Tilda]

oooh how exciting I had to do exactly the same earlier in the year I'd had months off following an accident and then she'd gone lame. I'm afraid I was a bit too nervous so got YM to ride her first then had a sit for 5 minutes and just a walk round the school, by ride 3 I was cantering around the school (YM had been riding her inbetween) and within 3 weeks jumping! Good luck and just remember to smile its meant to be fun

 

[TarantuLove]

thanks

 

[Janah]

I sing if I'm feeling nervous. Instant obedience and goodness from my boy to shut me up!

I also am just starting again after a year or so off, my hip, not my boy's fault. He is no different than when I rode every day, other than I am taking things very slowly for his sake. I am very, very lucky to have a very sensible boy.

Jane

 

[Apricot]

Talk or sing!! Really helps! Also a stirrup leather round the neck is good for boosting confidence, even if you don't actually use it!

When my old fat horse was younger he got a nasty injury under his elbow meaning that he couldn't have a girth on for a month or so, so I rode him bareback He was another tricky character (enjoyed his spinning and bucking) which was slightly terrifying, I have no idea why I thought it was a good idea Improved my seat a lot though...