An introduction

chased

chased

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27 May 2009
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Hi,


Hopefully I'm posting this in the correct area. I've been a lurker here on or off for some time but thought I should say Hello and introduce myself. I own two mares both bay 9 year olds. Maisie is a 16.3hh ISH (although totally TB in spirit) and Minnie my 16hh retired race pony.

I'm in my mid twenties and work in finance (BORING)

I would like to ask a favour, I had a nasty fall a little while ago....I fell on my head and gave myself concussion, cuts and bruises etc and also managed to knock a big dent in my confidence. I'd always been fine and would happily school and hack by myself. I've fallen off before, got up and got back on.

Now I get so anxious whenever I finally do convince myself to ride - every-time since both girls have been normally behave and fine but I would just like to ask for any opinions, hints or tips to allow me to get over that initial "ahhh no I can't"

I miss schooling regularly and would like to compete again (which has gone down the pan since my accident) so any advice on what has worked for you is gratefully received....
 
Time.

You can try all sorts of cofidence boosting stuff, but ultimately it takes time. I suggest riding every day, if need be just a few minutes at walk, even on the lead rein at first.

Good luck :)
 
Hi, I'm a newbie too :)
When I was younger I had some pretty horrible accidents and found getting back on so easy. But now in recent years I struggle to get confident after a fall quickly. Last summer I broke my ankle and have only now become completely comfortable jumping again, it has taken time, going back to smaller heights and also riding a schoolmaster to get my confidence back. I borrowed my friends incredible horse a few weeks ago for a competition and since riding him I'm now totally confident in my jumping again.
Maybe try riding out with someone? That way they can spur you on so you can't talk yourself out of it.
Hope you find something that works for you, good luck :)
 
Hi, sorry to read you have lost your confidence, it can be a difficult thing to overcome.

Have you someone who can be on the ground whilst you ride, can you use a school area and have some lessons. Small regular sessions do help, but better still if you can have some else around. I found being in a confined safe space helped me in the past.
 
When I bought my horse last year, the first two times I rode her I came off. She was a green newly backed youngster and I was too novice for her, but with the help of my family and the great staff at my yard we worked through this and now 18 months later we are competing at Prelim dressage and are looking to move to Novice level.
Here is my advice:
Have someone with you when you ride.
Keep it short to begin with. 10 minutes is OK so long as it is a good 10 minutes. If you feel up to it try a little trot, but otherwise keep it to walk.
Just build on this. Make the sessions longer. Do more with the horse as you feel up to it.
It doesn't matter if it takes you 6 months to canter or jump or whatever, so long as every day you end on a good note.
Good luck!

EDIT: Also, if you have an indoor school use it as there are fewer distractions for the horse.
 
It isn't just you that this has happened to, if that helps! When I have a wobble (all too frequently!) I have lessons with a lovely instructor. The presence of someone else is a comfort, bur also being forced to concentrate on what you are doing riding-wise leaves less space for worrying.

Along with that do whatever you feel comfortable with and only push yourself in little steps to do a bit more. Right now I guess you need to have lots of good experiences to start to build your confidence back up. Take your time.
 
Thanks for all of your advice - I really appreciate it and it definitely does help me knowing that others have faced similar problems and beaten them :)

I'm going to do as you've all suggested - little and often - keep it positive - don't over face myself.

I'll keep you all posted!
 
Great advise from Grazen, set yourself manageable goals and plan these prior to getting to the yard.
When I first got my boy who was trained to 'get on & go' he wouldn't stand still for me to mount and jumping on from all angles then finding my stirrups as he bounced off in his own direction knocked my confidence, if I tried to halt him he'd almost break my nose head tossing in frustration. So I walked him in hand and asked him to rest at the mounting block giving him rubs, then did this tacked up until he realised I wasn't asking anything of him, often only tacking him up to practice this, getting on and off with lots of reward for the right thing. Felt like we were going backwards at the time but I'm glad I dealt with it, so even if you set a goal of walking 20 metre circles, figures on eights or trotting large for 5 circuits have a vision, stick to it and get off feeling proud, confident and accomplished and if something doesn't go to plan, forget about that task for another day, go home, re-think what you asked, how you asked, external factors and always finish doing something you can do, whether that's a step of beautiful rein back or moving the shoulders or the hindquarters - all very important jigsaw pieces to the bigger picture.
I read above, lead rein and having someone on the ground - both give huge confidence boosts.
Good luck and have a fun 2014 back in the saddle! x

http://geegeeandme.blogspot.co.uk/
 
Just got back from the yard - rode Minnie - who was a gem as usual.

Kept it short and sweet 15 mins of pootling about in the arena.

Man friend was on the ground on stand by but I managed to get on, in arena and finish on a good note.

Feeling great relief and happiness. That mare of mine has always been good and hopefully I can just trust that again over time!

Thanks guys! Off loading to you all has really helped :)
 
I understand the need for testing under lab conditions, and as others have confirmed believe that these ponies have been well looked after and look to be in better condition than many going through the autumn/winter sales.

However, somewhere there is a breeder of welsh ponies selling them at three months, which is young to separate them.
 
Had another little session last night on Minnie - windy school and all!

She was an angel and I made it last a little longer than when I rode the other day.

Still had someone in school on ground but not walking near me just within school ( mostly reading football page of BBC sport on their phone)

Feeling happier about being on board!
 
Hello :)

I've had various confidence knocks over the years that have all now come together to result in me realising that my new (since may) horse, as absolutely lovely and sane as he is, isn't the one for me. I am now downgrading as it doesn't help that I feel a very long way up!

Never push yourself to do something that you don't feel happy with. Even if all you do is walk round the school for 5 minutes, that is an achievement! Take it slowly, and don't put yourself out of your comfort zone, especially if it's because others are pestering you to do more or go faster.

Good luck :)
 
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