Being Super brave

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Emily thorne

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HOW TO GET SUPER CONFIDENT?
I've had a bit of a bad time jumping my old pony, however I have recently brought a new one. I'm not always scared to jump, I'm fine with small courses.

However, I have brought a horse with the ability to jump big, and it is what I WANT to do aswell. However I'm scared. I have real confidence issues and would love to become super brave again.

I wouldn't say I'm scared of my new horse. She is lovely and doesn't put a foot wrong, ever. I think I'm just a little nervous of jumping In general, despite how much I really love it!!!

Has anyone got any advise that could help me, anything would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Edit
 
Perhaps get an instructor to help you? My jumping one took me from not jumping at all, falling off at 2.6ft to jumping a 1.10m quite happily. She just puts them up when I'm not looking! :) It is hard. Take it slowly and you should be jumping confidently soon! :)
 
I'd second Crazy's point - Sometimes you can use tips and tricks yourself; but it can be a huge confidence boost to have an understanding skilled instructor to be there to advise in the moment. A good one will also use tools that suit you and that adapt to your needs and situation.

You can, of course, pull through many things on your own, however instruction done right can greatly speed up the process and for something like this make it a lot safer too.
 
I think by having good instruction and regular confidence building sessions will boost your confidence and belief in your ability.

Why not set a goal for 6 months time. It is a skill that can be taught and the trust in your horse will grow the more you do, no quick fix but definitely achievable :)
 
I also think a good instructor is key to building confidence but don't forget that you and your horse are in a partnership, you need to have confidence in your horse and horse also needs to have confidence in you, so taking things slowly and not over facing yourself is important. Set yourself achievable targets and work with a good instructor and I'm sure you will build up your confidence.
 
CrazyEquestrian said:
Perhaps get an instructor to help you? My jumping one took me from not jumping at all, falling off at 2.6ft to jumping a 1.10m quite happily. She just puts them up when I'm not looking! :) It is hard. Take it slowly and you should be jumping confidently soon! :)
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Mine sneaks them up when my back's turned too, then tells me afterwards how big they are :)
I think the key is having someone who will push you just out of your comfort zone, but sympathetic enough not to push you too far, so you feel you've achieved something every time.
It's all about taking it slowly, pushing yourself but not too far and having the right instructor, good luck x
 
Definitely get an instructor. Mine is fantastic, have known him since I was 6 when he used to cover at the riding school, I liked him because he made us jump big bareback haha (would never be allowed to do that now !! )

I started having lessons with him again on my old mare who was unpredictable but very talented, I didn't quite trust her & he really got us together. 1 lesson he put an upright on a 20m circle & told me to keep my rhythm & just keep circling to it, I didn't realise at first but every time he put it up, ended up popping 1.30 quite happily!

he has worked wonders for me & my youngster too, he just seems to get my riding & how to bring out the best in me & the horses, plus I think he has faith in me (god knows why sometimes ! ) he still sneeks fences up then gleefully goes "that was novice height you know" one of these days I will refuse !

whereabouts are you based?
 
am in the exact same boat!

im trying out doing different clinics to find the right instructor and also looking to go for the ones who are aiming at building confidence.
 
Good instructor can make all the difference, I had a wobble jumping and stopped for a while, some friends helped me back to small jumps and then the marvellous Mrs R is growing our confidence and we're getting bigger and better ever time. Have been to a couple of clinics (1 x ror one, 1 non ror) and they too have been fab esp as I have grouped with like minded people. My friend is still helping by sneaking jumps up and egging me on but no one has ever pushed me too far and we've gone at our own pace. Me and the pony love it now rather than being a nervous nelly :D
 
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