bit of a scaredy cat...

[pistolpete]

Long story short, have not ridden my horse since the 29th October. Weather permitting I am getting back on board tomorrow. I was injured first, fell off another horse! Then he was lame, but hopefully we are now both fit! Best hints and tips to control my nerves and his excitement! He is normally a gent, and is now totally unfit so won't be doing much but...

 

[nicelittle]

Just go for it. Start with something small and not scary, like a non exciting short hack, think about how much you love riding. And as my non-horsey mother says, 'Feel the fear and do it anyway!'

 

[flirtygerty]

If I am over excited for whatever reason, I sing to myself, sometimes out loud if I'm hacking alone, you think about the song and your breathing calms, hence horse is also calm, my 31yr old daughter on a horse for the first time in many years sang nursery songs to our big ginger thing, came back totally relaxed with a big grin

 

[zenasman]

If it was me I'd ride out in company, or do a half hour schooling session before going on a solo hack. To prevent you from feeling scared or nervous in future you need to have a successful ride, that is one where you felt perfectly happy and relaxed. Then you can tell yourself 'I have done this before and it all went well, so it'll be fine this time too'.

 

[Lollypop82]

I agree with zenasman. I had a few years off from riding and my first time back was half hour in the school, second time was spent whizzing round the xc course

 

[pistolpete]

Thanks for replies. I did wait til someone could come with me, we don't have a school so had to go straight out. Well, why was I worried? He was a complete star. So pleased. Just need to get us both fit again now!