Ever think you're a crap rider and don't deserve your horse??

I'm complete crap and I'm sure my horse could do something half-decent with somebody else. However, I still feel as though I deserve her because I love her and try to take good care of her. :)

She's never exactly well presented and I always seem to look a mess when riding. Can't sit up straight it seems, feet all over the shop, wouldn't know where to start with any sort of competition. Gave up having lessons when she bucked me off. We do hardly anything so hoss is also not particularly fit looking either.

Sooooo, you're not the only one.
 
I'm crap and also do not have a horse. Dread to think what would gappen if I did! OP - you don't sound like you're bad at riding and caring for your horse. You sound like you've been unlucky with the weather!
 
Yes! I am overweight. Coupled with that I have a slipped disc and find cantering a huge problem some days as it aggravates it even with pain killers. Sometimes I sit funny to relieve the pain in my back, and if its bad when I'm jumping alter my position which makes me look a total novice rider as my legs stick out and I don't fold properly. Last week every canter stride my horse took sent shockwaves down my back and it hurt like hell and I had tears in my eyes. I think sometimes I tense myself up with the pain and that makes it ten times worse.

Someone said something recently about my position which really hurt my feelings (they didn't know they had) and its made me really self concious and I worry about my leg position, having always worried about it since my old instructor used to scream at me "MISS ANNE ON THE BIG BAY - GET THAT LOWER LEG BACK".

But at the end of the day all I want to do is go out and compete, its what I live for, and I don't think about what I look like then, all I concentrate on is getting over the fences. Sod everyone else. If people think they can do better get on my horse I say, and show me. You tell people that and its amazing how they clam up and come out with every excuse under the sun not to ride themselves :) :)
 
Oh god, always! But I've had to stop myself thinking about how amazing he could be with a better rider and think about how far we've come. When I git him he'd freak out constantly, catapault me onto the deck frequently (or try to) and could barely trot without falling down. Now he hacks beautifully on at least 1 route, is polite, responsive, can do Spanish walk (ish) and most importantly is shiny, happy and healthy and is always excited to do new stuff and play new games. Lessons have helped my confidence when I have faltered. He is the most cheerful horse I have ever met so hopefully that means I'm doing something to deserve him.

And applecart, I have a slipped disc too, you have my full sympathy.
 
Definitely, I don't think it matters how good or bad you are everyone has times when it's just crap - my daughter has talent, her horse has talent - but even last week at the BSJA comp she had a totally crap day - wonderful in the warmup but got into the arena and crap, crap, crap.

At the end of it she was in tears, the horse looked sorry for itself, everything was going to be sold and she was never going to ride again -

Today, she's sitting in the lounge polishing tack and gear for all she is worth to get ready for a lesson this afternoon with people she has never met before at a new ponyclub. (PS she's 20 and not some tantrum performing teenager - well sometimes but there you go)

So you're far from being alone - and anyone who says they never have a crap day is lying through their teeth.
 
All the time I wonder what he would be capable of with rider that could do him justice. Yes I compete him and do lots with him but I would really like to see what he could do with a decent rider.
 
I KNOW I'm a crap rider....BUT I never think I don't deserve my horses...I waited too long and work too hard to get them, keep them, care for them and love them...to the best of my ability, no matter how limited that is sometimes...if I'm really struggling with them I get help...I also ask utterly numb questions as frequently as I need to, cos no one was born knowing everything...there's too many people out there who'll put you down to make themselves feel better, no need to add to that by doing it to yourself!!!!
Hope you enjoy your lesson OP and get what you need from it x
 
The people who don't deserve their horses are the ones who don't arrange farrier/vet/ dentist visits, who over/under-feed, over/under-rug, who allow their horses to be bad-mannered, or beat the ***** out of them, not those who leave them outside in a bit of rain (QB) or, OP, don't ride as often or as well as they would like.
The vast majority of horses just want enough suitable food, shelter from the worst elements, appropriate company and if they have to be ridden, a sympathetic rider, they couldn't care less about competing or schooling.
 
In all honesty no. Of course there are times I have bad days, but that's all they are, no point crying over spilt milk. And when I've found something difficult or seem to be getting no where it just makes me all the more determined to get it right & look for ways to improve. I'm not going to beat myself up about things I can't change, like bad weather or lack of an arena or transport.
I think it does help that I'm a confident person in life generally anyway, if there is something to be learnt from a negative comment I'll seek to learn from it but I don't get upset by it. I'm very stubborn so even the worst things just make me fight to prove them wrong.
 
Need to ditto virtually all of the above posts and in answer to your original question: Yes! But agree with Mariposa if the horse is happy, cared for and loved what else matters? :)
 
I am aspiring to be a happy hacker, I have spent years ferrying daughter and various beasts to the local shows and whilst it was great to watch her compete I would never want to do that for myself. There is no sin in not competing or not having a taxing training schedule, or turning away the horse when your life is especially busy, they don't care about that I am sure.
 
Yes:o I have a beautiful mare who is so talented and I am so not talented.
I am lucky, in that my lovely friend rides her so she does get lots of proper work.
If there was a theory test on how to ride, I would pass it with flying colours, but once I am actually on the horse all said knowledge seems to disappear from my tiny mind:D

That said, I would like to think that I do a good job of looking after her, she wants for nothing:)

JFTD get out of here:D You have some amazing times with your pony:)
 
Well, bit of an update guys, had a lesson yesterday and it was really good, felt ok as it was a totally strange horse, we worked a lot on transitions and slowing and collecting the horse without hauling on his mouth, just using seat and leg so that was good as I quite often end up just getting tanked around on madam. Gave me some really good starting points and things I can do out hacking as well. Feeling much more positive and have even sent away for a schedule for a local show! Just thinking I could even just potter into the tack and turnout class or something for starters!!

I'm so glad I'm not alone though :D
 
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