Experienced but loss of confidence

Chestnutmare

Chestnutmare

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I am an experienced rider and horse person, but I just cant get over or pull myself together properly since I had a nasty fall end of last year, I used to be such a confident rider and wouldnt mind getting on any horse.

I only trusted my old boy, but now he has gone I am looking at other horses to part loan/share, I saw one today lovely dales, he has trates of my boy that was weird, he tried me out in school, spooking at nothing....OK not a problem, my boy used to spook at his own shadow, never really bothered me...this didnt bother me today either.

We then went onto a bit of grass next to school for more work, as the school was quite dusty and deep, he was looking to left of left rein alot...? I asked for small trot...excellent hard work but i got one, but as i went to ask for canter I felt as though he was going to bugger off.....but he didnt do anything.....think it was more me being daft.....

I am getting really irritated by this now as i know deep down i am a confident rider and can ride!!! handling of horse's really isnt an issue and never has been, just since i had that fall i have lost so much confidence, i am trying to be calm and not to worry about anything.

How can I overcome this daft situation....
 
I'd say go back to lessons for a bit with a good instructor.

I know exactly how you feel and it's awful isn't it not being the rider you used to be :( However, I'd be very very careful part loaning or riding other peoples personal horses whilst still feeling and riding like this, with the risk of it transferring to them and affecting their schooling and causing problems, leaving you with an angry owner....only a thought! :)
 
I agree with Binky01. I'd find a good local RS and go and have some lessons to build up your confidence again - it won't take long. Lunge lessons are very good as well as they improve your seat making you feel more secure and therefore more confident all round.
 
I understand how you feel. I fell off my boy twice in the first month I had him but the scariest one was in the riding paddock as he tanked off, jumped a small fence and I lost a stirrup which made him go faster and he did a 90 degree turn and I went out the window.

Gaining your confidence will take time so don't be too hard on yourself. We all go through a confidence crisis at some stage, I just think it's better to learn and work through it while you can than stop riding completely because of it!

I've now started singing when riding and focusing on relaxing my body when I ride as my boy will relax once I have. I also hack out more with others now whereas I used to hack out alot on my own.

Good luck x
 
Ride a kick along type horse no frils just a solid type, will do wonders for your confidence however finding one may not be easy. I am touch wood very confident with my two but had lost confidence in the past by falls and over horsing myself. I found that doing ground work, lots of grooming and being around them on the ground also helps tremendously. If I was loaning I would like to spend some time around the horse first before even getting in the saddle. Baby steps and yes singing is great, my tune is The grand old duke of york la la la. Also riding out with a very confident thoughtful rider helps. Good luck
 
Find the right horse!
I was just the same as you, very confident and not bothered by anything a horse did until I had a couple of really bad falls off a warmblood I bought.

To cut a long story short, I tried lots of horses after I sold the warmblood but didnt feel confident and as soon as the horse tried it on I would just freeze and sit there doing nothing instead of sorting the situation as soon as it arose.

Finally found the right one and knew as soon as as I sat on her she was the one and was soon back to doing some BSJA and some little ODE's which I never thought I would ever do again.

Don't beat yourself up about it, your confidence will return, maybe not as it used to be but finding the right horse will so make a difference.

Don't give up, I nearly did on so many occasions and I am so glad I didn't.

I don't know where you are based but you are more than welcome to come and have a sit on my wonderful girl :-)
Edited to say just noticed you are "Down South" so maybe not so near!
 
My favourite songs are a mix of rolling down a river (if that's the name!) and that rolling rolling rock you as my boy loves rolling...sad I know but he did nod once when I asked if he approved..! ;)
 
Oh , I'm so glad I'm not the only one who sings !
Last week on a farm ride with my girl who found it all rather exciting I treated her to a rendition of the Janis Joplin song " Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz " (don't know the title )

I also had quite a fall last year , when she bucked and bucked in canter and then bolted , I went out the side door and she legged it home ( thankfully we were in our own fields )

I could kick myself for being such a wimp , but keep working at it . I also went for lessons , which helped
 
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