Falling off

[AlwaysFallingOff]

Yes this is something I do a lot while jumping! Only jumping, I'm otherwise competent. I'm really starting to wonder if I should stop. I have the skills and a lovely horse, but if I don't commit to an oxer it can result in me jumping it without him. He's naturally cautious, and I guess the truth is so am I. In the show ring we're ok as I ride more positively and we're rarely out of the ribbons. We jump 70cm to 90cm. I can fire myself up to ride at 100% like I do in the ring but it takes so much mental determination. I'm not sure if it's fun. It's a strange place to be in as if I announce I'm giving up people will wonder why on earth I'd say that when outwardly we're successful. But four falls from silly stops in three months is giving me pause for thought. I'm 52. I know that falls come in clusters as one leads to the next through lack of confidence and commitment, but will it ever end and have I got the strength to get to the other side? Can anyone offer any reassurance. I do ride in a racesafe body protector and jockey skull and have had hypnotherapy and NLP.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I think probably only you can know if it's something you really enjoy doing, and therefore want to work through. It seems it's a bit more about what other people would think if you decided it's not really something you want to keep doing?

 

[Exasperated]

Well, there are plenty of other things you can do with horses than jump over obstacles!
And there are plenty of other ways to get injured with horses, than jumping.
If you aren’t enjoying it, do something else, at least for a time to see whether you actually miss it. If you genuinely believe that you require hypnotherapy and NLP in order to continue your jumping, that seems excessive, and personally I’d reconsider.

 

[smolmaus]

if I announce I'm giving up people will wonder why on earth I'd say that when outwardly we're successful.

Who cares what people wonder. Quit if you want. There's nobody holding a gun to your head!

Spoiler

if reading that made you a bit defensive, then you probably don't want to and should look into a sports psychologist!!!

 

[Foxford]

Are you doing anything off the horse to improve your balance and strength? I think anyone can improve their stickability with pilates/gym work etc.

 

[sarcasm_queen]

If you’re enjoying, keep going and get an instructor to assess.

If you’re not enjoying it then stop.

It’s meant to be fun.

 

[Alibear]

The day I quit jumping was also the day I won a. 1 day event. Came over xc finish line just thinking I’m glad that’s done rather woo-hoo. We’d had a good round I just didn’t get the enjoyment from it. It had been brewing for a while but when a cracking clear xc didn’t give me any form of buzz I knew I was done. Switched to dressage and loved it and then switched to western when I stopped loving dressage. There’s a lot of options out there.

ETA the mare I had at time was super capable but would stop if you didn’t place her right, or ditch you for it. So I can relate

 

[Wizpopagain]

NLP and hypnosis will only work if you really want change. They won’t make you want to change.

 

[gallopingby]

Quit jumping if you want to, plenty other things to do BUT a BP will give you some protection but not as much as an air vest so if you’re worried about falling off maybe see if you can borrowed one?

 

[dottylottie]

if you only enjoy it & feel confident competing, don’t bother jumping at home! stick to a level you’re happy with competing, or just take the pressure off and play over little jumps at home.

or, if it’s what you want to do, sod what anyone thinks and quit!

you don’t have to go all in on your decision, you’re allowed to simply take a break from it!