Feeling deflated... Stuck in a rut :(

[Kat_Bath]

I need a moan and groan, so I apologise in advance.

Riding for me is my release. I've suffered from depression for so many years and riding is my me time and I really, reallly love it.

I ride at a farm near uni. It's a small riding school as well. They have lots of little ponies and a few big horses, whom of all are lovely but not quite right for me. I've been riding there two years and I'm now going into my third year of uni and riding there. I adore one of the boys, he's a massive heavy type and he's a doll but in my group now is quite a chunky girl so he suits her...

I just feel like I'm not going anywhere. I just had a lesson. It was alright. My OH asked 'only alright?' and I had to say yes, only.

I had a horse before I came to uni and I just want that freedom and quality back.

I'm wondering whether it's actually worth paying to ride where we are at the mo or not to bother. But on the other hand, riding is so so good to me but today I'm doubting that it's really helping because I feel a bit crap now...

I'm learning to drive at the moment so driving to a share isn't an option and I have tried busing to a pony but buses to rural areas around Bath are once an hour and it's not nice to bus after a ride anyway.

Just having a sulk. Have paid for 5 lessons now so 4 more to go. I'll review when the time comes...

Meh smeh.

Sorry x

Edited because I can't spell for toffee!!

 

[atot]

Achh everyone has down days whether they have their own horse or whether it was an awful lesson!

In the driving rain and biting wind when you are calling sodding pony over who is playing cat and mouse with you is when I run through my head "is it really worth it?" And it is!! Because the good times make it worth it....

as you say, riding really helps you, so don't give it up! Talk to your instructor about it, swapping groups may be what you need. If that doesn't work I'm sure there are other riding schools around the area that are easily accessable?

If you want to perhaps have a break from riding because you feel you aren't benefitting, then I recommend going on a riding holiday - they are 100s out there, I've been on some brilliant ones that are unforgettable. Definately worth saving up for during the uni holidays - look into it, I would.

Then you have something to look forward to - it definately got me through my early school days when I didn't have a horse of my own.

Chin up and smile if you can!

 

[oldvic]

Talk to the RS owner or the instructor and try to explain how you felt your lesson fell short of your expectations and what you ideally want from your ride to see if they can tackle it from another angle. The challenge of coming from a different direction may help them as well by giving them a fresh outlook. They can't guess that you want something different and if they can't offer it at least you tried.

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

We do all get these days where it really gets you down.
Once you have had your lesson why dont you book in for some hacks/trekking? Is this an option you would consider?

Then once you have passed your driving test you can look into a share perhaps.

 

[Kat_Bath]

Thank you for your replies.

I can't change groups because my timetable this year is so bus. Anothe rdiing school isn't an option as the nearest good one is a couple of towns away (Bath lacks a good riding school...). And because I ride with uni, I can't really argue.

Will talk to instructor and tell her as she's also quite good friend generally so I think she'd help out.

We do alternate hacking and schooling so once we get back into that routine, it'll be good.

I can't wait to pass my driving test

I am planning on going back to Dorset for a day or two at the end of November. I am taking my friend beach riding for her birthday and I'm bloody well going to gallop along the beach with her! I can't wait

Thanks again. Think I'm just a bit mehhh.

xx