Feeling nervous about trying a horse out.

PinkFairy

PinkFairy

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 August 2006
Messages
10,241
Location
kent
Visit site
I've been asked if I'd like to try out a horse next weekend for a potential share type arrangement - as I'm looking to get back to riding - but I'm wrestling with my confidence at the moment!

The horse sounds lovely but I'm worried about meeting another horse who will take the mick with me - how can I be more assertive and confident in the saddle?

Once I build a rapport with the horse, I'm fine, my anxiety goes and I feel much happier with myself, but I struggle with being a firm rider which means it's so easy for the horse to take advantage.

Any ideas?
 
If it was me, I'd be a tad cautious and ask to see it ridden first, unless you know the horse well of course.

Then its a matter of building relationship, plenty of ground work etc., and then when you're ready (and only then) you can hop on!

I'd be inclined to get someone to help you - you need a sympathetic instructor who can help you work through the issues and get the best out of the partnership.

Hope all goes well.
 
The owner will ride first, just to show me how he goes and then I'll be hopping on. I don't intend to do any whizzing around, a little walk and trot because if I do go for the horse, then in the first couple of weeks, I will probably stick to walk and trot until my confidence builds back up.
 
I remember your photos from when you started riding again, and you looked like you'd never been out of the saddle. you were jumping within a few weeks weren't you?

You will be fine! I second the getting an instructor out once a week for the first few weeks to help you find what buttons to push etc. That should build your confidence up loads.

Good luck!!
 
Yes, by the third week I was jumping (lol) but to be fair, the horse I rode then was a very laidback lad and his higher gears were hidden! Lol. :)

I'm going to go for it - I've waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to come along and I don't want to miss it!

Will keep you all up to speed. :)

P.S. Thanks for giving me a kick up the bum SomethingOrOther. :p
 
Could you have a proper but short lesson on the horse - I find that I'm a lot more confident with someone on the floor teaching me and that I'm more likely to have a canter and even a jump..

I was lucky that my instructor knew me and the horse I was trying so knew what buttons to press for both of us.

Good luck :)
 
If I see the horse and find that I like him, then I will have to chat with his owner about doing something like that really, but it does sound a good idea! :)
 
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

But remember, there is no pressure at any point. If you try him and like him, then just take it as it comes.

If you decide in a fortnight that actually he's not for you (i'm sure you won't) then it's better for both of you to leave it. But i'm sure you'l love him and have a fab time :)
 
Definitely have a lesson (or a few), a good instructor will be able to support you and make you less nervous.

Good luck :)
 
Thank you. If I like him when I view him and the owner is happy, then I would see about getting some lessons, definitely, as I think it would do wonders for my confidence as well as help me trust the horse. :)
 
I think confidence isn't an instant thing with a new horse, I know it isn't with me! I've started lessons again and I'm riding a lovely mare, but for the first few weeks, I was unsure of myself and her because I didn't know her or her personality. Now that I'm getting more in tune with her, my confidence has come through and my instructor can see that and it's making a real difference.

I think a few lessons on this lad (if you like him) will help you work out if you'll work together, and once you know what he's like, you can confidently keep control without worrying about what he might do :)
 
I totally agree. As I say, I will have to wait and see if we like each other when we meet as well as if his owner likes me too and whether lessons on him are possible.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. :)
 
PinkFairy said:
The owner will ride first, just to show me how he goes and then I'll be hopping on. I don't intend to do any whizzing around, a little walk and trot because if I do go for the horse, then in the first couple of weeks, I will probably stick to walk and trot until my confidence builds back up.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a good plan and get some lessons from a good instructor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top