First time in saddle since fall - scared

[Niddlynoo]

My injuries have healed and I can walk OK now. A friend of mine has booked me a lesson at an approved school to try and help regain my confidence from my disastrous new horse episode of 6 weeks ago. In short, a horse I bought as 'quiet and easy in all ways' bolted the second I got on and I was knocked unconcious. He did the same to my instructor and wouldnt tolerate anybody getting on him so he had to be returned to the vendor
Would it be too wimpy to explain what has happened and ask to go slowly, or shall I let them set the pace? I have not been to a riding school for donkeys years (had lessons on my own horse a few times) so am very 'green' when it comes to schooling!
Wish me luck

 

[blood_magik]

I would explain that you've had a bad fall and that you want to take it easy.
i would see how far they go - you can always tell them when its too much but remember that if they push you too much you may lose your confidence even more.

good luck

 

[skydancer]

My horse bolted with me ( long story) so i decided to go to the local riding school explained the situation to them and they were brilliant. Just explain to them how you feel and they will decide the best horse for you to ride and before you know it you will be jumping back on anything Good Luck!

 

[nessiehhorse]

I know how you feel - I went through a similar experience and in 30+ years of riding it was the one fall which made me think about giving up. Thanks to my caring and understanding instructor I started riding again. She put no pressure on me but when ever she had a horse which was a plod I would get a call "come over, if all you do is sit on plod and wander round school in walk thats fine" This when on for several weeks and my confidence slowly grew until I rode the horse I now have. We both knew I had started to turn the corner when I sarted to evaluate the horse rather than worry when I was going to start eating dirt.

Be honest with your instructor, and yourself - you will still get shaky days even when you think you are over it. Take as long as you need and I hope that day comes for you to.