Focusing on the negative....

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EmmaJaneWilliams

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I went to a clinic last week which went well and I did feel that I made a clear progression however the thing I keep coming back to is a negative comment that the instructor made. How can I get passed this and focus on the positive things we did achieve.....???
 
Now there is a question!

What kind of clinic was it?

Now I’m going to use my own XC clinic from yesterday, what I keep thinking about is that feeling I got when I flew over a massive brush fence! I am trying not to think of the feeling that I got hitting the ground after the massive ditch! It’s very hard, positive thinking!
 
It was a Showjumping clinic, the horse really hasn't done much and we were in a group with some very good horses and riders.

I did gain alot from the clinic and my horse jumped fences bigger then she has done before, so all in all I was really pleased but keep coming back to ''your horse doesn't alot of natural talent'' - Which is probably correct but I can't afford a ten thousand pound eventer but she isn't completely useless either!!
 
I would book some lessons on an individual basis. The problem with clinics is that not everyone is going to be the same standard, and the instructor may make some flippant comment that he/she doesn't think about - but you are left dwelling on it! If you were on a one-to one basis that comment probably wouldn't be made, or if it was, you may have the confidence to ask what exercises the instructor would suggest to help improve the horses way of going. I prefer to save my pennies and have an individual lesson and get all the instructor's attention purely on me and my horse!
 
I agree with Monkeymad

A couple of other things to throw in (not having seen you, I can't say anything for sure, so these are just possible ideas):

1. Could it be that maybe your horse doesn't have the same natural ability that some are said to but actually you've done the work on him anyway to get him jumping well so maybe actually there's a compliment in there for you???

2. Could it be that the instructor was just making sure you are being realistic about how far you may get with your horse in the future? (for example, I've had a talk with the instructor I use about how far I might get with my lad, who'se got the heart of a lion but at the end of the day every horse does have its limitations and it is important to recognise these)

.... of course it could also just be an entirely throw away comment from the instructor that wasn't well thought through and which in hindsight they might take back. At the end of the day, if you're happy with your horse, that's the main thing.
 
Thanks monkeymad I think you are right, I have regular one-to-one dressage lesson and always come away feeling great and that I have achieved loads. I think I will need to do the same with jumping, I struggle to get jumping instruction which is why I thought the clinic would be good and it was but need to focus on getting even better.
 
You are totally right Kelpie, I understand that she will never go and jump around a 4 star event or win the foxhunters title and even if she could not sure I would! I would be happy with some double clears at Intro and maybe if I get brave enough PN!

There is another clinic in Sept so I have until then to improve and make a statement.
 
i wouldn't worry i do the same thing :) i'm quite a negative person really...i can ride really well for 19 fences of a course but i will dwell and dwell on the one i screwed up- its humna nature :eek:
to put a spin on it if your horse doesn't have natural talent that others have its a credit to you...if the horse is talented then its easy to jump them, especially over bigger fences, if they aren't a natural then IMHO it takes a much better rider...:D
but having said that it might be worth trying a different trainer...i never come away from my trainer feeling the slightest bit negative...
 
Make a list, put all the positive stuff at the top, the negative at the bottom. Tear off the the negative bit, screw it up and throw it away. Keep the positive list to remind you what a great day you had with your horse. Simples :)
 
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