Going down a level

[hellsdarkrose]

Following on from my post last week.

I spoke to my instructor after my lesson this week; which also didn't go very well I didnt think.

So i'm moving down to a more novice group for a week or two to see if I can regain my confidence.

I am taking a step backwards but hopefully it will help me move forwards as I will regain my confidence and hopefully improve my basics.

Has anyone done this before gone back to move forwards?

 

[Llwyncwn]

I didnt read your previous post but get the gist of it. My answer would be 'always'. We all have bad days and so do our neds and if you combine the two, it can leave you pretty disheartened.

With schooling I always start with basics. If my horse doesnt understand what Im asking then I stop and ask myself if my 'ask' was clear enough, what did I do wrong, where did I block her, etc.

With my riding, ahhhem, its like driving your car on a bad day when you cant seem to do anything right, stalling at the lights, hitting the kerb (you know the sort of thing). On a day like this I just give up trying and enjoy a quiet hack or just spend time with her on the ground, bath or mane pull etc.

Horses learn from repitition as do we. Dont get disheartened and try not to concentrate on too much at a time. Work to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

The more you do, the more your confidence and ability with grow

 

[Flibble]

Oh good for you. So many people would rather pamper their egos than take a step back.

You are taking exactly the right approach and have the right attitude to solving your problem.

 

[hellybelly6]

I did this once and it helped no end.

We all have bad hair days, bad driving days, bad everything days where nothing goes right.

Do not worry, its nothing to feel ashamed about and you are doing the right thing. It takes strength of character and determination to get things right to go and relearn.

Do not see it as going down a level, see it as consolidating and reestablishing what you already know.

 

[chillidragon]

I think this is excellent. It never hurts to review the basics, it will do wonders for your confidence, it'll take that worry away so that you can actually have fun for a change and it shows that you have a good attitude towards your own learning. I'm willing to bet that pride holds back more riders (and ruins more horses, and causes more accidents) than any other type of human stupidity. Good on you for being smarter than that.

 

[hellsdarkrose]

Thank you everyone for the reassuring comments.

I am really happy about taking a step down as my confidence has been knocked and I think I need to do it to progress.

I'm also going to see if they have any space for a private lesson or two.