How can I get the get up and go back?? Feel like giving up!

[mickey17]

Im sure that im not the only one out there but recently I just seem to have totally lost my get up and go. Firstly I just cant jump anymore, keep trying to go back to basics to regain confidence after nasty fall i had couple of years back , but find that I get really bored of that quickly but the minute i jump something bit bigger ( and thats not a big fence im talking 2ft!!!! ) Im a nervous wreck again. Anyway turned to dressage and started of doing quite well won or placed every time out, horse really coming together ready to affiliate then he went lame, since this I just cant get back into it, i've put on nearly a stone since not riding every day ( I think it was the getting up ap at 5am that was burning the kcals ) Now worried im to heavy for him, ( his 17hh dutch warmblood ive now gone up to 15st7lbs) Seems any excuse is stopping me riding. Love my horse dearly his my best friend but just cant seem to motorvaite myself. Im going to start diet and exercise tomorrow to try and get back in shape. Thinking about getting a sharer , put advert out but no replies!! Any suggestions on how to perk me up!! Any good diet plans!!!

 

[kerilli]

well, i hate to be an evangelist, but have a look at my post a few weeks ago about the Neris and India Idiot-Proof Diet. it's been a revelation to me. my heaviest was 11 stone 5, my dream target weight was 10 stone ish, i'm now about 9 stone 10 and still losing happily, and it's easy and gives you great energy. can't recommend highly enough tbh. i'm not the only HHOer who does the Pig2Twig (the alternative name for it)... pm me if you want more deets.
very best of luck with whatever you do, and with getting your mojo back.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

I think everyone goes through phases like this. I personally had a nasty fall whilst jumping almost 2 years ago and it completely wrecked my confidence. Since then I have only jumped twice (both times no bigger than 2ft) but still you would have thought I was jumping Puissance the way I was getting worked up! After a 6 month search I have found a new horse and we are now just getting to know each other but I do find myself getting frustrated by my lack of confidence sometimes and feel I am not progressing as fast as I want, even though my instructor says me and my mare make a good team and show potential

I think it is important to try to remember why you ride in the first place and focus on all the good things. I personally wouldn't say you were too heavy for your boy, and if he's okay to be ridden now I would definately get back in the saddle as I always find once I've gotten back into the swing of things I wanna keep riding, whereas when i'm not riding I tend to get lazy and feel like I can't be bothered.

Whatever you do, don't give up. You and your boy sound like you make a fab team and it would be a shame to give up now when you seem to be doing well in Dressage.

 

[mickey17]

Thanks for your positive reply!! Got a comp on bank holiday monday so gotta get on now , mickeys been sound for few weeks now he just pulled his shoulder while escaping out of his field!! Just dont think my breeches will fit!! In the middle of selling our house and got a promotion not long ago at work just think its all getting on top of me and i cant find any time!! Maybe now days are getting longer it maybe easier.

 

[lexiedhb]

I'll second everything that kerelli says about neris and india's idiot proof diet........I've lost 2.5 stone on it

Also am exactly the same weight as you now and my 17hh warmblood copes just fine with me!

 

[itsme123]

I should imagine a 17hh WB would carry you with ease.

I think sometimes there's alot of pressure to be doing 'something' with your horse, wether it be SJ, dressage, showing etc. When in reality we have horses because we love them, and don't 'need' to actually 'do' anything. Whilst life's stressful atm why not take some time out and just allow you both to chill, do lots of hacking and have fun.

I can't recommend any diets but can say that being able to go to the yard, tack up and go for a nice quiet hack without worrying about competing can often be the key to happiness. You can always go back in for competing in a few months time, when things are more settled.

It's March, everyone feels crap in March...

 

[AnnaandStella]

Second Charlie - this is a miserable time of year where it tries to con us that summer's just around the corner and then next day it's galeforce storms/snow!!!

I'm sure you'll get your confidence back, it's just tough to get back on the horse.
Maybe spend some time "bonding" (god that sounds naff) with lots of grooming & a bit of loose jumping? Or if you want to risk looking like a nutjob, perhaps you could go for walkies, too?

Also, find a good instructor who pushes you just enough because when you realise that you CAN jump 2 1/2' rather than the 2' you're doing at the moment, you'll feel relief then PRIDE and that's what you need.

Also, you're fine!!! Not at all heavy for a 17hh warmblood. Horses are strong, they can carry weight & you will be lighter to carry than a 13 stone novice.

Good luck.
Let us know how you get on!

 

[zigzag]

I am the same, I have put on wieght since selling my horse

I have the use of my friends horse but most of the time I can't be bothered

I am getting so stressed with uni work that I feel guilty, and then I feel guilty cos I am getting too fat and feel lazy and fat

 

[Grumpy Herbert]

I posted something very similar to this a few days ago. You're not alone!

It's just the general hassle of it all sometimes. If someone would drive me to the yard, tack my horse up, wait while I rode then take him and untack him I would be fine!

I rode yesterday whilst in a "can't be a*sed" frame of mind and actually had a nice time. I think you've just got to get on with it. It'll soon be spring and things will seem a whole lot better!

 

[mickey17]

Got up this morning full of joys of dieting and riding!!Then got call from estate agents that someone is coming to view house, 4 hours later ( having cleaned house head to toe, shreaded enough paperwork to keep your pet hamster in bedding fo a year ) and eaten a m&s easter egg the last thing i feel like doing is riding!!! Havent even made it to yard yet ( luckily got someone to turn out for me!! ) Now its raining. Bring on the summer ( but not one like last year ) and a buyer for this house! Thanks for support on weight verses size of horsey i will get on tomorrow, more i ride the more i should lose!