I Fell Off

[mar2505]

I have just managed to fly through the air and fall off my horse. No big deal I hear you say except I have just got my confidence back to the extent that I can hack out on my own a short way and hack with others from my yard and even signed up for a riding holiday with my horse. He did nothing wrong just spooked however it is so unlike him to spook that I feel i am now back ten steps or more. Bless him he stood still and wondered how i got down there but my back if mangled and its a new hat job.
How can I STOP THIS RECKING MY CONFIDENCE?

 

[Befney3]

Not sure how to stop falling off having an impact on your confidence but ((hugs)) for the bad back & new hat. I seem to hit the deck fairly often & they're all silly falls due to stops, spooks & the fact that I'll get on anything nobody else wants to ride (nutjobs). I think you've just got to try & put it out of your mind & focus on all the posatives. If you feel you're doing well hacking out, etc then keep thinking about that. Good luck.

 

[Twilight]

Don't dwell on it. Confidence is all about how you see the world. If you constantly worry about what might happen or has happened then your confidence will dwindle. If you look at it as a learning experience and find a possitive side and then move on and ignore it then you are less likely to loose your confidence.

Also do you have lessons. You might find that a few lessons on improving your seat might help increase your confidence. Work on improving your core strength as the stronger your core is the better your balance and seat should become. And therefore you should (hopefully) feel more confident.

 

[madmav]

So sorry you fell - it is not fun falling 8ft through the air. But, there are positives - your horse didn't run off (which mine used to do - dangerous and meant a long walk home). And you're physically in one piece. My teacher keeps telling me the soft falls are good, they tell us most of the time it doesn't hurt... too much! Good luck with it.

 

[richjpeckham]

Helloooooooo

What level of rider are you? Actually it doesn't really matter, my Tb is a complete wally, spooks at his own shadow, etc. I flew off him at a trot caused by spooking at his own dollop and my edginess! Got my foot caught in a stirrup and ended up landing flat on my back, still twinges now a year later!!!!!

One thing he taught me though is that horses are far more receptive to us than even the most experienced rider remembers. If you're lacking confidence or edgy your horse will know and react accordingly (fleeing, spooking, napping, etc).

So, as hard as it seems you've gotta do as the others have said and concentrate on the pluses. But most importantly, even if you are bricking it, don't let your horse know! Soft hands and a very soft, relaxed back.

I'm naff at riding, do it all wrong, never had a lesson but I adore the darn beasties!!

Dont forget, it's all about fun, my farrier once said if you don't enjoy it theres no point! Good luck and crack on with it!!

 

[DidiR]

You can't "mend" your confidence, like you could perhaps other things.. but 2 things come to mind.. do you use a neckstrap? It can be useful to grab in a spook and save you falling off...

2nd do you wear a body protector? You may feel safer knowing you have one on, so that a fall shouldn't hurt so much? I know now having got used to jumping with one, if I ever go to jump without it, I think I am more likely to hurt myself if I come off.. whereas pre- body protector days, I only wore one in XC competition, and never gave it a thought.

 

[Tiffany]

Sorry to hear you've had a fall. I know it's easy to knock your confidence cos I've been there and got the T-Shirt! Having said that, just take one step at a time, concentrate on all the times you've ridden and not fallen off and think about why you fell off? Sounds like he didn't really do much so it's not that he's naughty! Maybe a few lessons with a good instructor to boost your confidence, improve your seat and develop your core strength. Sorry think that's already been said.

It's just a little setback, try not to dwell on it.

 

[AnnaJ]

I fell off Athena on Saturday afternoon. I'd just got my confidence back a little. I must admit when I was on the ground after falling off I just laughed, even though my bum cheeks were killing me!!! I did no more than got back on Athena and cantered her again! That's what I'm gonna do from now on just laugh every time I fall off! I think I'll be in a fit of giggles from now on then!!!!