I got on - for about 10 mins!

kinnygirl1

kinnygirl1

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 September 2011
Messages
1,525
Visit site
Thank to all who replied on my bronked off thread last night! It meant a lot to me and got some really good advice for me to think about.

I got on Stanley this morning, though I felt sick at the thought. 2 friends walked me round, then one rode him for me, then I got back on and had a little trot. Then big pats and got off whilst was feeling safe and relatively happy. I think building confidence is going to be a work in progress but at least its a start I guess.

I know its hardly ground breaking but just thought I would let you all know.

Ps- got some very impressive bruises from yesterday's fall!
 
Good on you - that 10 mins is the equivalent of doing a point to point for some riders. Just keep taking fairy steps forward and build your confidence as you are. It will get better, and I think you are right to persevere.
 
Well done, Really really impressed.
A horse I was loaning with view to buy bucked me off unexpectedly on the road and there was not a hope in hell i'd have ever got back on so admire you for this x
 
Thanks everyone for your kind words. There is something about him that makes me want to believe it was just a one off(OK two off!) and that we can get back to where we were last summer- and that is the only reason I got back on.
 
I read the post but don't remember replying.

Good for you for getting on.
:D
A horse I had on full loan threw me off so much, knocked my confidence so much. After he had a few months off due to illness I thought I'd just get on ans get off just to build the confidence. I didn't even get my right foot in the stirrup before he bronked me off :( never got back on him after that and sent him home. :( iv never really got past it and nerves go mad every time I get on a new horse.

You should be so proud of yourself xx
 
serena2005 said:
I read the post but don't remember replying.

Good for you for getting on.
:D
A horse I had on full loan threw me off so much, knocked my confidence so much. After he had a few months off due to illness I thought I'd just get on ans get off just to build the confidence. I didn't even get my right foot in the stirrup before he bronked me off :( never got back on him after that and sent him home. :( iv never really got past it and nerves go mad every time I get on a new horse.

You should be so proud of yourself xx
Click to expand...

Thank you so much - I was literally shaking as I was tacking up but gave myself a good talking to and friends were really helpful by walking round the school with me. Sorry for your experience - sounds really scary- I don't blame you for sending back. If mine was on loan and not actually mine would have been sorely tempted to do the same thing. :)
 
Very well done, I'm not a confident rider these days, seem to have lost it gradually as I got older and started a family, so I know exactly how you feel.

Had a nasty fall off my boy last year, have owned him for 7 years and still don't really know what happened as I was knocked out cold and cannot remember the actual incident, just the aftermath (ambulance, brain scan etc).

Felt terrified about getting back on, but gritted my teeth and just took little steps, walked everywhere for a while and gradually built up. We're now back to doing everything, though I still get the jitters occasionally, especially when he's feeling a bit fresh!
Just take it slow and don't get rushed into doing more than you feel ready for, I'm sure you will get there in the end. :)
 
Well done you! It's another nice calm day tomorrow so perfect weather for a 15 minute ride.

In the past when I've had the jitters I did find that Bachs Rescue Remedy worked really well to calm the nerves (you can get it in Boots or Health Food Stores). 4 drops on your tongue about 1 hour before you ride and 4 more half an hour later.

Gin & tonic works just as well :D
 
Well done ! I know how hard it is. I took a crashing fall off my new coblet on Tuesday and also have some impressive bruises plus a very sore and badly bruised chest wall. I am dreading getting back on him again, especially because he is very sensitive and really picks up on my nerves and how I am feeling, so I very much admire you x
 
Thanks everyone for being so supportive- believe me I felt anything but brave and was actually a little tearful-silly I know. But having said that I am glad I did it. Good luck to all of you also battling your nerves at the mo who shared your stories. It does help to know others understand too.

Tammy- I love the idea of G and T :D if only I didn't have to drive to the yard, would down a bottle of it! lol x
 
Well done you! :) Small steps is all you need to build your confidence up... If there are some other people that can help excercise your boy while you are still feeling a bit like this then I think this would help you. Most (if not all) of us have had a bad/really bad experience at some point. :rolleyes: I think it's how we deal with it that matters. Remember your nerves are just your brain saying it doesn't want to fall off again!....sensible brain! :rolleyes: By trying to flood your mind with the positive experiences :) it will struggle more and more to hold onto the bad ones......especially when the good experiences outweigh the bad. I have used some of this technique (NLP) myself as I suffered terrible nerves when jumping later in life and needed to get round a course of jumps to take my instructors exam. I literally shook with fear when first faced with the jumps I knew I would have to get over in a few months time :eek: but every night as I was going to sleep I pictured myself flying over the jumps a la John & Milton style :D. Exam was passed first time! :D

I am also a great believer in working your horse from the ground to help develope a bond and trust - lunging, long reining etc. Maybe next time the gardeners are out you could choose ground work enabling you to reassure your boy - its a lot easier when you're on the ground not wracked with nerves! - and have a carrot or 2 in your pocket always helps! :) Also working your horse with another sensible horse in the school will help you both on a day when confidence is an issue. Horses take such a lot of comfort from a friend being there - even someone they don't like!

Good Luck and keep going!!!! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top