I have an eventer but I can't xc

Kokopelli

Kokopelli

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I've been fighting with nerves for about a couple of years and in open spaces I freeze up and cannot do anything. The thought of doing xc makes me sick if it was in an arena I'd be fine but the fact its in open spaces. :o

Some of you may know Andy he's a 14.2 TB and just built for eventing! He is so brave I don't think he would ever stop and his dressage is coming along. Show jumping he isn't a problem either, we may role a pole every now and again but who doesn't.

I absolutly love Andy even though I haven't had him too long, but I feel like he is more suited to the wrong discipline. I love show jumping and he would probably do pure show jumping but when he's so good at eventing why would I want to stop him doing that.

I do love eventing but I haven't got the nerves for it after loosing my bottle. I'd happily do it if I felt confident but after a horrible experience I don't think I'll ever be happy in open spaces.

What should I do?
Selling Andy isn't an option he is with me for life. Should I keep trying to overcome my nerves of xc and open spaces or just stick to show jumping?

Sorry probably a bit pointless but sometimes I feel like I'm holding him back
 
I used to find xc terrifying! My horses old owner and I were talking about that last year when she came to see us eventing. So you can get over it definately. A friend had some sports psychology sessions after a similar problem and said that really helped.
Do you hack? If so could you hack and then maybe go to a uk chasers course or something so there is no pressure?
Alternatively, I'm sure he wouldn't mind at all if he just sjs and does dressage!!
 
Nah, stop giving yourself a hard time! You sound like you have a super little horse who you love riding. Go show-jumping, do dressage and never mind what your horse 'should' be doing. Theres always indoor XC things, think of all the mud and wet you'll miss!
 
Its supposed to be fun!! So what that he's good at XC, he won't miss it if he doesn't go. Do what you enjoy and don't put yourself under pressure, enjoy your horse,
 
As long as your both happy, don't feel guilty.

If you can't get rid of the feeling, find someone (a friend or through a friend is a good way) who would do some xc sessions on him & let them compete him in a few events. Can give you huge thrill of pride seeeing your horse do well for someone else, after all, you have put in all the ground work. Will warn you though, you still get nervous, but not the physically sick bit thankfully.

Let a friend (pro event groom) take my advanced endurance pure bred arab xc. She had seen me jumping her on the lunge, & asked if she could have a go. One xc session later did a 2'9"-3' course on her. My only instruction was after the last do not kick, it's 1.5km long, she can canter fast for 80+km easily, she will not be tired! Went clear, I have fab photo, loved watching them & had brilliant day. Will say she took some stick in collecting ring for riding a pure bred arab (you do know it's jumping today don't you?), then the tack inspection, well she wears a white biothane synthetic bridle, white reins & green martingale. Inspector looked very down her nose at it but had to pass her as it is all in good condition & perfectly safe. Good to sock it to them by her clear & getting 6th on an optimum time. Friend did ask to do affiliated eventing on her (does a mean dressage test), but had to decline as too busy with her endurance work.
 
I lost my nerve XC after a nasty fall where I injured myself quite badly, now it is back to being one of my favourite things :)

If you could get an instructor that you trust, and that knows you and Andy well, to come XC schooling with you and coach you that might really help. They could help you with the specific issues that you have and get your confidence high again. I didn't really want to jump after my fall, but at the same time I did... my instructor was amazing and built my confidence up again, though it did take time.

On the other hand, the posters who have said that Andy doesn't care whether he does XC or not are right. He may enjoy it, but I bet he enjoys being loved and cared for by you a whole lot more. :)
 
pip6 said:
My only instruction was after the last do not kick, it's 1.5km long, she can canter fast for 80+km easily, she will not be tired! Went clear, I have fab photo, loved watching them & had brilliant day. Will say she took some stick in collecting ring for riding a pure bred arab (you do know it's jumping today don't you?)
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lol think that's an Arab thing - I watch people come over last fence and race for the finish - I just let go! But yes despite some funny looks in collecting ring there is nothing better than proving people wrong, my Arab went double clear at all 6 ODEs he did last season, two were BE. Starting at Aston again and hoping to maintain the record!
 
ecrozier said:
lol think that's an Arab thing - I watch people come over last fence and race for the finish - I just let go! But yes despite some funny looks in collecting ring there is nothing better than proving people wrong, my Arab went double clear at all 6 ODEs he did last season, two were BE. Starting at Aston again and hoping to maintain the record!
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Excellent!

You never know, may fancy a crack when her daughter gets a bit older. Will be coming to you for advice then please!
 
Enjoy your horse :) He seems like a good character, and over time you will probably gain confidence from him, which in turn might give you confidence to try some small XC fences when you feel ready.

A horse doesn't think "I am an eventer/dressager/showjumper" and thus feels unfulfilled, they think "I quite fancy a roll and some grass today!"
 
Thanks everyone, feel a lot happier now.

Hopefully I will get my confidence back I can now canter in the jump field and jump little jumps in there so doing baby steps.

Thats a good idea about getting someone else to event him if I really want him to do it.

Thank you :)
 
I seem to remember he's been there and done that, years ago? I'm sure he'd be perfectly happy just SJ. My TB LOVES xc but only gets to go occasionally - she's perfectly happy just SJ and hacking most of the time so the xc is just her bit of fun now and then. I think what they really love is the galloping tbh lol!

If you really worry you're depriving him, you could get a friend to take him occasionally and just watch and be proud of your boy? Maybe after watching him be good a few times you'll feel like you want to have a go?
 
Give yourself a break hun - you've only had him two minutes, so don't feel bad about being nervous about doing XC. By this time next year you may feel like things have changed and ready to have a go. It doewn't matter if you don't. As everyone say, it doesn't matter what you do with him.

Hey - you can do my SJ rounds (I'm one of those wierd people that are terrifed of SJ, but fine XC!) and I'll do your XC!
 
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