key things to help you keep your nerve...or seat

madalicedj

madalicedj

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 May 2010
Messages
361
Location
Farnham, Surrey. But from Scotland
www.ciclaimsuk.com
My horse is such a sweetie. I love him to bits. Now hes getting fitter hes enjoying how it feels. At times he has a wee fizz. :o
For example. Leaps forward ,lurch , prance and starts to bolt or spook. I just keep him moving forward till he settles and don't make a scene.
I however am not enjoying it. I am scared I will lose my nerve. :(I am holding off horrid memories of past experiences. No way would I want to go a road hack just now. I may seriously attack some moron for driving by in a stupid or fast way!!:mad:
I know as my riding improves I will gain confidence but it doesn't help all the time and I worry I wont handle things right and make things worse. His feed was reduced and hes not being nasty or bad for the sake of it It really just seems to be high spirits on occasion. I just don't want it to phase me. Teach him bad habits etc.
I am looking for a sharer to do road work with him so he gets better and some variety whilst I work on my end in school
Any tips ?:confused:
 
I have slightly similar problems, i have totally lost my nerve out of the yard as of yesterday, and only have a field to ride in which is impossible at the moment. Felt down all day, i love riding and don't want to lose all hope of keeping at it, sorry not much help but just letting you know you're not alone
 
In the same boat aswell, I've always been a bit nervy out hacking after being bolted with but recently I've been worse then normal.

By the sounds of it your doing everything right, just ignoring it and keep riding through. Due to the thaw we've had a mini bit of spring grass and I think all the horses are feeling a bit well. Perhaps lunge before you ride to get that extra fizz of then get ona nd ride? :)
 
if i think i'm going to get messed around i always feel better with longer stirrups, makes me feel more secure in the saddle and helps relax my legs. feel i have better stickability!
 
ah yes i own a loon too and also found myself about to get off at one point! of course i didnt, i sat it and like you just ignored her and kept her going forward although trying not to take out two walkers! i'm used to the naughty ones but, she did go a bit too far for my liking! first ride of the new year and i was thrown off! but i have changed her feed and given her more hay than hard feed to keep the weight on and shes now settled :)

i know none of that was any use to you lol, just wanted you to let you know your not alone!!!
 
Sarah_horsey said:
I have slightly similar problems, i have totally lost my nerve out of the yard as of yesterday, and only have a field to ride in which is impossible at the moment. Felt down all day, i love riding and don't want to lose all hope of keeping at it, sorry not much help but just letting you know you're not alone
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Hang in there I know its hard Remember the smallest good thing riding can put us on a high I guess it works in reverse hugs
 
snap - im exactly the same after this horrid weather, not riding in ages straight back to square one
I rely on my instrucotr and not stressing, if i dont feel like riding him between my weekly lessons i dont - i lunge
Last week i had a fabulous lesson, ive just refuse to stress about it, sit deep and firm, be ready for any spooks
Good luck - baby steps!!!
 
Kokopelli said:
In the same boat aswell, I've always been a bit nervy out hacking after being bolted with but recently I've been worse then normal.

By the sounds of it your doing everything right, just ignoring it and keep riding through. Due to the thaw we've had a mini bit of spring grass and I think all the horses are feeling a bit well. Perhaps lunge before you ride to get that extra fizz of then get ona nd ride? :)
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So many horse seem as if the wind is up under their tails recently We are all suffering :)
 
narkymare said:
snap - im exactly the same after this horrid weather, not riding in ages straight back to square one
I rely on my instrucotr and not stressing, if i dont feel like riding him between my weekly lessons i dont - i lunge
Last week i had a fabulous lesson, ive just refuse to stress about it, sit deep and firm, be ready for any spooks
Good luck - baby steps!!!
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His schooling did get a little out of step and snow keeping him cooped up didnt help But thanks :)
 
am3l1a said:
ah yes i own a loon too and also found myself about to get off at one point! of course i didnt, i sat it and like you just ignored her and kept her going forward although trying not to take out two walkers! i'm used to the naughty ones but, she did go a bit too far for my liking! first ride of the new year and i was thrown off! but i have changed her feed and given her more hay than hard feed to keep the weight on and shes now settled :)

i know none of that was any use to you lol, just wanted you to let you know your not alone!!!
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Thats it he isnt a loon Im scared of him becoming one or even having a blip :eek: then Id have to be a real rider !and act like I knew what I was doing:rolleyes: Thanks for reply though
 
Depending on where you hands are on your horse either a breast plate or a flash strap fastened between the D rings on the saddle can give you loads of confidence, you only have to tuck your thumb thro it to feel safe

I find shortening stirrups better than lengthening them otherwise you lose them too easily
 
Just to add to the 'longer stirrups' idea- when my TB was being particularly hyperactive (dressage lesson in a flat 2 acre field on an exracer= good fun :rolleyes: ), my instructor suggested longer stirrups, especially as I ride quite short, but I didn't feel it helped at first as I felt I was 'reaching' for them. She gave me some simple exercises- basic stuff, ankle rolls, hip rolls, leg stretches of various sorts, to do in walk and I was pleasantly surprised at how much deeper in the saddle I felt I was sitting- suddenly my stirrups felt way too short and I felt loads more effective and capable of sitting spooks etc with my newly lengthened stirrups!

Not sure if it's worth a go for you, but if you're feeling tense/worried about what horse will do, you may be 'perching' a bit without realising!

Also, remember to breathe! :D
Good luck :)

ETS- must say though that although I generally find longer stirrups are better for me for spooking and 'sharpness', I find shorter stirrups better for lots of bucking, as then I can get up out of the saddle in a light seat and push him forwards. Just to confuse things! ;) Guess it's whatever works for you really!
 
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laugh about it
you stayed on the horse had a little moment but nothing bad happened and get your self something to hold on to for next time
 
ye the stirrup thing is a funny one as in theory i should feel more secure with shorter stirrups, but, longer works better for me in a sticky situ. whtever you feel better with really!
 
MissTyc said:
I find a neckstrap very useful on a boisterous horse. I wasn't sure about it when first started using one, but now I won't go without!
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Me too! I always put mine on if Dylan.If heis throwing a tantrum I can hold on to it push him forwards knowing I'm not fussing about with his head If I get tense.
I always find having a lesson can boost your confidence no end :)
 
My horse is exactly the same and it terrifies me. I'm constantly worries he's going to ping and don't trust my seat.

I find a martingale helps as can hang onto it and keeps my hands still. Automatic reaction when they do something is to pull back on reins, espically if you feel insecure, so holding something just allows me to sit quiet until he decides to chill again.
 
I think there all feeling a tad fresh at the moment, my TB is particularly nutty! i just talk to her and when she stops or tries anything on i keep her moving forwards, pushing her on gives her something else to think about so she really doesn't have chance to buck/rear do a dance of joy!!

I feel your nerves!
 
I'm in the same boat. I had an accident at the end of last year and ever since little things can unerve me. The bird has started to buck / bunny hop at times and i have found a little trick that works for me is to repeat outloud

Heals down..... Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh
Heals down......Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh
heals down......Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh

I give her a bit of a squeeze and move her forward.

It helps with my balance and calms my breathing which in the end relaxes me
 
bushbaby28 said:
My horse is exactly the same and it terrifies me. I'm constantly worries he's going to ping and don't trust my seat.

I find a martingale helps as can hang onto it and keeps my hands still. Automatic reaction when they do something is to pull back on reins, espically if you feel insecure, so holding something just allows me to sit quiet until he decides to chill again.
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not helped that my YM has just txt saying hes been flying about field for 20min n maybe I should turn him away for a wk to chill
You right its not just a horse. I lay awake last nite my partner sleeping just staring into the dark worried about what to do. If i turn him away i feel im not dealing with it or mayb we both need a wee wks hol
 
dappyness said:
I'm in the same boat. I had an accident at the end of last year and ever since little things can unerve me. The bird has started to buck / bunny hop at times and i have found a little trick that works for me is to repeat outloud

Heals down..... Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh
Heals down......Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh
heals down......Head up..... and Breeeaaattthhhhh

I give her a bit of a squeeze and move her forward.

It helps with my balance and calms my breathing which in the end relaxes me
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Sounds good I will give it a try
 
Having lost my nerve hacking and jumping in the past, the key thing that helped me through it was having someone I could trust there to tell me what to do and that it was all fine.

There is light at the end of the tunnel so don't despair. I went hunting on Friday for the first time, jumped fences when I'd not intended to jump and got well and truly p'd off with. Not once did I think I was going to come off. My biggest fear was galloping into the other horses and annoying people. With a stronger bit, I'd love to go again. All notwithstanding having spent all morning in the loo. Three years ago I'd have laughed at you if you'd suggested I went hunting on my horse.

So, find a good and trusted foot soldier, who believes in you, and be patient. Bore yourself - stick to things you know you can do until you're desperate to go a step further. And trust you'll get there in the end.
 
I agree with the suggestions made above. But just wanted to say, you are doing everything right just sitting and riding through it. Give yourself a break, you sound like a conscientious person. No-one is perfect, so try the tips and keep doing what you;ve been doing. You will get through this and increase your confidence. I always think of that silly mantra 'keep calm and carry on' and also sing to my boy of he's being silly.
 
I know how you feel as my mare seems to be full of it at the moment. We have spooks and spins an her thing at the minute when she gets on grass is leaping and bucking. I have a balance strap on my saddle which I get a hold of so she can't pull her head right down. I need a huge hill so I can give her a good gallop up it to tire her out :)
 
Lotty said:
I know how you feel as my mare seems to be full of it at the moment. We have spooks and spins an her thing at the minute when she gets on grass is leaping and bucking. I have a balance strap on my saddle which I get a hold of so she can't pull her head right down. I need a huge hill so I can give her a good gallop up it to tire her out :)
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I would need a huge LONG hill. My bf (who knows nothing about horses, rolls eyes) Suggested why don't I take him a run lol oh the silly boy. I really am not sure he would pull up before he broke lol and I cant be bothered putting different bits etc in just for a run. But oh how useful hills are :D
 
paddy said:
Having lost my nerve hacking and jumping in the past, the key thing that helped me through it was having someone I could trust there to tell me what to do and that it was all fine.

There is light at the end of the tunnel so don't despair. I went hunting on Friday for the first time, jumped fences when I'd not intended to jump and got well and truly p'd off with. Not once did I think I was going to come off. My biggest fear was galloping into the other horses and annoying people. With a stronger bit, I'd love to go again. All notwithstanding having spent all morning in the loo. Three years ago I'd have laughed at you if you'd suggested I went hunting on my horse.

So, find a good and trusted foot soldier, who believes in you, and be patient. Bore yourself - stick to things you know you can do until you're desperate to go a step further. And trust you'll get there in the end.
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Thanks my last horse who I only had for a very short time managed to get me popping a tini jump You are right. I will hang in there although hopefully not literally :rolleyes:
 
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