Carianne
New User
For the past month I have been riding 3 times a week, 2x my new share and 1x lesson. I used to have regular lessons as a kid and have dipped in and out over the years but decided to take the plunge and stick at it this time. I don't want to compete, I just want to get competent in the saddle and have some grace and decorum when I'm riding (aka - not looking like a sack of potatoes sitting on a horse ?) .
However, I struggle with anxiety and I'm beginning to find that I am losing my confidence rather than gaining it. I had a bad lesson that triggered my anxiety a couple of weeks ago - my instructor appears to be getting frustrated with me but I'm doing everything they ask and asking questions if I don't understand something. He did say at the end of the lesson we should move onto jumping but I think this was more out of guilt for being rude with me a couple of times. I'm also very aware that I'm the only rider who uses a neck strap and body protector on the yard (for peace of mind more than anything) regardless of the activity. I also take over an hour to muck out and I'm beginning to get comments from other people about it all (nothing horrible! It just makes me feel like I'm being watched and judged).
I know these things take time and patience, but are there any exercises anyone can recommend to help improve my confidence? Tricks to build a relationship with the horse I am sharing and any homework to improve my seat and aids? Also any advice people can give me for handling a horse on the ground or etiquette that I should know? I'm beginning to feel like I'm not good enough and all I'm doing is being a nuisance to my sharer (who is the biggest help and sweetheart ever) and I'm making the horse miserable when I spend time with him so i have decided to be active about trying to improve rather than just hoping it'll all come together at some point.
Sorry for the rant.
TIA x
However, I struggle with anxiety and I'm beginning to find that I am losing my confidence rather than gaining it. I had a bad lesson that triggered my anxiety a couple of weeks ago - my instructor appears to be getting frustrated with me but I'm doing everything they ask and asking questions if I don't understand something. He did say at the end of the lesson we should move onto jumping but I think this was more out of guilt for being rude with me a couple of times. I'm also very aware that I'm the only rider who uses a neck strap and body protector on the yard (for peace of mind more than anything) regardless of the activity. I also take over an hour to muck out and I'm beginning to get comments from other people about it all (nothing horrible! It just makes me feel like I'm being watched and judged).
I know these things take time and patience, but are there any exercises anyone can recommend to help improve my confidence? Tricks to build a relationship with the horse I am sharing and any homework to improve my seat and aids? Also any advice people can give me for handling a horse on the ground or etiquette that I should know? I'm beginning to feel like I'm not good enough and all I'm doing is being a nuisance to my sharer (who is the biggest help and sweetheart ever) and I'm making the horse miserable when I spend time with him so i have decided to be active about trying to improve rather than just hoping it'll all come together at some point.
Sorry for the rant.
TIA x