Lost my nerve

[dwi]

I was just getting into hunting when i had a bad fall schooling a few weeks ago and I haven't been since. Its silly really because I wasn't hunting at the time but it reminds you how fragile you are and I'm not in the right mental place to take risks right now.

How, apart from a very large hip flask, do you get your hunting nerve back? Hunting is a bit all or nothing isn't it? If i go we're going to be galloping flat out across big open fields, its not like I can just canter along at the back taking a deep breath and thinking happy thoughts. I don't have any friends who hunt so i can't get someone to give me a lead.

I really want to go again, i went to a dressage today and it was nice but neither D nor I had half as much fun as we do hunting. she was a bit "was that it? I thought you'd put me in the box for a mad gallop"

 

[Maisy]

Isnt there a HHO member who you can go with?

I am lucky because my mare is exceptionally foot sure, 100% bombproof and breaks on voice command (90% of the time!), as well as the fact that the hunt I go with have very few jumps that arent optional (though I did surpass myself and do a few logs yesterday!!).

I wouldnt have the nerve to hunt over walls, hedges and whatever else stood in my way....

 

[dwi]

She's a fab little hunter but not 100% safe. I've had lots of people comment on how well behaved she is, she's certainly not one to canter sideways down roads but she does like a good old hooley across open fields. If I knew I definitely didn't have to jump I might be able to manage. Once i got going the adrenalin would kick in and I'd be well away, its just getting over the thought of doing something dangerous

 

[Gucci_b]

I had a fall while out hunting, going over a jump. I did'nt want to carry on, but i did with a quick stiff drink, and i'm glad i did. The fall put me off jumping anything again, and it's only now that i'm jumping.... but i have been out with the hunt. i think with any fall if you are able to get back on, you should stright away.

 

[dwi]

I had a fall while out hunting, going over a jump. I did'nt want to carry on, but i did with a quick stiff drink, and i'm glad i did. The fall put me off jumping anything again, and it's only now that i'm jumping.... but i have been out with the hunt. i think with any fall if you are able to get back on, you should stright away.

unfortunately I hit my eye as I fell, could not see out of that eye for three days and am still having some problems three weeks later. I'm back to riding everyday, got back on two days later. The nerve only started to go when the hospital consultant mentioned possible blindness when i finally went to get it seen to 6 days after the fall.Thankfully it seems to be healing but it does make you a bit jibbery.

 

[Irishcobs]

Is it you are nervous of taking Daisy or just the hunting part?
Could you hire/borrow a safe, quiet dobbin so you can get some confidence back?

 

[Gucci_b]

Glad things are better with your eye, when i fell i was lucky i did'nt fall onto the fix jump (horse over jumped) and the fall really shook me. It took me months to go over another jump, now when i go out with the hunt i won't jump "yet"... Take things slowly get some help on the ground and if you go hunting again hang back with a nanny. who do you hunt with??

 

[mrsew]

I'll look after you if you fancy going out with the Atherstone again. My boy is enthusiastic but sensible and as it's my 40th in three months (argggh....didn't realise it was that close) I am quite sensible too......like to jump but don't mind finding a way round if you're not sure (or if the jumps too big) :shocked:

 

[LindaW]

Readyfield have an OJD next week, seems to be a fair few from here going judging by the other thread, why not bob along there? (depending on where you are)

 

[LouBerry]

Hey,
It's horrible when you lose your nerve. I fell off my first time out couple of years back and it took me a good horse to work out that it can be fun and not terrifying. So i feel for you as it's horrible to feel like this.
Agree with Linda, if you're anywhere near Nottinghamshire why not pop out with the readyfield? Introduce yourself to a chap called fred, stick at the back and if you go on an OJD you literally really don't have to jump anything if you don't want to. If you do then there's some nicer little inviting fences.

 

[dwi]

thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm going to have a look at the meet cards to see one thats close in the next few weeks and go from there.

mrsew I'll pm you when i know when I'm going to see if you'll be there as well. Thanks for the offer, a friendly face saying "go on" will really help

 

[Vicki1986]

how about going and not jumping? stay at the back and take it easy?
I went out a few weeks ago and fell off over the FIRST jump !! - at a kids meet of all things !! and to be honest didnt want to jump the rest of the day, my friend said if i didnt pop atleast something, she would drag me out on the farm when we got home (i used to be very nervous indeed and its her that got my jumping in the first place so she knows she has to give me a boost sometimes) however as we went on with the day we went through some woodland and i had no choice but to jump pretty much so that did make me feel better. My confidence is a little knocked so at the end of the month we are going mock hunting, where i know the ground and jumps quite well and hopefully get myself back together. It sounds like you've had a bit of a knock so give yourself some time but not too much as it gets harder i think. Going with someone is definately a good idea, and a big hip flask! let us know how you get on good luck. hope your eye is better.