Man me up! Bloodhound ride on new horse

[Tobiano]

I need some starch put into me... desperately want to go out with the bloodhounds again this season, managed 1 meet (my first ever at the age of 50!) last year, but now have a new horse. He is a bit spooky and can buck. I have had him about 4 months. I can only manage 1 hound ride due to work commitments GRRR and I was going to take an experienced friend but she can't come that day.

So guys, man me up! Please give me some encouraging words to stiffen the sinew and get me out there. I do have an air jacket!!

 

[Jas123]

You'll just have to bite the bullet and go! Hip flask full of sloe gin will help...........

 

[Tobiano]

Thank you! I agree, but unfortunately have to drive the lorry home again!

 

[Bernster]

TBH I've tried a few things and can't say any of them have worked totally.

I don't drink a lot but I did try the port thing, yuk, had 2 glasses but by that time the fear and blood pressure was already up so didn't really make a difference.

The thing that made the most difference was actually hypnotherapy would you believe, although I only have one session last year. The next meet I was sailing over a load of stuff that I would have baulked at previously, so I'm a bit of a convert. Am now kicking myself as should have gone for a refresher session before the season starts, and I'm out on Sat. Eeep.

A related thing was positive mental attitude, which I think is part of the hypno, so saying to myself over and over that what I was feeling was excitement, not nerves and thinking about how much I enjoyed it and how good it would feel sailing over jumps (which is what was bothering me). Maybe have a look at some NLP type stuff or similar to get a positive mind set?

I realise all this sounds a bit new age and hippy, but it's def helped me. And I swapped port for sloe gin and lemonade, or baileys, which might have contributed too hehe.

TBH prob the biggest boost has been getting a horse who's so ballsy out hunting and xc that she makes up for my wimpiness. So having confidence and knowing you and nag are ready for it might go a long way.

Have fun !