Annagain
Well-Known Member
As most of you know, I’ve had a rough couple of years. I sold Charlie after keeping him probably a year too long, during which time my confidence took a bit of a battering. I then got Wiggy who started to restore it but before I could make too much progress, managed to slip a disc which meant 10 months of barely any riding, it was just too painful. I got back in the saddle properly last October and despite Wig being a total star I’ve had to start from scratch again confidence wise. We’re getting there but the one thing I haven’t done for nearly 2 years is hack solo.
Before Charlie, it was the sort of thing I never even thought about but since one particularly hairy outing with him, I’ve built it up in my head into a big scary monster. I did a few short 15-20 minute circular rides when I first had Wiggy but then hurt my back. By the time I was riding again we had moved and even though our hacking is better, we don’t have a very short circular route, the shortest is about 40 minutes. Because Charlie's issue was napping, I don't want to turn around to come home as I don't want that to be a thing for Wig. Unlike the jumping, where my sharer has been doing a bit, he hasn’t hacked out alone in that time either as my sharer is deaf in her right ear so can’t hear traffic and doesn’t feel safe alone.
This winter has given me every excuse not to do it (too wet, too windy, he’s lost several shoes in the mud in the field, Archie’s needed more attention this winter so has taken more of my time etc) and a lovely indoor school is really inviting instead. Also, most of us at the yard get into a routine at weekends where we go up early, ride and then muck out etc so there’s nearly always someone to ride with. Yesterday, however, I decided I was doing it.
I was stupidly nervous but Wig was a total star. After 10 minutes I even started to enjoy it. No matter how worried I am about something, it never seems to affect him. He has enough confidence for the two of us and that really gives me confidence.
We only walked but as we made the turn to go the short way home, he really started walking out. For a split second, I had a slightly panicky moment but then I calmed myself down and reminded myself he’s not Charlie and he's such a sweetheart, there’s no way he’d trot without being asked to, let alone go any quicker. He even stood for me to take a photo, and enjoy the view. We're lucky to have these views on our doorstep. I’m even luckier to have found him though. He's absolutely perfect for me.
Before Charlie, it was the sort of thing I never even thought about but since one particularly hairy outing with him, I’ve built it up in my head into a big scary monster. I did a few short 15-20 minute circular rides when I first had Wiggy but then hurt my back. By the time I was riding again we had moved and even though our hacking is better, we don’t have a very short circular route, the shortest is about 40 minutes. Because Charlie's issue was napping, I don't want to turn around to come home as I don't want that to be a thing for Wig. Unlike the jumping, where my sharer has been doing a bit, he hasn’t hacked out alone in that time either as my sharer is deaf in her right ear so can’t hear traffic and doesn’t feel safe alone.
This winter has given me every excuse not to do it (too wet, too windy, he’s lost several shoes in the mud in the field, Archie’s needed more attention this winter so has taken more of my time etc) and a lovely indoor school is really inviting instead. Also, most of us at the yard get into a routine at weekends where we go up early, ride and then muck out etc so there’s nearly always someone to ride with. Yesterday, however, I decided I was doing it.
I was stupidly nervous but Wig was a total star. After 10 minutes I even started to enjoy it. No matter how worried I am about something, it never seems to affect him. He has enough confidence for the two of us and that really gives me confidence.
We only walked but as we made the turn to go the short way home, he really started walking out. For a split second, I had a slightly panicky moment but then I calmed myself down and reminded myself he’s not Charlie and he's such a sweetheart, there’s no way he’d trot without being asked to, let alone go any quicker. He even stood for me to take a photo, and enjoy the view. We're lucky to have these views on our doorstep. I’m even luckier to have found him though. He's absolutely perfect for me.
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