nervous rider course?

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Evenstar

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Hi does anyone know of anywhere that runs a course where nervous riders can go with their horses to improve their confidence?
I had a pretty nasty series of falls that left me physically unable to ride for two months and then just too terrified to mount.
I love my pony and am really missing riding but every time I even THINK about mounting I literally break out in a cold sweat!!
I live in Yorkshire.
Thanks guys!
 
Well I rode again for the first time earlier tonight and she was as good as gold, even though I got my hubby to hold her while I got on - she just stood stock still while I mounted. (Despite prancing around like a loony when she realised we were heading for the mounting block and later snapping the baling twine she was tied to cos she didn't like the fly spray I was trying to spray on her! She seemed to know it was importnat to stand still while I was getting on!))
I just want someone (and I don't mind paying!) to help me build my confidence back up and explore what I can do with her.
 
That's absolutely great that you managed to get back on!

I was lucky enough when I lost my nerve to be able to go back to my normal instructor for help. Did you used to have lessons? Do you know any instructors that you trust?

I'm sorry, I've never heard of any place you could go to for this. Maybe find a riding stables that does residential courses? I'm sure if you told them what the problem was they'd be able to get someone suitable to instruct you.

Good luck!

Isabelle
 
I've been to hell and back with my nerves. I have been searching for something for years to 'cure' me!!! I did a clinic at Brooksby College although it wasn't one of there own. It was a FIZZ coaching clinic, i've seen them since advertising in mags. I have found that the best thing is positive friends, a fantastic (and very very patient) instructor and a book on Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) called Simple Steps to Riding by Liz Morrison. Im not there by any means with my riding but with help from all of the above im on my way. Im actually begining to enjoy hacking!
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One exercise i find good is when i get nervous i pretend im pippa funnel or zara phillips sounds daft but try it it works!!!!
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Good luck with it i wish you all the best. Please let me know how you get on.
 
Depends what the problems are, if you trust your horse and the accidents were just unfortunate and not caused by behavioural probs with the horse. Perhaps you could try taking the horse to somewhere like YRC near Harrogate and get them to do some private lessons with you.

Or find a really patient, sympathetic instructor who could do some work at the yard with you to build up your confidence and trust. Just take it slowly.

Where abouts in Yorkshire are you ?.

Good Luck
 
Good to hear that your ride went well. I've been though the same thing myself - horrible isn't it? Jo Copper helped me with TFT, combined with a spot of NLP. TFT is a bit of a strange therapy that that uses acupressure points and NLP is a psychological approach that addresses the way in which we experience and think about problems. It did wonders for me and helped me to very quickly enjoy my horse again
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Jo specialises in riders and rides herself which helps enormously. Her website is http://www.jo-cooper.com/ She can actually do the therapy over the phone very efficiently and she will refund your money if after a review it hasn't helped you. That was the deciding factor for me because I figured I had nothing to lose (and she didn't need to refund mine). It costs £145 (I think that is right) and that includes as many sessions as you need to deal with your problem. I believe she does some concessions for people on limited incomes.

There are testimonials on her website and I know they are genuine because I'm one of them
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Good luck with it
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I would try going to a good local riding school and have a few lessons with them, when you realise that you are paying to school some one elses horse, then you will be ready for your own.
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If you explain that you have become anxiouse on your own horse the instructor should be helpful. I would also suggest that you go for a group lesson, not an individual lesson.
 
TBH I`d go with private lessons on the lunge or whatever with a sympathetic instructor. If you are in a nervous group the nerves could get so much worse.
 
Suffolk is probably too far for you, but there is a lady called Caroline Putus from (I think) Enjoy Riding who is excellent with nervous riders and does offer residential courses. Not sure if you can take your own horse or not though.
 
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