new horse

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fabulous_fi

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Hey everyone,

I am a newbie and have got a new horse. A gorgeous skewbald 16hh and a gentle boy. However I get totally panicky when riding him and so far can only walk when on him. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips how I can stop being so scared when riding him...I just feel out my depth. But yet on the riding schools horses I feel fine, even when I tried him out I felt confident on him. I don't get why I am now doubting myself. Has anyone else gone through this?

Fi
 
hi yes im going thro the same at minute on my 16hh mare i have a 14.3 steady cob who im fine on i just keep telling myself that im riding her in a hope to combat my nerves shes not naughty just bigger and faster than my cob iv been picturing me cantering on my cob when am out with her it does seem to be helping a bit as i know what im doing its just a nerve thing gotta be something do do with getting older lol
 
Hi Fi, I got a new horse in October and feel a bit out of my depth too. She is a 16.2hh 7yr ISH and I am a rusty happy hacker! So far I have only walked and trotted her (though I cantered when testing her) and although I am braver than I thought, I am a little bit nervous about progressing - especially when it comes to cantering on hacks as I'm worrying that I won't be able to stop her.

Can you afford to have some lessons on him? When the weather picks up, I am going to go back to basics and have some simple lessons on Belle so that we can both get used to each other. Hopefully once I've got the hang of her paces in the school, I'll be able to move on with the hacking too.

Good luck with it - he sounds lovely.
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You will see from the many wonderful replies to various posts that there are alot of us about with confidence issues, myself included, I have had my pony for a month and am terrified to get on her! So, read all the positive suggestions people have made and don't be afraid to ask for help
 
hey guys,

yeah he's my first horse and I can afford some lessons. Its so wierd I am worried but maybe its a trust thing. He is fairly responsive so I like the fact I don't have to keep kicking away to get him moving. I wish I had some pics to put on here so you can see. He is 7yrs old and an irish cob. Thats why I bought him as I like cobs. He has a big stride and is so much faster...obviously as he has bigger legs!
 
Been there! i had a long gap from riding, i just had my youngsters and wanted to ride again. Bought a TB mare and it took me a good 2 months before i felt brave enough to leave the field with her and another month before i hacked her out with a friend! i used to physically shake and felt ill before i got on her, everything was new to her and she would walk around about 15 foot tall! she never did anything but i was terrified! i bought some pax and i tried rescue remedy spray (made me feel better!!) now 8 months on i take her everywhere on my own
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You will soon get your confidence up, baby steps!
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It takes time to build up a bond with a new horse, I'm going through the same thing
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I'm only walking and trotting mine atm too, as she went a bit loopy in canter. Don't worry about taking it slowly. My instructor is fab, so definately get some lessons if you can
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Your defo not alone! I suffer quite badly from nerves too. I get so worried before I ride and I really have nothing to worry about! It's very much the 'what ifs' that get the better of me.

Personally I have to ride regularly, the longer I leave it the more nervous I am. So I try to ride quite often and soon I find I'm not worrying about it so much.

Would defo have lessons, the right instructor will push you enough to progress without making you feel uncomfortable or worried.

I always worry about how I'm riding my own horse, I can quite happily ride my friends horse who did three huge spooks and laugh about it but don't like my own horse just looking at something!

All the best with your ned, like they said above - positive thoughts, baby steps and before you know it you'll be cantering out on a hack!

Keep us updated.
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Thanks everyone!

It is definately the what ifs that freak me out...what is that all about? I just thought 10 mins walking about the school every night just so he gets used to me and I get to trust him we will be fine.

I used to be terrified to go in the stable with any horse but he has already helped me with that and he is a very gentle forgiving boy. Gosh it was sooooooo easy when you arrived for your lesson, the horse was tacked up and after your hour stint you handed the horse back lol

I will post up some pics once i upload them from my phone.
 
you will get there it is so so much different having your own. I would just keep doing what you are and at the end of each ride just push things a tiny bit more.

Also put a long flash strap between the D rings on your saddle and hook your thumb through it everytime you get nervous, this has helped lots of people including me!! In fact I too have a new horse (3 months) and badly broke my ankle last year then had a nasty experience with a new horse so totally lost my confidence.
New lad is great although he is a little frisky I still feel safe on him (most of the time) and when I don't I hook my thumb thro the strap and wahoo I feel safe again.
 
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