Newbie with a question

Girlychu

Girlychu

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7 October 2010
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Hi. :D Ive been lurking for a wee while and found the topics interesting and very helpful. Any ideas in response to my question would be most welcome :).

Ive been riding on/off for about 7 years and I have a cracking cob. Sadly about 3 years ago I had an accident which really dented my confidence. For the past year or so I have been having lessons with a cracking, understanding instructor who always leaves me with 'homework'. My question is though I have confidence with my instructor - I can pop wee jumps, canter etc but I cant do this when Im on my own - I make up excuses not to try . My yard is the best but very quite so most days its just me.

So heres my question does anyone have any ideas which will help me to become confident and do my 'homework' . Sorry if this sounds daft but at one time I never thought I would ride my boy again.

Many thanks :)
 
Hello!

You're doing the right thing, with what you're doing. Its not the best idea to jump, or push yourself out of your comfort zone if you[re alone on a quiet yard anyway really.

Is there a local riding club that you could join? They would do group lessons etc throughout the winter, and you'd probably find that everyone has the same issues at some level! There would be a lot more nervous people than you think, and at all different levels...
Good luck.
 
Is there someone who could ride with you? They could ride at the same time as you and then jump the jumps first and you can follow, depending on your horses temperment obviously!

School over poles raised at one end or get some of those polepod things and use them to include them into your schooling sessions

Anyone who you feel can give you confidence while jumping would also be handy to have around as they can encourage you and stop you backing out of it :)

Don't feel any pressure to jump maybe put out some poles between jump wings and trot over them then raise one side and go over it again, followed by putting the other side up so its level.

If you are nervous about jumping on your own, wear a body protector (if you don't already) and have a neck strap on hand - as both can help you to feel more confident :)

6 Years ago, I completely lost my confidence and wouldn't sit on a horse for 6 months, but since then I have jumped 2'9" & 3", it might take a long time but your confidence will return eventually :) PM me if you have any questions :)
 
Thakyou for your replies. My yard is very quiet - and its the best - but Im a student taking some time off and during the day its just me. So nobody to shout at me :(

I have thought about joining a RC it would be a really good way to make friends and prehaps meet fowlks like me who have no confidence :D
 
Well done for getting back on. Confidence does come back, promise :)

Could you start really small, like walking over a pole, then a pole that's raised a tiny bit, then trotting over? Maybe over a couple of sessions. Or only cantering for three strides, then four etc.
 
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