No confidence...

[express_75]

I had another fall off my horse on Thursday night, it happened during my lesson. She spooked at a banner, which had become a bit loose in the wind and as i looked at it and thought "sh!t", so did she and went from 0-60 and bolted straight for the exit! I couldn't pulled her up and was lucky to end up with a grazed lower back as i was flung onto the post & rail. I got back on and just walked & trotted around the "safe" end of the school. I went for a hack the next evening & with every snort or slight noise from her i could feel my heart leaping. I was fine on the way back. I went with someone who is really chatty and this helped me relax.

Now, my problem is that im too scared to go past that banner. Im sick of being such a chicken and my instructor must be getting cheesed off with me being so worried about the banners.

I know my mare is young & must sense my nerves (had a bad fall in the school in June. Ended up in hospital for a week)

Help! It's a vicious circle and i don't know what to do to get my confidence up.

 

[xnaughtybutnicex]

Sing a little song as your going around lol sounds silly but will slow your breathing and help you stop think about it or think about what your going to have for dinner.

 

[Dutch]

Hi

Firstly, thanks for posting here, it can be very difficult to admit when we lose our confidence especially when other's don't understand.

With your horse I would get a massive banner and hang it on the wall in the stable, and one in the field too. She will soon get used to them and become much better. Walk her past the banners in the arena (with you onboard) and I would also lunge her in the arena if you are allowed to before you ride. It will take the edge off her and you have a lunge whip to keep her going forwards.

I am sure things will be fine for you soon, don't give up. Just take things easy and don;t risk things happening again by being tougher on her. She MUST get used to it, simple as that.

Take care,

Diana

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

I find singing helps me stop tensing up. Admittedly my "one, two, three, four, please Hovis keep your feet on the floor" candance probably isn't the most inspiring but its does work!

 

[oofadoofa]

Have you tried using a calmer for your horse if she is spooky? I know it seems like a bit of a cop out, but they can make such a difference and if she stops spooking, you will soon get your confidence back x

 

[express_75]

Thanks all.
Great advice as usual.

The singing is a good idea & i do try but sometimes my mind goes into red alert & i only think about the banner!! I know, i know! Just what im not supposed to think about but i can't help it.

It makes me frustrated cos she's been in large show rings & passed all manner of spooky things & not batted an eye lid!

I hate feeling like this. Can anyone recommend a good calmer? Did try her on naf magic but i don't think it was brill.

 

[oofadoofa]

I think the Top Spec calmer is supposed to work well and I have used Supercalm on my boy. Another thought, have you tried lunging her at that end of the arena? Just an idea.

 

[express_75]

I plan on lunging down the unspooky end first then, when she's walmed up and listening to me, i'll take her down the far end.

Thanks, i think i'll try the topspec calmer.