pep talk please!!

Chestnuttymare

Chestnuttymare

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11 February 2006
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I had an accident 3 weeks ago where my mare had a big flaky and deposited me, my gob connected with one of her feet and had my front teeth broken. (fixed now due to my genius dentist)
The reason for the explosion was that due to ground conditions she hadn't been in the field, only the hard standing, her stable and a roll in the school, she hadn't been ridden for 5 days due to a shoe problem. I knew i shouldn't be riding even when i was getting on but stupidly, didn't listen to that inner voice.
Anyhoo, she went in the field today, i planned to give her a chill day today and get back on tomorrow, but am now feeling sick with nerves at the thought of getting back on.
We had been hacking all winter without a problem, yeah a bit more fresh than the summer but all was fine.
I am seriiously thinking of just jacking it!!!
Oh, can't lunge first due to spavins/arthritis.

All kicks up the backside gratefully received!
 
chestnuttymare said:
Oh, can't lunge first due to spavins/arthritis.
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You can lunge a horse with spavins. Excessive lungeing wouldn't be great but 15 minutes before you get on as a one off is not going to do any harm whatsoever.

You know the reason you had problems and you've dealt with it so you'll be fine, but still give her a quick spin on the lunge first just to double prove to yourself she's not in an explosive mood. :)
 
Flame_ said:
You can lunge a horse with spavins. Excessive lungeing wouldn't be great but 15 minutes before you get on as a one off is not going to do any harm whatsoever.

You know the reason you had problems and you've dealt with it so you'll be fine, but still give her a quick spin on the lunge first just to double prove to yourself she's not in an explosive mood. :)
Click to expand...

^^ this :) Even 5 minutes on the lunge would do the job - a couple of circles either way - let's face it, they go whizzing and spinning around in the field of their own accord anyway.

Sure you'll be fine - the circumstances are totally different now and I bet she will be much more chilled. Is there someone that can walk out with you?
 
go to boots and get yourself some rescue remedy and take that before you leave for the yard and just before you tack up - It works for me...

Then stick your mare on the lunge for a few minutes! It will do her no harm at all once in a blue moon!! EVEN with spavins.
 
Can you long rein? - that could be another idea.

If you are still nervous when you get on could you ask someone to lead you for a short while?

I'm sure you'll be fine! Let us know how you get on?
 
Can you make sure there is someone around for when you do get on board, just having someone knocking about (they don't have to be watching) will help with your nerves.

Try to focus on how good your mare can be, rather than what happened 3 weeks ago, either lunge or walk her around to get a feel for how she's feeling, a couple of minutes even just walking her around the school at your shoulder can build that bond again and restore the faith in your mare...sounds daft but it does.

Listen to upbeat music while your on the way to the yard in your car, your favourite tune to get you in the mood and feeling confident and brave....Eye of Tiger...what ever floats your boat!

Stick a BP on, the more safe you feel the more confident you will feel.

You'll be fine :)
 
Thanks guys, i will give her a wee lunge then first and a walk round the arena in hand. then ride her quietly round. The thing is once I am on I am sure the nerves will go. It is just the whole thought of it. I know I am just being stupid.
My friend will be there with her mare and that is who we hack with all the time.
She is a good girl, she was just full of pent up energy at the time and I should have known better.
 
I know how you feel, I had 6 weeks off riding with a broken arm in the autumn, also due to me riding my horse when he was feeling TOO lively!
I was shaking with fear when I was ready to mount up and it took me so many attempts to get on, he must have known I was terrified and wouldn't stand still. But once I was on, I was amazed how I had forgotten just how good it felt to be riding my horse, and my nerves gradually melted away because I was so happy to be riding again.
My brilliantly supportive friend accompanied me out on a slow hack and the horses were great. Mine seemed relieved to have me riding him again, as he had been so bored!
Good luck, I know how nervous you must be but once you're on you will feel better, I promise. I think it's the initial getting on bit that's the scariest!!!!
Let us know how you do!
 
Kick up the butt from me :p

Not really - just go at the pace you need to. You are probably right that things will be fine once you are onboard, but confidence is a fragile thing. Don't be too hard on yourself for being worried. Madge bucked me off on the road once (the one and only bad thing she has ever done) and it took me ages to be able to hack past the spot without gripping on for dear life, which never helps exactly!

Oh top tip is wear a neck strap (on the horse, obv:rolleyes:!). Since I started riding the baby horse, they have become my security blanket. If you get nervous, you can just gently tuck your fingers around it, and immediately feel braver again!

I'd offer to come with you, but frankly my ginger beast would worry you far more than be of assistance, the nutter :p

Best of luck!
 
Thanks everyone, it will all be fine, i just need to get a grip and get on with it. Brooke is a fabby horse and would never intentionally try to hurt me. I need to trust her and get out and start enjoying life again.
Now-loves-mares thanks, i remember your fall, that was a bad'un. My friend with the other chestnut will go with us. So that will be a help.
 
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