Post lockdown head funk

[katastrophykat]

Just wondered if this was just me, or if others also felt the same-
I’ve been driving my little boys on and off last year as a pair.

They’ve been in and out of work for a variety of reasons, but they’re both sound and raring to go- they enjoy their work as a pair, or as singles.

They’re easy to do, easy to manage… but I just can’t *quite* bring myself to make competition plans for them. My head just isn’t ‘there’ yet. I don’t know if it’s the travel out of area (all of my driving is out of area…), me feeling not ready or something that I can’t quite put my finger on, but it’s causing me to be a bit start/stop with them as I have nothing to aim them at yet despite making plans in my head, I don’t think I’m ready to put the forms in.

We’re not new competitors, though this is a new turnout, but I won’t see how they cope until I actually get my backside out!

Anyone else feeling like me?

 

[vmac66]

Know how you feel. I've got a, couple of dressage tests booked at the end of the month but I'm just not feeling it. Really need to get my backside into gear.

 

[misst]

I think it is the stop start of everything. Getting hopes up then dashed down again - not just horse related, but weddings, holidays, family stuff. I'm not feeling anything.
I also think we spent last year saying "when this is over I will do x y z" - but it is kind of never over - so when do we start. I think a lot of people are feeling like this.

 

[Bernster]

Yes similar here, with social life and horse life. Haven’t got into the swing of things yet. Would booking lessons or hire get you back into it? I’m feeling a bit rusty to get out to a comp but if I book one that would kick off the prep I need, but have to say I’ve not really made the effort to search for stuff. It’s fine though, there’s no push to do anything and I suspect you’ll get there when you’re ready. If you’re thinking about it, that might be the start of your comeback ?

 

[Roxylola]

Yeah and some of what I've entered has been cancelled with weather. It all just feels a bit like it's going to come crashing down if I book anything

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I did loads last summer but I don’t feel the same enthusiasm for it this year. The horses came out of the winter very trim and fit and I was raring to go but human injury (non horse related) and general apathy has now ensued. I even scrubbed the trailer inside and out in anticipation and it’s hasn't moved a cm since. I think everyone is totally fed up with Covid and the stop start, should we, shouldn’t we, where as last summer we weren’t quite so pandemic jaded.

 

[ycbm]

I'm not entering anything until all restrictions are ended.
.

 

[Flame_]

My horse has matured into a more fantastic dude than I ever could have hoped for.

He's also shown some signs of less than perfect health (sarcoid removed last year, needing physio, foot balance issues, etc.)

I am terrified of damaging him or of shortening his sound, working, comfortable life at all.

I'm also very resistant to the idea of transporting him on any smart motorways which is problematic for getting to a lot of potential outings.

After two recent wonderful fun rides the voice in my head is screaming "quit while you're ahead and just put him back in the field before you do something stupid and end up breaking or killing him".

 

[ycbm]

I'm with you on smart motorways, I won't travel a horse on one.
.

 

[Dave's Mam]

I've just entered my first show, in hand M&M & novice ridden.
The show is well run & keeping to no spectators, everyone sticking to their groups.
I'm really looking forward to going out, even if it is our first ridden outing & I'm bricking it a bit.

 

[atropa]

I'm actually the opposite. I did nothing last year, horse or otherwise, so have been raring to go this year. Had my first outing last weekend and have two more booked for the end of the month, plus always looking for the next thing to plan. So enjoying being back out while I can be.

 

[katastrophykat]

Thanks all! Sometimes it helps to know there are others that feel this way too.

I’ve driven them out the last two days, so we’re getting there.. very slowly!

Here they are, or at least my usual view of them!

 

[Marigold4]

My horse has matured into a more fantastic dude than I ever could have hoped for.

He's also shown some signs of less than perfect health (sarcoid removed last year, needing physio, foot balance issues, etc.)

I am terrified of damaging him or of shortening his sound, working, comfortable life at all.

I'm also very resistant to the idea of transporting him on any smart motorways which is problematic for getting to a lot of potential outings.

After two recent wonderful fun rides the voice in my head is screaming "quit while you're ahead and just put him back in the field before you do something stupid and end up breaking or killing him".

I completely feel like this with my five year old. Taking everything at a snail's pace. Had a scare with high liver enzymes with all 3 in March - now coming back down nicely though. Never found a reason. Now I feel if he's alive and happy and we can just pootle around, that's enough! I really need a boot up the backside.

 

[Marigold4]

Thanks all! Sometimes it helps to know there are others that feel this way too.

I’ve driven them out the last two days, so we’re getting there.. very slowly!

Here they are, or at least my usual view of them! View attachment 73485

Very smart!

 

[Bernster]

Love the pic!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Not horses but I have entered my first agility show since Feb 2020 and am really uncertain about it. I am so close to chickening out but must do it today if I can't face it. Just can't get any enthusiasm up at all. Only 4.5 miles away too.

 

[katastrophykat]

Well, it would seem I was right to feel uncertain.

I think this counts as the false starts to beat all false starts so far. Wagon loaded, ponies ready to bath, shopping bought and everyone organised to give up their weekends for me… then as I’m about to leave the house to do the last bit of food shopping before bathing and loading the ponies, My Daughter’s school calls and advises that she’s potentially been in contact with someone on Tuesday who’s since tested positive for COVID and to come get her to Self Isotate for ten days.

So that’s that.

No Hopetoun for us.

I had a backup team of 6 planning a weekend away with us- they’ve all taken it in good heart. I know it’s the right thing to do but I’m still gutted!

Try again next month.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Oh boo ?. What timing.

I hope that your daughter's period of self isolation passes uneventfully.

 

[PSD]

I get how you feel. I just can’t seem to find the get up and go to get out competing again. I did a show earlier this year and just didn’t get the same buzz I usually get

 

[katastrophykat]

Oh boo ?. What timing.

I hope that your daughter's period of self isolation passes uneventfully.

Me too ????

 

[coblets]

I'm with you on smart motorways, I won't travel a horse on one.
.

Why not - aren't they supposed to be safer?

 

[Squeak]

How unlucky. Hope next time goes better.

 

[Bernster]

Not that it helps but you took the step and made a go of it. But that sucks.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Why not - aren't they supposed to be safer?

I'm not sure if your post is meant to be ironic or not.

If not, have a read of this thread.

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/smart-motorway.779669/