Rebuilding confidence

[Accidental Eventer]

After my fall at the end of August, it's safe to say my confidence jumping has been very shaky. One of the biggest problems I had was I didn't feel secure in the saddle like I used to pre baby when I was very fit and strong. So step 1. get fitter and stronger.

I have been struggling with fitting extra exercise in but I had a brainwave and my dads exercise bike came to live at our house. Every nap time I'm on the bike and then I do pilates. I'm noticing a big difference, 10 weeks into this regime.

Step 2 was to jump little and often. I am someone that if I don't do it regularly I get in my head and make it worse. So little and often it was, which was REALLY hard. I was so, so nervous, even the tiniest jumps felt impossible. But I wanted to so I just kept plodding.

I went to the last few comps of the season and did low rounds and had success. I ended the season on a positive note with good memories, rather than ending on a fall and a broken bone.

Step 3, get Henry in front of my leg. He's not been forward or had much impulsion for a while, and I haven't really addressed it. So I started addressing that gaping training hole. It's improving all the time, and he's getting fitter and stronger.

Step 4 was to have lessons. And tonight I had a brilliant lesson. We jumped a grid, I felt strong and secure and the jumps were starting to get back up to where we were before.

Henry is super and has looked after me well since my fall, and he always tries his best and I have never appreciated him more.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Fabulous, well done to you! Thank you for sharing your steps and progress; very inspiring for someone like me trying to find ways forwards with confidence.

 

[humblepie]

Well done and sounds an excellent plan.

 

[Bernster]

Great to hear that’s it’s coming together. I keep meaning to do this - small and regular. Tried last weekend and we started ok but I lost it after a while (I start kicking and pushing for a fence) but ins has said I need to keep going and given me some pointers. I can’t only jump in lessons!

 

[ITPersonnage]

Thanks for posting and sharing, I needed a kick up the whatsit to address my confidence too. Maybe I'll just set up a little cross pole....

 

[Accidental Eventer]

I have found setting up exercises I know I can do helps a lot, and started with jumps no bigger than raised poles, until I felt like they could go a bit bigger. I also repeat the things I know I need to focus on (heels down, eyes up, leg on, keep him into the outside aides etc.) over and over and over rather than thinking about the actual jumps. Thats my aim at least! Sometimes I think about the jumps and get worried!