Rider confidence issue.

Spiritedly

Spiritedly

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I have had my new boy for just over a month now and have been hacking him out on his own and in company with no real issues....he can be a bit spooky and isn't the best with large vehicles but we are in the sticks and he doesn't do anything silly just dances a little and his spooks are more of the deer in the headlights variety...he isn't that dissimilar to my mare and the idea is that I can do with him the things that her health issues prevent me doing with my mare.
Saying all that today whilst riding with my friend I suddenly couldn't ride him anymore to the point I felt physically sick and was shaking so badly and I had to get off and lead him home! He didn't do anything wrong beforehand and was as good as gold as I was leading him home. It was a bit windy today and he was a bit 'looky' but nothing horrendous so I just don't understand what happened. My concern now is that next time I get on him I will feel the same :(
Has anyone else had similar issues and how did you get past it?
 
Keep riding. Only way through it I am afraid. Start off small if it worries you just get on walk forwards and get off again. Progress to walking further away and into an arena if you have one. Just small steps don't be complicated. Just do what you feel happy doing and progress with that.

I still get nervous some days and then others I am more fearless. I do find riding with others challenges me to do the same as them. Doesn't work for everyone of course I just end up wanting to copy them haha.
 
That sounds like a proper panic attack, not just a bit of riding nerves. Are you stressed in other areas of your life, OP? Panic attacks aren't necessarily because of what you're doing when they hit.
 
Keep going as your confidence will grow the more you get to know him but maybe contact a sports psychologist and have some sessions (as some of the top riders are doing, as I see from Simon Grieves eventing blog :D).

I also think the fact you have acknowledged you have a confidence issue is commendable (as I know a lot of riders who would never admit they are lacking confidence.... hence they never tackle it, get help or improve as riders)... so I guess you've got over the first hurdle :D :D :D
 
Thank you for all your replies and the pm's. I spoke to my boss today and I'm going to take the new boy into work so I can ride him in the school and have a lesson with her. It may just be a case of having to admit I'm not as brave as I once was and it now takes me longer to get to the point where I trust my ability to cope with anything a horse throws at me.
 
Spiritedly said:
T. It may just be a case of having to admit I'm not as brave as I once was and it now takes me longer to get to the point where I trust my ability to cope with anything a horse throws at me.
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I know exactly what you mean. But we werent brave when we were younger ,we were just ignorant and didnt understand what could happen.Age and experience has shown us. Definately a panic attack ,maybe nothing to do with the horse or riding at all as Lady sam so wisely has identified.
 
LadySam said:
That sounds like a proper panic attack, not just a bit of riding nerves. Are you stressed in other areas of your life, OP? Panic attacks aren't necessarily because of what you're doing when they hit.
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I agree with this. Your new horse sounds lovely and I'd try not to put this episode down to him if you can.
Keep on riding. Going out with a friend I think would be a good idea as idle chat will occupy your mind. Soon you will feel more st home on him, it does take time to bond with and trust a new horse so chill and don't beat yourself up.
Hope it all go's well for you
 
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