Scared!!!!

[ROMANY 1959]

Ok Ive nearly lost the weight I wanted to loose to ride Dubs, so ive got 2 vouchers for birthday for lessons........ WHY am I scared at the prospect, its been 14 years since I rode, but when I was riding I was quite good at it. Have even got a huge mounting block so I dont pull him as I get on (can just put leg over and as he is 16.3 imagine how big it is !) My mate said its just nerves and has said we will go for a short hack 2 weeks on monday........ Ahhhhhhhhhh.. Anyone else ever felt this way after a long break from riding?

 

[hairycob]

Bet you will be fine once you get going but it's bound to be scarey after a long break. I plan to start jumping again having only jumped a couple of times in the last 7 years & I'm already nervous.

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Hey that's really admirable, losing the weight and planning to ride again after 14 years...well done you!!!

People shouldn't say 'it's just nerves', no matter how good a friend your friend is, she isn't you, she can't feel what you feel, if that makes sense. I think going for a hack is a bit ambitious after so long a break in riding. You could aim for a hack in a few weeks but for now just concentrate on feeling comfortable being on your horse, pottering round the yard or whatever area you have, don't overdo it and you'll finish wanting to do more (which is exciting). If you have a bit of a blip on a hack it might set you back. Just take it slow and steady....and let us know how it goes...good luck!

 

[reddie]

I had had a 17 year gap, when i had a ride on friend's loan horse. Honestly t was just like riding a bike - you don't forget. Within 15 mnutes i was cantering round.

 

[jenz87]

Its totally natural dont worry!!
I had the same problem! I used to have a pony as a teenager and my father made me stop riding to "do my GCSES & ALEVELS" so i went from riding everyday and thinking myself to be quite decent to not riding for 7 years. After uni i met my boyfriend who runs a yard *yay * and heypresto back into the world of horses *much to the joy of the father obviously!!! haha*.
My boyfriend got me a pony after uni and i was faced with the prospect of getting back on after such a long break, its very nerve racking!!
Obviously riding you use mussles you dont use everyday so it takes a while to build yourself back up but you dont forget, just get a bit rusty!!

Youll be fine, it is riding a bike, but a bit of work to get riding fit
Good luck and enjoy being back on a horse!!

 

[narkymare]

please dont be scared - look forward to it and be really really honest with yur instructor about how nervous you are.
I started lessons in june and have just done my 2 hour hack - i was so scared before my first lessons i downed a full bottle of bachs herbal remedy but my instructor was brilliant with me - understood my fears and did all she could to make me feel at ease.
Im 44 and wasnt embarrassed to be led on a lead rope - if it helped me so what!!!
Good luck and i bet you come back from your first lesson buzzing xxx

 

[Ellies_mum2]

I had a break of about 20 years so know how nerve racking it is to get back on board after such a long time. Take it slowly. And only do as much as you feel comfortable doing too. You don't want to end up so stiff and sore you can't get back on for a week


Oh and very well done at losing the weight you wanted to lose

 

[Pebbles]

I have had a 9 year break and struggle with my confidence too but once its in the blood nothing you can do to get over it so have to persevere! All your posts above are a great help to me also and Romany 1959 good on you and I hope you really enjoy yourself, but don't try too much at once and be patient with yourself, one step at a time. Very best of luck and keep us posted x

 

[NeilM]

I also had a 20 year break and I wasn't a very good rider when I had ridden in the past.

You have two choices, the sensible one of just easing yourself back into it, with a bit of work in the school and some gentle hacks, or the stupid course of throwing yourself in at the deep end, riding a nappy horse (pony in my case) out on your own within a few weeks of starting to ride again.

Whichever you choose, just don't let your nerves show and trust yourself and your horse...oh and HAVE FUN.

I've now been riding again for three years and I have never had so much pleasure out of anything (other than my kids of course!).