Should I go for a hack on my own this evening??

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Sandylou

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Hi everyone,
Brief history...had a massive confidence crisis with my youngster but I've spent the last few months pulling things back together with help of an excellent instructor, a great friend and lots of riding. Things are certainly getting back on track and I'm feeling loads better. Before my crisis me & the boy were hacking out alone but haven't for almost a year. I feel ready to try but worried nerves might get the better of me...not too worried how pony will be tho.
So should I go for it or wait a while until I'm sure of myself?
Thanks :)
 
Go for it - if you feel nervous, sing out loud. It'll reassure your horse, regulate your breathing and make you happy. Make it a short hack. Good luck:)
 
Of course, anyone you pass will think you're a nutcake. But let's face it, all of us who have horses regularly look like utter numpties :D
 
I did last night and was so pleased! the last horse I shared wrecked my confidence but last week something clicked with my mare who i've owned since oct and only hacked out once on my own about 7 weeks ago. last night surprised myself by going out, and not only walking but also trotting and also having a v small canter up the bridleway! never ever ever cantered out on my own before - and yup i talked to her the whole way round and kept doing big sighs to make sure I was relaxed and breathing! think the way I did it was telling myself if she got stupid i'd get off and walk her the rest of the way but we WERE getting round the darn block!
 
You're 98% ready to go: the question to ask is whether that last 2% is residual anticipation of taking the final step or whether it's reducable by more through lessons etc. If you're anything like I was, it'll be the last little bit of nerves of the 'unknown' and they'll drift off after a few mins out and about.

Sounds like you're ready so take it easy, set yourself an achieveable target and off you go. Visualise yourself getting back safe and sound and enjoy your moment when you do.

All the best, look forward to hearing how you've got on.
 
Depending on where you can ride would you find listening to an ipod/MP3 (quietly, in one ear) helpful? I lost my confidence a few years ago, and this was the one thing that really helped. I was lucky as we were directly on a bridlepath, but obviously wouldn't recommend it if you have to ride on a road.

Go for it though, and good luck - it feels great when you get your confidence back!
 
We only bloody well did it!!! He was good as gold, didn't put a hoof wrong and my nerves were more than under control which was the biggest surprise - thistledonicely: looks like it was the last 2% of risdual anticipation that needed putting to bed!
On top of our solo flight tonight I've just realised that we've also jumped a small XC log the other night and we went for a lesson at my instructors yard where I got on straight away (my instructor will ride first if I'm wobbling) and got left lead canter on our first attempt (he struggles with this lead). It's been a week of achievements for us and I'm over the moon! Burghley here we come! :D

D'sMum - well done you! It's so hard when your confidence is shattered. 6 months ago I struggled to even get on my boy. I understand when you say 'something clicked' - it's strange but that's what happens. Carry on your good work, you're doing so well!

Thanks everyone else for the support and encouragement x

And to everyone else that is having a confidence crisis - you can recover! It's hard work and feels quite unbelievable when you're in the depths of despair but when you finally make a break through and see a glimpse of your old self it's one of the most amazing feelings ever! x
 
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