mungasmum
Well-Known Member
I posted my first thread 'Scared after second lesson' (after an unsolicited canter ended in an over-head dismount) almost two years ago; I think I've now left enough time to post an update and especially*to say thanks to those who offered advice and encouragement!
I couldn't ride for six weeks after the 'incident' but thought it might be an idea to introduce myself on here and ask for advice about how I could reduce my risk for when I got back on, and I think I actually tried most of it including;
First lesson back - a 'lunge' lesson* on a lovely cob who I spent most of the lesson just sitting on as I was convinced I'd plop off the side if we attempted to move- I was eventually cajoled into a few steps being led..
I found out at that same lesson I'd actually developed a bit of a general horse phobia and was now pretty much terrified of being hurt again whether riding or on the ground!
My crazy, inner-child was not finding any of this at all off - putting and so I pursevered...
My instructor was lovely and so patient and would let me go up and groom their retired mare (since sadly passed on) who was the sweetest thing.
I also would do a three hour round trip to Essex to ride a sim and I found it helpful but soon got bored of travelling so far and not even getting to see a real horse at the end of it!
Was motivated into picking my lessons back up and asked for the ploddiest horse available...spent a few weeks being led in walk on little D til I tried a lunge on L-way too forward!
Around the same time I was invited to a yard by someone on here who's absolutely amazing! With their patience and help I've slowly gone from visiting and handing out polos, to a 'non-ridden' sharer of a retired, field ornament who appreciates getting walks-in-hand off the yard during winter, though they were events in themselves (think a big, spooky chesnut that likes to canter in circles around you), only done that a few times! To my credit I always got us back in one piece but my nerves would be shot! (For some reason he's still my favourite though!).
And I've been sharing B for about a year now (at the same yard) she's lovely and has taught me so much! We have progressed to small jumps, hacking out, the odd downhill canter (again, unsolicited) without going through complete meltdown!
It hasn't been easy (or still isn't!) but I've had so much fun I'm so glad I pursevered! Until this I hadn't really realised how determined I could be, so that's a bonus! I also realised that if I hadn't somersaulted off and hurt myself and have my confidence nose-dive I would never have been in the situation I am now; sharing at a friendly yard-1 owner, 9 horses so get to spend time with all of them with such amazing help and guidance...that's the silver lining!
Sorry for the essay, just thought it would be rude to never update
and hopefully, this post might even help a little anyone else going through a confidence crisis!
I couldn't ride for six weeks after the 'incident' but thought it might be an idea to introduce myself on here and ask for advice about how I could reduce my risk for when I got back on, and I think I actually tried most of it including;
First lesson back - a 'lunge' lesson* on a lovely cob who I spent most of the lesson just sitting on as I was convinced I'd plop off the side if we attempted to move- I was eventually cajoled into a few steps being led..
I found out at that same lesson I'd actually developed a bit of a general horse phobia and was now pretty much terrified of being hurt again whether riding or on the ground!
My crazy, inner-child was not finding any of this at all off - putting and so I pursevered...
My instructor was lovely and so patient and would let me go up and groom their retired mare (since sadly passed on) who was the sweetest thing.
I also would do a three hour round trip to Essex to ride a sim and I found it helpful but soon got bored of travelling so far and not even getting to see a real horse at the end of it!
Was motivated into picking my lessons back up and asked for the ploddiest horse available...spent a few weeks being led in walk on little D til I tried a lunge on L-way too forward!
Around the same time I was invited to a yard by someone on here who's absolutely amazing! With their patience and help I've slowly gone from visiting and handing out polos, to a 'non-ridden' sharer of a retired, field ornament who appreciates getting walks-in-hand off the yard during winter, though they were events in themselves (think a big, spooky chesnut that likes to canter in circles around you), only done that a few times! To my credit I always got us back in one piece but my nerves would be shot! (For some reason he's still my favourite though!).
And I've been sharing B for about a year now (at the same yard) she's lovely and has taught me so much! We have progressed to small jumps, hacking out, the odd downhill canter (again, unsolicited) without going through complete meltdown!
It hasn't been easy (or still isn't!) but I've had so much fun I'm so glad I pursevered! Until this I hadn't really realised how determined I could be, so that's a bonus! I also realised that if I hadn't somersaulted off and hurt myself and have my confidence nose-dive I would never have been in the situation I am now; sharing at a friendly yard-1 owner, 9 horses so get to spend time with all of them with such amazing help and guidance...that's the silver lining!
Sorry for the essay, just thought it would be rude to never update
and hopefully, this post might even help a little anyone else going through a confidence crisis!
congratulations on your progress.
