Sounds silly...but i'm really nervous about trying this horse..

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Cash

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Some of you who've seen my last few posts might know i'm now on the lookout for a new horse...I've arranged to go and see this one http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/7_yrs_15_2_hh_bay_cambridgeshire/43211
and see what i think of it for myself!
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However, though i have owned horses before, I've never actually tried one
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mine have all just sort of fallen into my lap..
I am of course taking a v experienced adult friend, and my mum (though non-horsey she is definitely a better judge of horse flesh than me, and more rational
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) but i am quite nervous! From what she said on the phone, the seller is a semi professional or professional rider, and, stupid as it sounds, i feel like it's some kind of terrifying test i've got to pass..though actually i guess it is, as she's got to believe i'm up to riding and handling the horse before she can let me buy it!
I think i am just worried i'll do something stupid, or completely forget how to ride or something....
Arg i'm working myself up! Calming and soothing words of reason please
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Haha i felt like this when trying my pony, try to relax, be friendly, try not to notice them watching you (there is nothing worse than riding in front of people!) and you'll be fine!
 
Well looking at the photos in your signature you look just fine to me! It's often daunting trying a horse you don't know, but hopefully once you've seen the owner ride the horse first you'll be able to relax a little and enjoy the ride.

He looks really nice and you're doing the right thing taking some voices of reason with you too. Good luck, let us know how you get on.
 
Don't be silly. You're the one with the money
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I loved trying horses, I had an audience when I tried my girl, great fun when you're riding a just backed 4yr old with a tendancy to be a bit "sharp"
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Just relax, and ignore everything going on and do what you are comfortable doing! The chance are you will only ever see the people about 4 times in your life, and thats if you buy the horse!!
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I always get nervous when im riding someone elses horse. 'what if they dont like my riding' 'do i look stupid' 'what are they thinking about me' 'am i making a fool of myself'... we all have it. If anything the girl may be nervous to because when someone came to see my horse i was nervous because its just natural. Just act normal, stay calm and be friendly. And hey.. who cares what they think your there to maybe buy the horse not to buy the owners 'affection' if u know what i mean. good luck hope it turn out well for you x
 
What I've been doing is just appearing very aware of new horses; don't do what you do with your old ponies! Friends of mine have lost horses because they apply their habits like mounting strangely or walking directly around the horse's bum. Stuff they teach you years ago, it's still relevant!
That and a few deep breaths
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It's often daunting trying a horse you don't know, but hopefully once you've seen the owner ride the horse first you'll be able to relax a little and enjoy the ride.


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Yea..but it's not the owner riding (she's broken her wrist...) it's her *professional* friend
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Thanks though
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Thanks everyone...
I know i'm being sooo silly really, i think it's just the whole riding a new horse in front of people who know it well...And i guess all i can do is try my best, and if that's not right for the horse or good enough, i haven't lost anything (apart from a couple of hours and about a tenner in petrol from getting to the bl**dy place
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)
*Deeeeeeep breath*
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I am sure it will be fine, just go and enjoy the experience and hopefully it will be the horse for you. Besides you won't be as bad as me, I fell off one horse I tried flat on my face, dislocated and broke my finger, broke my nose and bled all over the owners cream jods!! Oh the shame!
 
OUCH!!! That sounds horrible, poor you
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Gosh i hadn't even considered the embarassing injuries possibility... new worries
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If they make you feel uncomfortable and out of your depth just remember they cant spell .For pro people the advert is rather bad
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You ride in front of professionals all the time I guess, your YO and others associated with the yard are all pros.

Just think of it as riding at home. Does your YO know the person selling - I think she will if the seller/rider is a true pro, after all it's the same area.

I quite like the little horse and would def take the advice of your YO, she is a very good judge of horses.

Video the whole thing and show her if she can't go with you.

Don't be pressured into making a decision, go back again the next day and try again.
 
I'm in that area - let me know the name of the pro and if I know them I'll give you some feedback - if it's any consolation, I always feel the same
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I tried out a horse 2 weeks ago and it was possibly one of the worst riding experiences of my life!! It was horrific. It was at an Irish dealer's and her rider rode it first, then my instructor (who made it go beautifully although it did run through some solid xc fences). I then got on it (it was pissing with rain), was so nervous I had one stirrup 3 holes shorter than the other. Walk and trot were fine. Canter not so fine and it wouldn't stop. I felt like I was riding like a total muppet. Jumping was great but because we were riding in a small field with tons of xc fences, you sort of had to avoid them and I never got the horse going like I'd want it to. I was mortified. My instructor, bless him, said the horse hadn't had a day's schooling in its life and that it jumped better for me than him because I rode it on a looser rein. Didn't make any difference. I felt like a total failure especially because other people were watching.

YET... I have Happy who is a fairly sharp 8 year old exracehorse who I feel like I can ride pretty well.

I thin k its the fear of the unknown, people watching and getting used to a horse that goes differently. I hate trying out horses - I'd rather get straight on them out hunting and just go instead of riding in circles trying to get the right leg etc in front of people. Strange!!

Best of luck!!
 
im feeling exactly the same and i havnt even got a horse lined up to try
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my problem is after my horse was put down im now suffering from a massive loss in confidence about my ability. i have never had a problem riding other peoples horses but im dreading finding a horse i like enough to try and since all the horses i like seem to be from pro yards, im ever so slightly nervous. even the thought of ringing up makes my stomach go.
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any tips on how to get a grip would be greatly received
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You'll be fine and I'm sure you will get lots of practice in the next few weeks unless of course you find your perfect horse first time!
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