Words of encouragement needed!

[Holly_09]

Hi all,

Well for those of you who don't know my story, I used to ride from the ages of 7 to 16. During that time, I never really went to a riding school as such. I was taught to ride by a lady my mum knew who was training to be an instructor. I eventually ended up sharing the horse- it was brilliant as I didn't have to pay anything, and it was on an informal basis (i.e come up and ride whenever you want). As a result, I had a fantastic bond with my mare.

Unfortunately I moved, and it's only six years later that I've really started riding again, apart from the occasional hack. Whilst it's made me realise how much I've missed being around horses, it's also shown me just how much I've forgotten which is really upsetting for me.

Part of me feels like I've lost a lot of confidence/knowledge around horses- basic things like untacking I've had to stop and think about what I'm doing! As for my riding- well it needs work, let's be honest.

I suppose this is more of a rant and to let my feelings out. In the near future I would love a share, but will it ever be like it used to? Will I ever have the same bond with a new horse?

Gahh sorry, on a bit of a downer, cakes, cookies, whatever you want if you get through this!

 

[Django Pony]

Don't worry, it'll all come flooding back! You'll bond with another horse, it just takes time. x

 

[Quartz]

Don't worry, it just takes a bit of time thats all. I was exactly the same going back to riding in my 30's. I almost gave up as it wasn't like getting back on a bike at all, I was just rubbish at riding and couldn't even remember how to ask for canter. As for tacking up forget it!!! Anyway that was 2 years ago, and I now have my own horse who is kept in a field behind my house. So yes, now I can do everything for him and know loads more!!! So don't worry it just feels depressing at first when you remember how it used to be and its not like that straight away!!!