Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
Cynthia K. Roddy (Croddy)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 3:25 pm: |   |
Hi all.
A couple of months ago I took a series of bad falls. Each fall was primarily due to my inexperience. I realize that I need to get in more time on horseback to regain my confidence, but each time I mount up I'm absolutely terrified of hitting the ground again. I stiffen up in the saddle and can't seem to let go of the saddle horn. I've tried several times to ride, and after about a half hour of slow walking I start to relax. BUT, let my ever-so-patient qh make the first slightly fast move and I hunker down into the panic position. Please, does anyone have some advice, tips, encouragement for me? I'm a late starter. I've loved horses all my life and at 36 finally got my first one. Please help!
Cindy |
Linda Antipala (Alika)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 4:53 pm: | |
You are not alone! After riding for three years, I still get those "butterflies" before mounting up. What has helped greatly is to just ride as much as possible in the arena, going from walk to trot and back again. Also, alot of "talking to myself", pretending to be confident, riding "as if" I know what I'm doing, dwelling on successes. What factor of "inexperience" caused you to fall off? Did you just lose your balance? Are you secure in your saddle and does it fit you well? Take it easy, don't push yourself to try new things until you're really confident. Start feeling safe at just the walk, even if it takes weeks. Only then move up to trot. I finally got myself more comfortable at the canter, but can't keep it going more than twice around the arena when the speed becomes scary. Don't give up! Just ride at your own pace and every day will get better and better. Concentrate on the positive and keep smiling! |
Gill and Jodi Levanger (Levanger)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 5:51 pm: | |
Definitely not alone. I had grown up on horseback literally, but when I moved off the ranch I stopped for over 15 years. When my husband and I bought our horse I got on with all the confidence in the world and promptly hit the ground pretty hard. (enough to break some ribs) well on that day I swore off riding. Thanks to my husband and a very patient QH I made my way back on. I started in round pen cause I figured if I fell there the sand would be a lot softer. It took me 3 months to build the courage level up to a point of being able to lope the horse. The one important thing I learned between that incident and teaching my 9 year old to ride is not to let anyone push you into something you are not comfortable with. Take it at your own pace. It is hard to get a rhythm when you are sitting so fearful, so please don't move to the next step until you are completely relaxed. this may sound silly but something that helped me to relax was to sing a song, not to myself even outloud for the world to hear. LOL or even humm one. It just helped me to take my mind off the fear issue which can control you completely. Plus my mare didn't seem to mind the singing at all. Good luck to you and don't give up, even if it takes a year,it is well worth it to get back in the saddle again. |
Maureen Mc Aree (Maureen)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 6:31 pm: | |
I have a crazy mare who is nicknamed "the hell bitch". She's caused me to panic on horseback. I have a song I sing (maybe that's why she's crazy!). It's "Mama's little baby loves shortnin bread". I have sung this since she was a wee filly, so she's used to the cadance. And so am I. I find myself - and her - relaxing. Another thing I must remind myself. Don't stare at her ears or the ground directly below her head. It throws off the balance. Also, you're so concentrated on what her ears are doing, you aren't really minding anything else.
Good luck! |
Mary E Adams (Ntucket)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 6:51 pm: | |
A few isolated tricks, some may work for you, some not:
1. Lots of lessons with a patient, skilled trainer. The more often you are asked to do tiny things you might have backed off on on your own, the more forward steps you have under your belt. Worth the money. The side benefit is your skill level increases which makes you a more secure rider.
2. Hang around after a ride sitting ON your horse. Chat with friends, watch other riders, wander around, sitting on your horse til you're both bored to death.
3. Spend a lot of time doing exercises on your horse so he gets used to significant tightening and loosening of you legs, upper body changes, looking around, wiggling, touching his ears, tail, your toes. That way, when you tighten from fear you can both pretend it was just one of your exercises. Go ahead and mimic you fear clench and release it - it will minimize what you both feel when you're really afraid.
4. Blow a big breath out of your mouth when you're walking around. You may see him relax in his ears and neck and at worst, it releases a whole bunch of muscles in you.
5. Try as hard as it might be to be proactive not reactive. The more you ask him to react to you instead of your reacting to him, the more he will be on your aids and listening to you. Give yourself little projects to busy your mind. (I will trot at the yellow rock EXACTLY, then I will walk at the blue pail exactly). Small tasks, small progress but keeps you from waiting for HIM to do something.
These are some of the things (beside singing) that I try, even tho I am still very often afraid.
Good luck, keep trying and have fun. |
Sandi (Skeller)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 26, 2001 - 1:11 pm: | |
Cindy, I'm riding again after 20 years. Also within the past two years bought my first horse.
One thing that has helped to increase my confidence is learning about all the fun things you can do off the horse. It definitely helps you learn about your horse and makes him much more responsive. It's as much fun as riding. I've really enjoyed the Linda Tellington Jones books (Let's Ride! is one of the titles) and the ground exercises she describes. This is also a great book if you have kids.
What has also helped me is positive thinking. It takes some effort but mentally go over your ride in your mind (the ride you WANT to have). Also watch other good riders and put yourself in their place. With my mare if I'm decisive about the work routine we are doing she responds great. If I'm wishy washy she is too.
I've decided I'll never be a top level rider because I am too cautious. But I've got my horse and I'm enjoying her. That's what counts. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 30, 2001 - 8:39 am: | |
I have moved Wesleys post and HOllys reply to : Basic Riding Skills: Forum (public): Can't Stop! |
Rhonda Lopez
Member
Username: Rhondal
Post Number: 17
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Jan 20, 2006 - 8:43 pm: | |
I don't feel so alone now that I have read your posts it has been 20yrs for me also and it is kinda scary to get back on but I'm not going to give up. |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 147
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 6:51 pm: | |
Good luck Rhonda! Make sure you are ready for the horse you are riding. Since he lets you walk for a half hour while behaving he must be pretty good.
Take lots of lessons with someone who is really patient and won't mind slowing down when you feel like you need to. Do not be ashamed of spending time on the longe line to help you get your confidence.
As a 41 year old I know that we are not a confident as we were at 16 nor do we bounce as well! Take your time, if you have a good horse and you love it you will find a way!
Ella  |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 148
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 6:54 pm: | |
Whoops, I thought Rhonda was the first post, I guess I should have addressed it to Cynthia.
Ella |
Alden Chamberlain
Member
Username: Alden
Post Number: 241
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 8:27 pm: | |
Cynthia,
A recent incident with one of my geldings left me with 7 broken ribs. It was probably 50/50 his fault and mine.
I spent my many hours on ground work with him while I was healing. Once back in the saddle I did a lot of flexing, turning, and stopping him. I find that the more responsive my horse is the more comfortable I am.
Other than doing ground work and softness exercises the only other suggestion is lots of saddle time.
Good day,
Alden |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1077
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 11:12 pm: | |
Cynthia, you've gotten lots of good advice. I hope you are wearing a helmet, though!
My sister-in-la just got her first horse in her late 40's. She had never ridden before. She has been taking lessons on her mare, but the one thing that seems to have helped her the most is just spending lots of time with her horse - grooming, taking her for walks, talking to her while she eats, etc. The more she has gotten to know the horse, the more comfortable she has felt with her and on her.
Another thing that often helps new riders, is to have someone lead the horse while they (the rider) do a series of what are basically old cavalry exercises; bending forward and backward as far as possible, touching the right hand to the left toe, etc. These exercises help a rider develop balance and just feel more secure.
Good luck and have fun! |
Leilani Clark
Member
Username: Leilani
Post Number: 100
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 12:10 am: | |
Alden,
I so agree with you. I have a 4 yr old mare that can be a handful on the trail at times. If I was not confident that I could stop her with one rein, I don't think I would be riding her out. Some days are good and some are... We also do a lot of suppling exercises, change of direction - all on the trail.
So it was a gelding; I always thought it was the mares that created most of the problems (I have mares ). Take care. |
Katrina Turner
Member
Username: Kthorse
Post Number: 378
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 4:05 pm: | |
I am another that had many years off riding. I grew up on horses but had a big break. Silly me got a 4 year old pure arab who was green broke. Thinking that I would just get back to it like I was never away. Boy was I wrong. My little arab taught me all over again. It was a very long slow process. Never doing what was uncomfortable. My horses was as scared of everything which made things worse. Lots of baby steps. We still have things to work on and I still have days when I think he is too much for me. Though when I think of our accomplishments I am amazed. from a horse who would buck, spook at grass try to bolt every time he was scared. emagine what it did to me. Now he is the best trail horse. We hunter pace and compete it all sorts of stuff. If I am having a day that I dont feel confident I will do something else with him. You dont have ride everytime. I used to take him for long walks like he was a dog. Thats how we bonded. |
Leslie Strouse
Member
Username: Jlmule
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 - 3:08 pm: | |
Here's another thought just for the heck of it. Instead of riding a horse, try a Mammoth donkey. I know it may sound silly to you but these tremendously sweet and smart equines are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the "used to be and wanna be again" riders. Although they are by no means "bomb proof" (and in my opinion nothing is), they are definitely more laid back, less apt to bolt, generally a little smaller, more sure-footed, able to carry heavier loads than a comparably sized horse and in my opinion, easier to train. One is seeing more and more of them on the trails as well as in competition. Perhaps riding a donkey for awhile would help you reestablish your confidence enough to feel comfortable on your horse. You may even decide you prefer the donkey as many of us now do.
Leslie |
