Do any of you feel you have gone backward?

[*toHorse&Away*]

OK so nearly 2 years down the line, only weekly lessons for the most part in groups but although some areas seem better, ability to RIDE seems to be disappearing down the drain.
My canter is rubbish, my jumping might as well be non existant, but I can do a mean turn on the forehand.
Feeling stuck.
Anyone else gone through this?
And if so how do you get past it!!!

[Virago]

I know what you mean, tH&A, as I have felt a bit 'plateau'd' lately. I got stuck due to a mental block - left over from a loss of nerve - and found myself unable to progress with my riding.

A few things that have helped me:

* Doing something very different! In my case, I had a go at side saddle riding. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but it was a new challenge and huge amounts of fun. It seemed to give my other riding a kick up the you know what. (If side saddle appeals, we have another couple of introductory sessions coming up at my RS. PM me if you would like the details.)

* Watching myself on video. Yes, cringe-making in one way but I could suddenly really see what my instructor tells me each week. One other good thing to come out of it: My mental block was preventing me 'allowing' the horse to canter. Seeing myself on video, looking actually very secure and relaxed in canter (I was on a lunge), has helped me allow that canter.

* Having private lessons. I love the one-to-one and it always feels like better value for money than a group lesson. Do you always have group lessons? If so, I'd suggest a private to really focus on your good and bad bits!

[MrDCBags]

virago I videoed myself a few weeks back and it is such a revelation isn't it!!

I was really impressed by legs and horrified by my lower back over arched!!!

get a video of yourself tohorseandaway you may be pleasntly surprised at the progress you have made

[*toHorse&Away*]

Right who is coming down my yard to make the horror movie then...??? ;)
I think I need a ood blast on a hack or something just to get my spirits up. Maybe I m bored gonig round and round in a group lesson...
Maybe I need more privates..o dear

Thanks guys

[Skib]

Yes, after 2 years you have the basics in place and it looks as if you are going nowhere. The same happend to me.
I made a definite move -
I looked for a new RI (my present teacher). I asked her to start me from scratch and build up from there - but you might not need or choose that.
I had a lot of lunge lessons and hacked to give me pleasure - if you have never had lunge lessons, I recommend that.
I did the BHS Stage 1 Stable management course and learned how to groom, tack up etc.
I went to some demos -watched a variety of trainers and natural horse people - and watched DVDs and read books to broaden my knowledge.

Everything you have learned till now is fine and not wasted. Think of it more as needing to move on to the next level.
I know one becomes very attached to the ponies and places where one starts to ride. It is a wrench to make a change, but maybe it is what you need?

[*toHorse&Away*]

Thanks Skib

You might be right. I was kindof thinking back to basics wouldn't be too bad an idea and I started the BHS Stable Mangement course a few weeks back and its been very enlightening.
Unfortunately missed the one on grooming which I really would have like to have done.

Maybe yes..time for a change???
Thanks

[sockonmyhead]

hi
obviously i haven't been riding for half as long as you have, but i plateau'd before i jumped for the first time yesterday. i had been feeling kind of down about my riding, but came away bouncing like a nut.
i think what i'm trying to say is that a change of scenery, or trying something different, like the others have said, may be useful!
somh

[puzzles]

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHH thatnk god i'm not alone here!
i have been riding for almost 5 years now (so not really a newbie, sorry for that) and ever since my RI sold my last yard to another who
sold it to another until i moved to where i (unhappily) am now, i've gpne down and down. i'm stuck in a rut, can't improve and i disagree with my RI.
:-/ hmmm!