Riding Inside Out

[OldandNew]

This is the name of the fantastic workshop I did the other day at my RS. (I am an "elderly novice" with some confidence issues). The instructor is not only a riding instructor but a teacher of the Alexander technique and also a life coach and counsellor. We spent the morning on theory - breathing techniques, posture, body awareness etc. We also discussed our own personal issues that were impacting on our riding and learnt some tools to deal with them.

After lunch we rode down to the schooling ring on the common and did some work focussing on our own individual goals. (It was the most beautiful sunny autumn afternoon I might add!) and then it was back to the stables (well the cafe next door!) for a coffee and a debrief. It was such a brilliant day and everyone in the group was so supportive of each other.

I had my normal lesson the following day and - because my confidence was really high - I had the best lesson ever. My rising trot had improved and we did some work without stirrups as well.

I've also managed to remind myself of why I'm learning to ride - I waited almost 60 years to do it! I found myself thinking "hey - this is me on the back of a horse". A dream come true! I'm determined to focus in future on the sheer happiness of riding and not constantly beat myself up for being a "rubbish" rider.

Just wanted to share that! And I really hope I can hang on to this confidence thing! :D

[Chinarider]

Thats is inspirational stuff :)

Thanks for sharing your experience, there is hope for the rest of us :D

[ANN H]

Sounds fantastic. What an inspiration. Keep on enjoying it.

[icegirl]

It sounds wonderful and exactly what I need. Did you take your own horse and is the course run in other places?

[icegirl]

It sounds great - did you take your own horse? Does she run the course in other places?

[elaine@dow-evan]

This sounds brilliant...what a good idea. Does your RI do this anywhere else?

[nicolaj]

Sounds great! It's amazing how the day-to-day things in your life can impact on you riding confidence.

Sounds just the sort of thing I could do with!!

[Cobgirl]

Oh wow, sounds great and probably what I need at the moment. I am 57 years old and been out the saddle for 40 years. Started back riding in the early summer and my confidence seems to be back in the 1960's, lol!

that is all I do is keep 'rubbishing myself' and I know it's wrong but it's just so frustrating not being able to do the things I did when I was in my teens and also not having the confidence.

Best of luck for your future riding successes.