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[bluetimone]

First a little history, when I was 15 I rode, 2 (yes 2) lessons and lots of hacking, 1 loan pony who used to shy and rear a little but never phased me (oh to be 15 again) gave me a half decent seat (apart from the time I galloped into a tree :confused:). But really I was kick and go I guess.
2 years ago after a 16 year break I returned to riding and had about 8 group lessons, where a bit came back, sitting trot (loved it with no stirrups) was fine but my canter was a little unstable (nothing major).
Then a loan horse who should have been "suitable for a novice", who used to bolt in hand and under saddle, the minute you asked for anything more than trot (no problems just knew he was stronger when faster). 5 months with him and I decided to have a break again. Although he was not scaring me, I had lost the will to canter!
Anyway, my break (7 months) did not quite go as planned as I bought an unbacked 3 year old with a temperment to die for as my friend was selling him and I was worried he would end up in not too nice a home!
This was a year ago, my boy was lightly backed last year, turned away and came back into light work in February/March. However for some wierd reason, my confidence then dipped big style so I found a sharer to keep him ticking over (she is a godsend and loves him to pieces), I began to over analise everything and would use any excuse not to ride (probably ridden him about 6 times since May).
2 weeks ago I decided to go back to basics as I know I came out of lessons far too early as a kid.
Now here is the problem, 3 lessons in and I am struggling big style with sitting trot with or without stirrups and my canter is feeling unstable again! I turn into a sack of potatoes on downward canter transition and forget to rise, I am just boucning too much and wobbling and how I have not fallen off in sitting trot without stirrups is beyond me! I have come very close on more than one occasion.
In canter I am coming out of the saddle too much and my steering goes to pot if asked to canter 20 meter circles and I just don't want to, so therefore transmit this to he horse.
My riding instructor is great and is pushing my boundaries as I can be lazy and will use excuses, but I know these stem from a fear I have developed, I just don't know what that fear is.
Any suggestions would be great!

[Waikato Valuta]

I think lessons are the only way to go. Consider getting lessons 1-2 times a week or as often as you have time/money.

Also practise makes perfect, keep riding and trying. And don't be worried if you’re not up to canter yet. Just do what you enjoy doing and wait for the lessons to push yourself.

Your horse is still very young and will be still learning and developing. You can't expect too much from him/her just yet. I would be happy with walk and trot. Just try to improve the tempo and balance.

Some horses are naturally bouncy. If you have been used to a well balanced/educated horse you may find the instability of a young horse unseating. This should come with time.

You could do ground exercises to help him/her to achieve better balance. Trot poles, lots of transitions and changes in direction are very helpful.

[KAB]

Blueitmone: If it makes you feel any better, I am going through the same thing!

Had a 20yr break - came back in to it. Foolishly went out and bought a horse "cos I can" no parent to tell me otherwise now I am older!! I thought I would have lessons on him, and improve my skills that way - Thought I would probably be just a "little bit rusty".

How wrong was I!! I couldnt find a freelance RI, so I tried the word of mouth, and had a few people come down who were experienced. I paid them for their work, however, within weeks it just drops off, they dont want to know.

The first time I tried to canter he added in a little buck (which the dealer forgot to tell me about) I lost balance, and ended up on the floor in a heap, blarting my eyes out, with an Ambulance on the way. I broke a bone in my spine and didnt work or ride again for at least 5 months! :eek:

I used to go to shows as a child and win clear rounds jumping - I could not possibly do that now. Just like you, I put off riding my boy too. I make excuses for myself. The latest excuse, which is really pathetic, was, "I cant take him out with those muddy feathers" so I didnt, I groomed him instead.

Its even harder if you havent got someone around to support you - I really hate it. I would kill to find someone, possibly the same age, and someone who is feeling kind of the same really, that I could go out with - someone who is loyal, cos I would be there through thick and thin! (ANYONE IN STAFFORDSHIRE OUT THERE!!!) :o:)

Like you, I wont canter now, I just bounce about and I have this fear that I will fall off - I dont feel in control.

Sorry to have waffled on, however, because I do know how you feel I wanted to share with you whats happened and what I am doing NOW to try and put things right.

Last night, (Friday) I went for my first ever Riding Lesson at a Riding School. I was sooooo nervous, I felt sick. I was shaking, but I put that down to it being cold - but I know It was the nerves kicking in. I really had to push myself since I was going there alone.

Anyway, what can I say - it was the best £15 I have spent in a long time. I realised how dreadful my riding is, and my trot needs improving. But most of all, by the end of the lesson the nerves had improved, and in fact I could feel a smile appearing on my face. I made the RI aware of my fall, confidence and fears and she was brillant about it.

So, my advice to you is, if you can afford it - go and book some lessons, you will not look back.....trust me....I am a nerves nelly too!

PM anytime if you would like a chat about it - we could help each other along the way.

Kerry xx

[bluetimone]

I think I confused everone, although I have my own horse I am not riding him at the moment as my balance will not help his, lol.
I am back at riding school and having trouble finding my balance in sitting trot and canter there on balanced horses!!

[Waikato Valuta]

Well I think that's a very good decision.

It may seem impossible now but with enough time and patience it will come back. Perhaps if you don't make any progress in the nest few months you should consider trying another school for a lesson or two. See if this helps.

[bluetimone]

Thanks for the replys,
Kab - I know what you mean, I have lots of friends around me, some that knew my riding ability from years ago and others that have only known for a couple of years, I am lucky in the fact that I have very experienced friends who will help with tips and schooling when needed, certainly 2 of them are a dab hand at sorting out "problem" (hate that word) horses.

[vonandiz]

Have you thought about having some lunge lessons?

I was struggling with sitting trot and a few lunge lessons really helped.