must be the week for scary lessons

[taskey]

well mine last thursday was an eye opener.

there were 4 of us ranging from novice to competent. the 4 horses were field buddies.

this did not pose to be a problem at first, but then as the lesson went on, when one stopped, they all stopped. when one trotted, they all trotted.

can you see where i am going with this.

well i was quite happy trotting, walking and getting used to the horse - different one than usual.

following the more experienced rider - trotting beautifully - i asked her not to canter as i was right behind her and i new mine would take off too. no problem she said, i went back to walk she went off in front - trotting, then cantering.

Mine - saw the horse was cantering and just bolted :eek::eek::eek:

i went a full round of the school screaming. all i heard was my instructor shouting - lean back.

eventually i leant back, after what felt like an eternity, and the horse stopped.

OMG i have never been so scared, i wanted to get off there and then. but i was determined to carry on. i dont think i trotted again for the rest of the lesson as i was so afraid of not being able to stop the horse.

at the end of it all my instructor said 'that is your first canter done then' whilst laughing. by this time i had stopped shaking and stopping muttering expletives and actually laughed with him.

i am back again on my trusty horse on thursday again, and i hope this time i can trot comfortably again.

Tracy

[Sarah_Sayers]

Oh dear!!! I know with some things an 'in at the deep end' approach can work, but I think horse riding is so dependant on confidence it's really not the way to go!

Well done for continuing with your lesson.

[Imzadi83]

You were very brave to continue on *hugs* The first canter is scary I remember the feeling of the horses back legs picking up off the ground at the same time. Really had to keep telling myself the horse wasn't just gonna whoosh off from underneath me. Remeber every time you don't fall off is a sucess! You did good. :)