Confidence =/

[shannon1]

I am going to look at a horse to share when I get back from my holiday. He looks lovely and I have been told he is perfect for novices or people lacking confidence. But I am worried about going to ride him as I don't like people watching me ride as I'm always worried I will mess up. And I really don't want to mess up when I go to see this horse but I am worried that my lack of confidence will put the owner off. :(

Does anyone else have this problem or did they have the problem when they went to see their horse? Or does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to improve my confidence with riding infront of people?

[Julz]

First off, stop worrying, you are worry even as you typed your post!

If the horse is good for novice/nervous riders, then being nervous can be a good thing, and if you mess up, then you will see what they horse can do to give you confidence in riding it.

As for people watching you.. imagine you are in a big arena, and they are miles from you and cant see you properly, in turn do lots of big circles as you ride, so you never actually have to ride past them.

Also take someone with you who knows how you ride.

[posie]

dont worry - i think we are all prone to this! i rode like a super muppet when i was trying horses out! tehehe

great advice above - good luck and lets us know how you get on xx

[BlackBess]

Great advice which I can't really add to. Just be honest with the owner and you'll be absolutely fine. I was very nervous when I went to meet my part loan and his owner having had my confidence destroyed by an RS. I was totally honest with the owner about what I could do and my lack of confidence. But, 5 minutes after riding him, I had a huge smile on my face and I'd had my first canter on him - something that I would never have the courage to do with a horse I'd just met.

Go with an open mind and some moral support and enjoy it. Wishing you the very best and please let us know how you get on.

[annette h]

Definately agree with Black Bess, tell the owners that you are nervous, they will understand and make allowances, also have some rescue remedy. Take a deep breath, sit up straight and ride at a pace to suit you. Talk to the horse and remember...its not a dressage test !.

I can say all this as I know exactly how you feel, been there and done it :rolleyes:

Best of luck, enjoy yourself :)

[oinkmoooink]

Im always awful at trying ponies- if you can, take your instructor with you, so you can ave a lesson on the horse and someone to tell you what to do.
I ride like a muppet trying horses most of the time, just dont worry about it, and if you can, get some references or bring some nice pics of you riding at home to show them in case things dont go so well on the day

[~*sugarlump*~]

you sound just like me:o
its more of a lack of confidence in yourself than anything else IMO.
but this horse can restore your confidence, so try and stop thinking about trying him out as in the long run he could do wonders for you!
try and block everyone else out when you are riding so its just you and the horse, if that makes sense.

but tbh it sounds like you dont lack confidence in riding, but more confidence in yourself and your abilities, IMO they are very different:)

[Caritay]

Its funny this thread should appear as I was just about to write something similar. The only difference is Im trying out a horse tomorrow! ahhhh Im so so so nervous and know exactly how you feel. I really want to share this horse and dont want to put the owner off when she watches me ride. I haven't looked after or ridden for 2 years up until recently when I have had about 8 lessons.
Tomorrow im going to be completely honest with the owner and do my best when riding. What is meant to be will be. Good luck.

[shannon1]

Thankyou everyone who replied, I'm going to use all the advice and hopefully things will go well :D I will make sure I let you all know how I got on :)

Julz thankyou for the advice, I am going to use that when I go and see the horse. I am going to be completely honest with the owner when I get there as well :)

Caritay good luck tomorrow :)

[Julz]

Good Luck shannon... let us know how it goes!

[Joyscarer]

I'm going to post from the other side of the fence as an owner.

I approached Palmerlover52 on here having read her posts and liking her attitude. I didn't know if she wanted a share horse even but took a punt :p

What I had failed to appreciate is that she would need to see me ride first :eek:

I have always had a thing about other people looking at me. All my lessons were private, I have never had a group lesson because if my general dislike of people and crowds and feeling insecure.

I had to ride with PL52 and mum watching and in an enclosed space which I have a fear of too :o

Anyway, all turned out fine. They are the type of people I feel at home with and don't feel I have to be perfect round. I am happy to show them how vunerable I am and that I'm far from perfect.

Finding the right share horse is as much about finding the right owner as it is about finding the right horse. You should be able to feel confident just to be you ;)

[fjordlady]

Echo Joyscarer.

I went for my first riding club lesson in about 18 years last Monday :eek:. I was riding Tilly who my OH normally rides so it was all new! I never particularly enjoyed group sessions you can imagine how I felt;). Reason for doing it - my daughter would like to start using Tilly next year for lessons so I want to do the groundwork for her as to our knowledge Tilly's never been in this environment. Amazing what we will do for our kids hey:D.

Anyway all went well but my point is lots of experienced people get anxious too - just have a good chat before hand with the owners and explain how you feel. This will take the pressure off you and probably them too :). Good luck

[shannon1]

It's nice to know I'm not the only one that worries. =] Thankyou for all your comments, I hope everything goes well :) I will make sure I let everyone know how it goes.

[storm35]

Good luck Shannon.