A realisation/rethink on my riding

[Cochise]

Hi all,
I had a realisation while riding today. I have been a complete and utter wimp. Lately while road riding I hear a truck/motorbike and freak out and this makes Cheeky freak out. I always halt him and sit there really tense until the danger has passed. Or I hoon up to the nearest driveway and hide him up there. I dont know what happened to make me behave in this way. I used to ride him down a pretty fast road with lots of corners on it and not care. I used to ride for miles and miles.
Anyway, today I didnt stop him but rode him strongly forward as I used to do past any "dangers". He tittupped on the spot and did a little rocking horse a couple of times, but I actually enjoyed it!!
Still just walking for the meantime. His leg STILL a bit puffy and stiff, so its just walking walking for ages.
When he is better, Im going to get over my "issues" that I have developed, and work him properly.
I am over my wimpy period and Moving On!

[NZhorserider]

Yay, good for you for getting over your wimpyness! I think I'm the same tho! I need to get over my wimpyness! Especially when it comes to talking to owners!

[kedwards]

Great job! It's amazing how dramatic the effects can be from a small change in perspective. Cheeky probably appreciates the newly-increased confidence in your leadership.

[kelsey]

My horse went through a really spooky period this winter riding in the indoor arena (not even outside). With the help of my instructor, I realized that I was freaking him out by tensing up, leaning forward, and shortening the reins every time I heard a gust of wind or snow falling off the roof.

I have been working on it, and it is now much much better.

[galadriel]

Hey, good for you! I hope you can work through this soon.

[Cochise]

Hey! Thanks for the support!
Took him out for a road ride today. We are still just walking, he is still a bit puffy and stiff in that leg. Im sure that the hard ground isnt helping that, because he still has a gallop around the paddock and i am sure that its only aggravating it.
He was really good. I was much more relaxed and let him have a long rein and a stretch. A tractor came past and he didnt even bat an eyelid, neither did I. The only thing that he got worried about was something snuffling and scraping behind a hedge and he shot out onto the road. But other than that, he was fine. Phew!
Cant wait for a lot of rain to soften this horrible ground up!!