Nervous about riding.

[Emmaa]

A couple days ago I was riding my horse, and he (i think) got spooked by somthing, but in any case he began to buck, and I fell off. I fractured somthing in my hand, and I have a cast, so I can't ride for awhile :(. I'm a little scared to remount this horse when I am able to go back to riding, but I really enjoy riding him. I was recently told by an adult rider who raises horses for the Calgary Stampede, that this horse doesn't respect me and that I would be putting myself in more danger if I were to ride him again. I don't know what to do, because I love riding this horse, but I am a little scared after hearing that. A friend of mine said after awhile i would relax enough on him to ride him comfortably, but I think I'll always be a tad nervous. What do you guys think about that, like, what do I do? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks a bunch!

Emmaa

[sallyanne]

Hi emma you dont say how long you have had this horse ? How big it is age and wether this has ever happened before? Can you give us a bit more history, thanks sallyanne

[Wally]

While you can't ride, read some psychology books and work with him on the ground. This can really help with gaining the respect and attention of the horse.

It's amazing just how much influence ground work can have on ridden work.

[showjumper13]

Hi Emmaa! First of all, I think what you're feeling is normal, so don't feel weird about it or anything. I don't know if your horse has a history of disrespect for you, but I think his reaction was normal, too. Bucking is sometimes a reflex horses have when they get spooked, I've ridden these kinds of horses countless times! However, maybe your horse needs a little bit more training. Try to have someone experienced school your horse while you can't ride, and go and watch this person ride your horse. You'll see that he can behave after all, and that it's not scary to get back on him. Work with his groundwork, as well, it'll relax you and make you comfortable around him. Good luck!

[Flo]

Hi Emmaa

From what you say this is your horse and he's never done anything like this before (am I right?). Horses buck for any number of reasons - being spooked, or stung by something or just "having a moment". If he does this countless times then you have a problem - but once is just something that happens. When you get back on take things steady and perhaps start off with a private lesson or hack out with a friend and don't push yourself further than you need.

I know how you feel, I've had that shaky feeling quite a few times before and it does go away pretty much completely and sooner than you probably think. Getting someone on his back to see what he does would be sensible - if only to calm your worries.

[Nancy]

The same fear has been eating away at me this whole year. I had a serious accident three years ago and got right back on my trusty horse and rode with no fear as soon as the cast was off of my leg. I knew the horse would never hurt me. The next year I had major surgery and rode trussed up like a turkey six weeks after the operation. Same horse, no fear, no problem. Last year the horse & I slipped on ice and more tramatic surgery.The other leg! This time I'm scared to death. It's always in the back of my head. But logic tells me that the horse is good and I'm a good rider. Bad things sometimes happen to good people. I still ride but some days are not fun. The horse is still calm and safe but my brain is short-circuited. The only suggestion I might make is to wait until your hand is healed and you don't have to focus on it. I'm always worse on days when the weather is bad and all I can think about is the injuries. On days when I feel good it's almost like old times. It also helps to ride with friends, talking and keeping up with them can relax you. You have to trust the horse. I love riding my guy and really know that he is safe. Accidents happen. I just hope I don't get carpel tunnel syndrome by typing such a long answer!
Happy trails.