I just HAVE to share!

[newnovice]

Okay, I'm very proud of myself right now and I need somebody to share it with -

I am a complete novice rider, started dressage lessons last May for the very first time, had never ridden at all before then. Two weeks ago I bought my very first horse ever - a 13yo Half Arab named Dream. I've only ridden her outside of a lesson one time, that was last Saturday and she spooked and cantered off on me (stopped right away, though) and that did a number on my confidence. Sunday and Wednesday had okay lessons, but yesterday I had a horrible lesson, very tense and fearful, practically standing in the stirrups, etc., and left the barn in tears and frustration.

Today I called in sick to work (please don't tell on me!), read my "Ride with Confidence" book, listened to my Julie Goodnight "Riding with Confidence" CD, bought and used some Rescue Remedy, and gave myself only positive talk ("I am a calm and confident rider").

This afternoon I went to the barn, tacked Dream up, took her in the round pen and lunged her a little without a line. She's very fearful of the round pen, isn't used to it. I kept acting like it was no big deal and gave her lots of praise. She lunged beautifully, no spinning or running at all.

Then I took her out to the arena, asked the barn owner to hold her while I got on (a big stressor for me) and walked her in circles for about ten minutes while I pretended I was relaxed and comfortable and then got off.

I know it sounds silly but this is a BIG DEAL for me and I'm SO HAPPY! I really feel like I accomplished something!

Tomorrow I'm going to go out and do the same thing but bigger circles and a little longer.

Thanks for listening!!

[KarinUS]

That's excellent.
The journey of 1000 miles begins with one small step... :)

Welcome to NR and horseownership!

[Est]

Well done you :) Let us know how you get on!

[martini55]

Brilliant, well done you! Today small circles, tomorrow bigger circles and soon you'll be off enjoying a hack/schooling session. It's great giving yourself little targets to work towards, does wonders for your confidence. :)

[*MiRi*]

well done you! you must be so pleased! :D :D
now you just have to built it up until everything is fan daby dosy!
good luck!

xox

[canadianbeaver]

congratulations. i didn't know you'd bought a new horse.

[Alle]

Well done! Small steps are so important in establishing trust and rebuilding confidence. i think you're off to a great start and look forward to hearing more updates. :)

[Luxie]

:) :) Congratulations!! Way to go!! :) :)

[Trewsers]

Well done you :D Sounds like you're going to do fine - keep up the good work!

[cazrider]

Well done :) Let us know how you go...

[happy herman]

congradulations!! sounds like you're on the right track for you and your girl.
slow and easy. you don't have anything to prove to anyone. have fun!! ;)

[makebelieve]

Good job! :)

[kedwards]

Well done! It doesn't sound silly at all!

I might add though, that you know that riding has taken over your life when you call into work after a bad lesson ;) Don't worry WE understand, even if your boss doesn't :D

[Janette]

Everyone starts somewhere.:D Well done.

[cathy51]

doesn't sound silly at all. Little steps are the most important confidence builders. Keep enjoying!!!


cathy

[michelle c]

well done!!! every little step counts!

[Kate 05501]

You should be proud of you self. Keep up the good work. Keep us posrted? I think if you can do it so can I. I have the same problem as you. If I was 16 this would be chalange but know I'm 34 and not as thrilled. Good I wish I was young again. I went with my trainer to riding place. She wanted to run her horse and so I thoght I could do it too. But I was wrong about it. I felt that I had no control over the horse. I never felled of the horse.I went riding in the winter time. Know I can't even trott the horse. So this Christmas I went riding on my sister horse and got scared. My sister never thought she would see me get scared. To be honest I was surprize too. So know I have to work on my confendence and my riding skills. I'm moving in three weeks to be near my horse. Dakota is a 1 year old. So I have one year or two to get ready for her. But the tom boy is still in me and I still like a chalange. Call me crazy.

Kate 05501 and the gang