Paraniod about Equine Science course!

[sophiet88]

I'll be starting my university applications soon (to start next september, or the one after (not sure if I want to take a year out to get more experience and earn some money for a car!)), and I'm paraniod that I'm not going to be anything on the other riders there. I went to Myerscough open morning this morning, however it's looking like Lincoln is going to be my first choice (the course seems more academic). I've been riding for about ten years, however I haven't done a lot in the past two years. I had a pony on full loan, however had to stop loaning her, and then my best friend wanted me to jump her horse at affiliated newcomer level, however the next day after jumping her very well, she hospitalised me and I lost all confidence. Which means I haven't been doing much but the occasionally hack or schooling session. Last time I competed (minus this summer were I went to one show, which ended disastorously) was about 2 years ago, and that was at unaffiliated open pony level. And so basically, I'm expecting the other riders there to be far better and with far more experience in competing. Is experience in competing important on a course like this? I've been told that many of the riders are far more inexperienced and much worse riders than me but I can't help but be paraniod!!

Please help!

[eml]

I don't know about Equine Science but I know several people I have taught have gone on to Equine Studies course including Lincoln who although competent riding school riders ( stage 1 working toward Stage 2) could never compete affiliated let alone Newcomers so you will be one of the most experienced.

[Pickles]

It sounds like you have good rding skills, with some competition experience and have just backed off recently due to nerves etc.

If you're looking at going to college next September you have a full year to work on this and try to get your confidence up.

Why not book some regular lessons, or try to find a horse whose owner needs help with schooling if money is a problem?

I know from experience a year is a long time in horse riding terms, you just need to get some enthusiasm back and start doing more of the things you enjoy.

[sophiet88]

Well (as long as I get a job again) I'm planning on finding a horse this winter, one mainly to compete again at show jumping. It's tempting to try get back on my friends horse again as we work so well together when she is behaving, however last show she went to she just reared and bolted around the school and also threw my driving instructors off and nearly broke his nose! Anyway, that's another reason why I'm thinking of taking a year out. I suppose I'll just have to go back to the plan of finding a horse. :o