Loss of confidence

[simonb]

Saturday morning saw me riding a different horse from normal; this one was younger, more forward going, and up for a run.

Whereas I have been used to trying to get the horse not to be lazy, this time I struggled to hold it back. On 5 or 6 occasions I got a spontaneous canter when I really wanted a trot and I had to fight to keep it under control. Whereas I am used to being a little bit stiff in my legs after a ride, it is my arms and shoulders that hurt today.

I've described it as like learning to drive in a little car with a 1 litre engine and then, immediately after passing your test, being handed the keys to a 5 litre V8 truck. What little confidence I had has been shaken somewhat and, for the first time since I got onto a horse back in August last year, I'm actually scared.

I decided to learn to ride so that I could go jousting, and with my joust a little over 6 weeks away I'm heading towards being terrified!

[The Flying Irishman]

But you managed the V8 truck didn't you:D Give yourself a pat on the back and just remember not all your riding experiences will be like that one.

Kath x

[Skib]

Simon, this is absolutely fine.
Shows you were ready to move on and learn something new in riding. Like how to manage a more lively horse? How to slow a horse down?
If you have only been riding since August there are going to be lots more times when you need to learn new stuff, just to extend your repertoire of skills and your ability to ride different horses.
So could you work out why you were scared and why your shoulders hurt afterwards? And avoid that happening again?
May be you werent sure of what to do, not sure you could stop the horse and stay balanced? So you sitiffened up and that made things worse? You use the word "fight".
Had the instructor explained clearly and in detail how one should ask a horse for less? rather than more?
How to get a horse to walk calmly rather than break into trot or canter? By the time the horse offers canter, it may be too late. One needs to anticipate.
Have you been taught how to use half halts on the reins (alternate reins) rather than put pressure on the bit, which may encourage the horse to pull more.
There have been threads this year where people have kindly coached me into calming the mare I ride by bending her head to one side (disengaging the hind quarters). That relaxes the horse immediately.
Have you been taught how to slow down a horse in trot by slowing your rising rate, and maybe stiffening your thighs a little?
I am diffident of saying stiffen, since you need to stay relaxed on the horse.
It is a case of trying out different subtle alternative cues, that carry the basic message to your horse that you are the one in charge. You are the one who dictates speed, whether it is slow or fast.
Some horses respond to one thing, others to another.
I went hacking with a guy who taught me to slow my horse going down a steep grass hill heading for home. He compared it to slipping the clutch on a car; you use rein and leg, go and hold back, in conjunction with each other, to maintain the speed you want.
I am a cautious old woman so I paid great attention to the braking system in horses right from the start of my lessons. I dont know how you have managed to get so far in riding in so short a time. But it sounds as if slowing down has not been a high priority for you till now.
This isnt scarry or failure on your part. It is just moving up a class in school and starting algebra. What you need is people on this board or at your riding school to explain to you how to do it.
Then give it another go. We all wish you luck.

[DavidH]

and, for the first time since I got onto a horse back in August last year, I'm actually scared.
Being scared is not a novice thing. Even after 40 years of riding I still occasionally come across a horse where I am rapidly emptying my toolbox and still feeling uncomfortable and out of control. When learning to ride (we never stop learning) you have to be moved out of your comfort zone a little. Unfortunately if you moving on to a slightly more difficult horse coincides with that horse deciding to be in a difficult mood it can be an unsettling experience. But it was still experience. One which you coped with. take the positive from it and try to wash out the negative. Your next ride is likely to be as different again.

Oh and tell me more about the jousting. Its something I've wanted to do for a long time but never found out much about it. Already got the 'War Horse'

[Crazy Mare]

Hi Simon,

I hope you are feeling better. Remember that we all have our good and bad days in our horsey life and not all of your experiences will be like this :)

I would love to know more about your jousting. I know a few people that Joust and it's brilliant to watch :) Good luck with your first one and do let me know how it goes :)