Sliding Backwards

[unicorndanca]

All though I've never been the best rider I think I'm getting worse. I've just started back from a 2 month rest after a sore back. I constantly feel the need to hang on, I feel like I'm constantly bouncing around. I can't find a comfy position with the reins and always feel like they might get tugged out of my hands. It's totally depressing. I don't feel like I've lost confidence even though it sounds like it, more like a don't feel safe or is that the same thing? Am I the only toatlly hopeless one!!??

[horsemad]

Hi there

No, you are not the only one to think you are sliding backwards in terms of riding ability. I'm sure it is down to you being out of practice since you haven't ridden for 2 months - don't be too hard on yourself and give yourself time to get back into the way of it again. Apart from anything else, your muscles will probably need to readjust to being back in the saddle again.

I think riding is one of those activities where you feel you take one step forward and then two steps back! Every so often you have a good ride (or even a good 5 minutes!) when everything comes together and feels 'right' - and then the next time you ride, you feel like you are all over the place and can't do anything right at all. That's my experience anyway!! It can be a bit disheartening when you have one of those awful rides where nothing goes right.....but try to concentrate on the positive bits and work from there. Is there a helpful and sympathetic instructor who might be able to get you back on the right track again?

Good luck!

[Piaffe]

I've had back problems for many years since a riding accident when I was 14. I still now have good days and bad days with my position in the saddle because of my back! And I've been riding for many years and had my current horse for five years!

Totally agree with Horsemad - your muscles need to strengthen again - have you tried Yoga? Very good for stretching and strengthening muscles and does tend to help to prevent further damage to them. Also helps to relax you!!

Don't give up!

[lamprellsarah]

can't beat the advice above, just don't give up!! everyone feels like that at one time.
i also suffer from back problems after a nasty fall when i was 15!!! and not nearly 17, and sometimes it flares up and i really hurt and feel awful, i just try not strain myself, too much and warm up before riding!!!!!

[unicorndanca]

Thanks for all your advice and support. Maybe if I try to relax and not try sooo hard:D Oh well I haven't been on a ride since the bad one and I shouldn't keep putting it off!!!

[Piaffe]

Speak to your instructor before your next lesson and see if he/she can give you some excercises to do while on and off the horse.

There are loads you can do in your lesson - get your instructor to help you. My particular favourite which I tend to get nervous riders to do is to have the horse at standstill, let go your reins and circle one arm then the other for a few seconds. Shrugging and releasing your shoulders and circling them also helps to relax you and release tense muscles - shoulders are the worst area for feeling tense - if you work in an office/with computers you know what I mean!!

Also ask your instructor to lunge you - you could even keep this to a walk for the whole lesson until you find your seat again.

Do have faith in your instructor - he/she is there to help you and its what you are paying for!!

[unicorndanca]

My instructor is the loveliest lady, she is my instructor at riding club which is once a month. I was having private lessons with her but because I haven't a riding ring and had to ride in paddock but horse was being a moron and not wanting to be bossed in HIS paddock . So she advised me to just practice on trail rides which he didn't play up on (until now). We weren't having very productive lessons because they were filled with my horse trying to buck me off when I finally got that straightened out he took up rearing. I had just been feeling like I could take up lessons again and this happens so anyway I wish I did have a special place to have proper lessons.

[Piaffe]

You've probably done this already, but just thought I'd ask - have you had his saddle/back, teeth etc checked?

Just a thought about what you said re: sliding backwards. Perhaps the saddle needs adjustment/restuffing? This could be causing your horse to react the way he does and your position being the way it is?

It must be difficult not having an enclosed area to work in. Some places rent out their arenas/sand schools - is it possible for you to borrow someone elses arena?

[unicorndanca]

In 'sliding backsides' I was referring to my progression, more like regression!!! His saddle is fine. Thanks anyway for the thought. I don't know anyone with a riding ring unfortunately.

[Piaffe]

Sorry!! I think I misunderstood here!!! Not surprising really, coz I'm half asleep here most of the time (at work, I mean!!)

I still say don't give up!! Everyone in every sport/activity will feel at some point in their lives that they have gone a step back instead of forwards!! It doesn't just apply to riding!!

[unicorndanca]

Know how you feel I'm always on here after my 91/2 hour shift at 1am:D I'm going fro a ride tomorrow cross my fingers its a confidence booster:D