What constitutes nervous Nellie?

[*toHorse&Away*]

Ok I can go ok on the flat, wtcg no problems. One bolt, bit scary but ok.
Jumps - pathetic! Big attacks of the what ifs. Have fallen off a few times over jumps the size of crossed pencils, nothing bad but argh! Major panics.
Rescue remdy and or wine is not helping.
Whadoido?
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!
Whats your take, what are your "phobias" how do you deal?

[NicP]

Sorry this isn't a helpful post but just to say I am the same...I used to jump when I was younger and then had years of just hacking and am now a HUGE wuss over a jump.

Logically I know I can do it but mentally...

Look forward to reading any more helpful responses!

[HairyCob]

I'm a wuss riding in open fields, will avoid it at all costs and also a wuss at anything faster than a trot anywhere.

I've had my ex-showjumping mare for 14months now, and despite assurances and proof that she is a careful and talented jumper and I'll be fine popping little jumps on her.. I've only ever jumped her once over one tiny X pole

Took me the best part of six months to pluck up the courage to canter her at all, and I STILL haven't done it on a hack or in company.

Yet she spooks like crazy, spins, rears and naps at times and is a complete nutter on the roads occasionally, and none of that bothers me in the slightest.. I just sit there and ride through it

[NoviceNic]

When my knees are wobbling...That is when I put my NN badge on.

Usually I try and just get on with it....If it works great, if it doesnt you will see me asking for advise on NR...

[sancho]

Just come back to riding after 18 long months of snivelling in the corner at my lack of confidence!

Out hacking and having lessons etc but still taking things fairly slowly.

Rescue remedy worked (or so it seemed to me! ) and some NLP.

Now have this unshiftable 'I'll deal with it when it happens' attitude. Not sure how but the NLP worked for me!! Have been in a few scarey situations for me and have managed to do the right thing and stay calm so far.

Good luck

[Wally]

It depends upon whether you REALLY feell you want to conquer your fears or just accept them and carry on enjoying your riding but without the stresses of feeling you ought to be able to jump.

I don't jump any more, it's over-rated. A horseman should not be judged on the height of fence he is prepared to thow himself and his horse at!

In my youth I jumps ruddy great stoopid X country fences, I just have far too many commitments to spend time off in hospital, or creeping around for a week speygied!

If I found myslef facing a 4 foot gate on a horse that could do it, I'd probably be able to get over in one peice, I just don't see the point in deliberately upping the risks these days.

[horsemad]

Originally Posted by Wally

It depends upon whether you REALLY fell you want to conquer youfefars or just accept them and carry on enjoying your riding but without the stresses of feeling you ought to be able to jump.
.

Very wise advice from Wally. I know some people who are a bit scared of jumping, but also get a huge thrill out of it when they do it - so in this case, I can see how you would want to 'conquer your fear' so you can get that adrenalin rush.

But in my case, jumping just terrifies me - even if I can manage to get over a jump safely, I tend to think 'thank God thats over' rather than 'wasn't that great'!! So I just don't jump any more, and now enjoy my riding much more because I no longer put myself under pressure to do something that terrifies me

[sancho]

Originally Posted by horsemad

But in my case, jumping just terrifies me - even if I can manage to get over a jump safely, I tend to think 'thank God thats over' rather than 'wasn't that great'!! So I just don't jump any more, and now enjoy my riding much more because I no longer put myself under pressure to do something that terrifies me

I think that says it all. Just do what you're comfortable with!

[Sparklie]

I'm petrified of jumping but Twig is making me a lot better. I now jump about 2ft easily and then start to get wobbly after that.

Strangely enough I jump far better in shows that I do at home. The adrenaline must get to me!!