Hey all,
One word would describe my lesson on Sunday 'Terrifying'!! I have never been scared riding before but I was on Sunday.
The horses hadn't been ridden for just under three weeks and the wind was blowing so hard we couldn't hear the instructor.
One of the ladies in my lesson got cantered off with three times by the school 'bombproof beginners horse' thats how hyper they were. She managed to hang on the first two time but the third time he turned to quickly for her in the corner and she came off. I think it was a combination of general unbalance and jumping for freedom - her horse was being a pain. My horse, who is the spookiet horse in the school, for once didn't spook but had more upward movement than forward and seemed to have completely forgotten that he could trot. We had to go everywhere in canter. Which usually wouldn't bother me cos he has got a nice canter but he refused to go anywhere near the corners and kept getting faster and faster until it seemed as though we were cantering about a ten metre circle at 100mph (slight exageration but thats how it felt!)
When I saw the other lady come off her horse unfortunatley I took it as my excuse and I gave up for the day. I got off!! One of the more experienced guys got on and took him for a good canter round the school and then tried to take him over a jump at which point the horse refused and the poor guy ended up on the floor.
Felt quite guilty about this but then he did offer to get on. Needless to say the poor horse was taken for the ride of his life round the school (only one little smack with the whip) but he didn't refuse again.
Regretting slightly that I got off but feeling good that I knew when I was in too deep and was able to admit I couldn't handle the horse as he was. Surely its better that way than one or both of us getting hurt.
I have arranged for some extra lesson on one of the horses I trust completley to try and regain some of my lost confidence. Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragment but I didn't get so far as to actually use them, but will still listen to your advice in my next lesson. Thanks again guys and I willkeep you posted.
) rider, my motto is "discretion is the better part of valor." If you think you're going to come off, its better to get off under your own power! This shouldn't be happening often (if it is, look for a new trainer/school) but there is nothing wrong with making a decision that this isn't something you're comfortable with doing. For me, knowing that I can get off makes it rare that I will get off. Just knowing I have the option makes me feel better
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