Can I join...?

[HelenVF]

I had a fall a few weeks ago, my first. I was cantering, without stirrups, when the RS pony, leapt sidewards, and I didn't. It hurt like hell, and it took a few days to recover. I booked a hack a few days later and was fine, but didn't canter.

I've had a couple of lessons, and things are getting a little better but it's so frustrating. This week, I managed to canter without stirrups, but I was very anxious. I had got the hang of cantering before, and had even moved onto jumping, with not problems at all, with the confidence.

I am certainly getting there, but my steering has gone all to pot, which I think is down to me tensing up and giving mixed signals. Everything else about the cantering, is nearly there again, and it actually felt quite comfortable again.

I don't know what I'm afraid of but do know it is just to do with cantering. The pony did spook while I was trotting and it didn't phase me at all.

My RI said she might put me on a lunge next week to try and get things moving again. I must say, she has been fantastic about it, and is really helping get my confidence back.

Just soo frustrated that I feel like this, when I was making such good progress :banghead: I am still thoroughly enjoying it and it certainly hasn't put me off.

Helen

 

[Maclynky]

I know how you feel confidence is such a fragile thing. Its great that you're not put off and are carrying on so I'm sure you'll be fine again in no time. I had a few bad falls when i first got my horse, i did overhorse myself but glad to say 4 years on all is well and i am more confident than ever. Just take your time theres no rush and enjoy!:smoke:

 

[tbaynancy]

Get you - cantering without stirrups!!! You should be very proud of yourself. I think if you read posts in the Confidence Club a lot of us have had "one step forward, two steps back". Sounds like you're doing all the right things and will have your confidence back in no time.

 

[Skippys Mum]

"Bore yourself to Bravery"! A quote from my pal who used to be on here (Capalldubh). Just keep doing things you are comfy with and gradually you will want to expand your horizons slightly.

You will be absolutely fine - just keep remembering this is normal and we've all been there!

And well done on the cantering without stirrups

 

[HelenVF]

Thanks all.

When my RI first said about cantering without stirrups, I was very scared lol. One day, we were trotting without stirrups, and Minnie decided to canter. I must say, it felt very comfortable. I find that my legs, and seat are just right when doing it.

It is nice to know that I am not alone.

Helen

 

[popularfurball]

Confidence is a funny and confusing thing. I will quite happily hop on almost any horse, and go - schooling, hacking etc (Im excluding ones that are known to be extremly dangerous LOL) - and away we go andIm pretty fearless.

But, get me and Sil together and I can get anxious - not abou her sppoking, or running away, or bucking or rearing etc - but about her falling over!!!!! :giggle: she isnt the best balanced in the school and I really struggle to convincingly ask for canter along one side, and have only just managed to canter a corner as Im so worried we will topple over! I dont have it out hacking, just on corners and the downhill slope in the school!

 

[Trewsers]

Sending you some confidence vibes! Sounds like you're doing just fine. Fancy managing to canter with no stirrups!! Quite envious........

 

[HelenVF]

phew, I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I cantered with confidence today

Helen

 

[juliecwuk]

omg i have NEVER cantered without stirrups! check you out!

good to see your confidence is back!

 

[Bodshi]

But, get me and Sil together and I can get anxious - not about her spooking, or running away, or bucking or rearing etc - but about her falling over!!!!! :giggle: she isnt the best balanced in the school and I really struggle to convincingly ask for canter along one side, and have only just managed to canter a corner as Im so worried we will topple over! I dont have it out hacking, just on corners and the downhill slope in the school!

That's me! I've yet to canter in the school at the yard. I have cantered a couple of times in my RI's school because it's big and square but can't do it in the smaller school on the yard. Like you say, no problem out hacking - plenty of space, straight runs etc, but corners - no way!

Glad you're enjoying it HelenVF, you sound very brave to me!

 

[HelenVF]

It is the corners that I sometimes lose it. Would be easier if there weren't any corners lol It's been a bit like a roller coaster, so no doubt will be heading down soon..lol

Helen

 

[selside]

Helen - I think you are doing really well! It's so easy to worry about 'what if's?' when you've had a fall. To give it another try shows there's still some confidence left even after a tumble. You put your finger on it when you talked about getting tense.........

When I learnt to ride back in the late 60's/70's it was the old traditional style grip with the knees idea (there was a thread on here about this recently). I had a real light bulb moment about a year ago when it dawned on me how much tension this built up throughout my body. I had muscle 'tautness' all through, which was pants - I'm not in the household cavalry - it's supposed to be a sensitive union between pony and rider, not sitting on board independently!!

Rather belatedly I'm getting the idea of breathing, relaxing and enjoying, instead of thinking about how to sit and what I look like, etc. When I'm at the top of the confidence roller coaster (not always) I love cantering without stirrups, and can even manage to keep relaxed coming back down into trot, when the tension can creep back in and you often want to 'grip'.

So all I can advise is having a go at breathing deeply and steadliy, legs wrapped softly around the ponio and RELAXING everything below the belly button, especially the hip area. It seems to work for me if I make a concious effort to do this!

Good luck everything. Including the pony hunt when you are ready for it. (And don't worry about coming off Minnie. She thinks there's a boggart at the far end of the school only she can see, and even she can only see it sometimes!!)

Onwards and upwards!!

 

[HelenVF]

Thanks Selside. Will try the deep breathing next time, as there is a little bit of tension there still...not much, just a little. It was Molly that I can off, so I guess that could be the next step, going back on her. lol

Helen