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Discussion on Tips for relaxing on green broke horse
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Member:
Quatro
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 26, 2005 - 10:34 pm:
Hi all you experts out there. Levi and I have been on 2 rides off the farm. Everyone who watches us says Levi is doing great and is calm. I on the other hand get nervous when the slightest thing seems potentially dangerous. Any tips on how to relax. So far everyone I ask says to "B R E A T H E !" That does work. But any other tips. I get tense, and of course squeeeeze tighter. I want to help my horse to enjoy his time out, and not rely on his wacky mom to confuse him. I am getting more confidence with each success however. Years and years ago, I was bucked off and fractured my back, ergo the lack of cowgirl confidence!
thanks
suz
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 12:50 am:
Susan, it might help you to relax by NOT relaxing . . . by that I mean, don't assume that you will ever be able to be a casual passenger enjoying the scenery . . . Give yourself and Levi goals as you mosey along the trail . . . Let's see . . . ummmmm . . . Today we'll walk to that tree, stop, back three steps, continue at a trot to the Stop sign, do a figure-8 at a walk, reverse direction for 15 steps, change direction, leg yeild at the trot to the neighbor's barn, yada, yada, yada . . . Make it a game for yourself and interesting for your horse. Don't expect to just "relax," because it sounds as if you are waiting to "react" to something Levi may do . . . Ride with purpose, and as you are focused on varied goals, you won't have time to be in suspense, waiting for disaster to strike. (Works for me when I take green horses out on trail . . . come to think of it . . . those are the only kinds of horses I DO take out on trail!) By riding with definite foci and experiencing the responsiveness of your horse, your self-confidence will grow as will your willingness to trust your horse . . . and that will translate into "relaxation."
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 11:10 am:
When either the horse or I are tense, I sing. Seems to relax us both. However, if you're riding with others, they may think you're a little "odd."
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Member:
Lhenning
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Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 1:36 pm:
I am exactly the same type of rider. Maybe it's my age showing, but I'm more scared now than I used to be. One thing that has helped me calm down is being repetitive by going on the same trail several times, so I remember that last time we walked here all went well. Also, lots and lots of walking, and letting your body sink down oh so low, almost to the point of poor posture. Then I tell myself "the horse doesn't know you have butterflies in your belly if you just ACT like you're relaxed". Along with the breathing you are doing and singing, you will get more relaxed the more you ride. That was the piece of advice given to me, RIDE, RIDE, RIDE. Ride as much as you can and you will naturally gain confidence in your own skills.
Two weeks ago, my horse spooked and ran while I was riding him on a trail. First time for me, so of course I did everything wrong and tensed, grabbed the reins, yelled WHOA, and then remembered to talk nice to him. Luckily, Cutter is by nature a very easy-going fellow and he calmed down quickly and all was well. I try to be relaxed, but some of the nervousness is just my personality. Since he spooked that day, I've stepped back my training a bit and have been hand-walking and lunging him out on the trails (advice given to me here). This has helped us both to relax and me to develop better leadership with Cutter.
Happy trails,
Linda
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 2:38 pm:
Hi Susan, sounds like you are doing good. All the posts are good stuff. I had to start over my self after a really bad injury and I still get nervous after many months anxiety is so wonderful. I sing a lot and talk out loud to my horse, I even recite abc backwards sounds funny but it works. I force myself to keep my legs of the horse by putting my heels down and slightly out. I over exaggerate my stops and breathing. I also make my self count how many steps it takes my horse to get from point a to b, and if I walk over poles, logs, rocks etc. I focus on what shoulder went over first, and which end came over last. When I do this I keep my mind busy so I relax and better yet these things come in handy for more advanced riding. The more I focus on just getting my horse to do simple things the more I find my self relaxing.
I get mad at myself for my anxiety getting in the way, I have done ranch work for many years and ride in mountains, and I feel like a retard for having to start all over again, just because I rode a rank horse that still likes to buck to this day, I think he is in the wrong occupation. No big deal when I was younger, my old horse liked to buck sometimes just as I was healing a cow and It was no big deal. I don't know why I keep second guessing my riding ability.
I finally rode successfully at a trot last night for the first time in a year without panicing. I held my breath once and then I just focused on posting and I survived and I rounded up my first horse in over a year! I was so elated I cried.
Your doing good, Enjoy!
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 8:53 am:
It's so comforting to me to know that there are so many other riders out there that have a bit of anxiety on their horses. For me, it's canter work. Until I bought my mare, I had done lots of cantering and even gone over fences, but my current horse is a warmblood with a very big, impulsive stride vs the TBs & QHs I had ridden before. I've owned my mare now for more than 2 years and I'm just now comfortable cantering to the left...I still am uncomfortable cantering to the right , and in both directions, I'm just on for the ride instead of influencing the gait like I would do at the walk or trot...that will come (I hope). I know this is silly as my mare is a classically trained, 15 year old, sane school master. She does not buck or rear and I've never fallen off of her (although I did fall off the horse I owned before her, but that wasn't his fault). It's all in MY head.
One thing I did learn through this: Don't anticipate or wait for the "perfect" moment for too long. As I worked up my courage to ask for the canter, my horse would start to anticipate. Because I was waiting for the "perfect moment" i.e. she was properly flexed or no distractions outside the arena, is my seat deep enough, etc...she would get wound up. When I did ask, she would explode into the canter, which to me, felt uncontrollable (but after the initial explosion, it was just a nice working canter)...this freaked me out even more. Now, I just ask her (at least in one direction, anyway) without thinking too much about it.
Now, I just have to get over my mental block going to the right. But the process has built up my confidence enough to get out of the arena and the other night, I worked a little bit in an unfenced field.
So, Susan, follow everyone's advice...breathe, sing, count...it all works. Take your time and most of all ENJOY! We'll all get there...eventually! .
And Cheryl...congratulations on your success the other night. For me, those triumphs over our fears are part of what makes riding so worthwhile!
Fran
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Member:
Quatro
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 10:47 am:
You all are so wonderful and encouraging. If the heat snap breaks around here, we will go off riding tomorrow nite, and will try all those things. My friends already know I am a bit wacky, so the singing won't surprise them. They are always asking me what I am talking about, and i have to tell them I was just pointing out to my horse what kind of tree or bush we just passed, etc. I have their poor ears working overtime when I ride! Thanks, will keep you all posted on our progress.
Suz
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Member:
Cpacer
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 11:35 am:
I had no idea there were so many nervous riders out there! I recently got back in the saddle after a stretch of stall rest, and with the last ride prior being a very scary one. My first time back on I was so nervous just walking around the arena that my legs were shaking. I tried breathing but he would bolt whenever I let my air out--it was a vicious cycle. The next time on I wasn't that bad but I would literally only ride for 5-10 minutes at a time so we could always end on a good note. As others have already written, I was anticipating him doing something wrong. I had to clean the slate and realize that if I was asking him to trust me, then I was going to have to trust him too. I talked to him constantly on our rides about "our partnership" and looking out for each other (I feel okay sounding like a crazy person on this board). I know that little things will pop-up and scare him so I'm always aware, but I honestly know that he's not out to hurt me.
We've made a lot of progress in the past month or so, and an inspirational article I recently read gave me the courage to start trail riding by ourselves for the first time (not ideal but you can't rely on others to want to go all the time). Last night we got stuck out on the trail in a thunderstorm. I talked to him the entire time telling him that if we can make it through this we can make it through anything.
I've also learned to limit my caffeine intake before going to the ranch--that's huge!
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 1:46 pm:
Yeah, I used to sing too when nervous during a ride. It does help a lot, but you may forget to do it and it does feel somehow strange to sing for no apparent reason.
Now I am a lot more experienced. I have learned to plan ahead, so I just drink a beer (or two) before -gracefully- hopping on for a questionable ride.
It is very relaxing, pretty refreshing and singing comes natural with it.
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 4:51 pm:
Very funny, Christos! Problem for me is I'm a light weight drinker...two beers and I'd probably start slurring the words to my songs--if I remembered the words-- and am likely to slide right out of the saddle (even if the horse was standing half asleep!)
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 4:55 pm:
I personally find a small wine cooler or half a margarita takes the edge off and makes for a winning ride when at a show. (Just never developed a taste for beer.)
I had a doctor friend that fed his bulls beer before he showed them. Bet it would work for horses, too. Then both the horse and I would be "calm as cucumbers" in our classes!
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 5:05 pm:
Yes but the nice thing about being a lightweight drinker is that not only is one cold beer enough to relax you and make you more brave, but as an added perk, falling off doesn't hurt nearly as badly!
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Member:
Cpacer
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 6:21 pm:
Once again you hit it Christos! I didn't want to admit it, but a single cold one while getting ready probably has more to do with my sudden courage.
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 7:54 pm:
This is a great conversation. I am glad to see I am not the only one feeling a little older and unsure of myself. I have a 6 yr old gelding who bucked me off really royally 2 yrs ago, and I still haven't had the courage to ask him to canter again. (and I know it was all my fault I got dumped)
So after he has a beer, and I have a beer, we can probably go for it?? Maybe 1 1/2 for him, 1/2 can for me, I've only had the non-alcohol beer for many years, and that probably won't help much!!
So have to buy real beer from now on, and see if my riding improves.
Around 15 yrs ago I got bucked off riding a horse I was thinking of buying. The owner, who was in his 60's, gave me a beer afterwards. Then another, before I quit shaking. I always said I should of had a beer before I mounted up, that's what he said he always did.
I can't have caffeine in me either before riding.
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Member:
Dyduroc
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 8:10 pm:
Silly me! I wait until AFTER I ride to pop a cold one!
D.
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 12:47 am:
The great thing about this board is you never know what you're goin to learn.
Beer huh, one for me two for him?
The other way I relax when I am riding my powder keg is, as mentioned, focus on where we are riding.
Over this log, circle here, leg yield, 1/2 halt, transitions, (walk-halt--walk trot) just what you are comfy with.
this keeps us both busy and pretty soon we're both relaxed.
Now relaxed on this horse never means the same as on the other horse. She would safely take me home if I relaxed and gave her her head. He, on the other hand would likely dump me at the nearest rock and head for the high country just to see whats there.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 12:48 am:
D - well...there's your problem right there!
Wonder if beer (for the horse) is an "approved drug" for showing?
Did you see the movie "Cat Balou?" Now, that's relaxed riding!
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 8:27 am:
...Well, that does it then. Instead of stocking the barn fridge with water and diet coke, I'm going to fill it up with beer, margaritas and wine coolers. Surely one or a combination of all of them will make me a better rider!
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 9:01 am:
These stories remind me of when my father and I first took up foxhunting many years ago. We had both taken enough riding lessons to be considered good riders in the arena, but going foxhunting was a whole other level of insanity. The only way we could calm our nerves enough to continue to hunt on a regular basis for the first 2 or 3 years was to get rip roaring drunk before the meet. We even convinced a few other boarders at our barn that this was a good idea by offering them a beer or two before we went to the meet. Those truck rides to the hunt meet were quite the occasion, complete with dirty jokes, loud singing and occasional wrestling and roughhousing that would put any teenager to shame.
Because the meets were early, and because we would often pop the first tab at 6 AM, we started calling the beers "eggs." If someone asked for an "egg," we knew what they meant, and a cold one would be tossed across the bed of the truck to the requesting party. Then one day, someone came out with a thermos full of fruit punch mixed with several different varieties of high octane booze, including Wild Turkey. This became known as "The Breakfast of Champions."
My father and I still hunt, but we take it much more seriously now and don't drink at all before riding so we can better observe the subtleties of the hound work and so we can ride with precision so we don't tire our horses out. It helps immensely to have years of experience and made hunt horses! However, without our "eggs" and "Breakfasts of Champions" we might never have made it through all of the things that happened to us during those first 2 or 3 years!
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 9:40 am:
Debbie,
O MY!! I was always such a light weight drinker, if I had a beer at 6, I'd be sleeping again by 7!! You all musta been a riot to watch ride.
And here I thought I was gonna put a small fridge in the tackroom just for medicinal supplies.
Anyone know if the horses prefer Bud, Miller or Michelob? Do we have to go with lo carb beer??
Sarah,
As far as the show ring goes, As long as they aren't weaving, I don't think anyone will insist on the breathalizer test thing. We could just say they musta ate some fermented feed, right?
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 9:49 am:
FRan C said.....Well, that does it then. Instead of stocking the barn fridge with water and diet coke, I'm going to fill it up with beer, margaritas and wine coolers. Surely one or a combination of all of them will make me a better rider!
If not a better rider, a much happier one I would guess...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 10:53 am:
My TB loves beer. The only time he pays any attention to my non-horse husband is when he has a can of beer in his hand. He gets to drink the last swig from the can! (It is Icehouse but I don't think he cares what brand it is)
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 11:04 am:
I am a beer drinker... would rather a cold beer then any soda...  anyway none of my horses like beer EXCEPT the two year old..... go figure... she is NOT old enough to have one tho...
Dogs love beer... and follow around waiting for the last sip...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 12:42 pm:
Somehow, I feel out of the loop here . . . I get a major headache if I drink alcohol . . . but if I'm NOT loaded with caffeine . . . well . . . I'm no good for anything, and World, beware!
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 1:11 pm:
There was a lot of falling off involved in those first few years, but I think that would have happened regardless of the drinking thanks to the spooky green horses we were riding. The drinking is what allowed us to get back on board and kick on!
To this day, if someone hands me a mixed drink that has been made way too strong and my dad is around, I will look at him and say "Phew! This one would qualify as a Breakfast of Champions!"
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Member:
Quatro
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 8:39 pm:
You all are just way too much fun Too hot and tornado warnings tonight, so can't try out any of our suggestions, but it has been a joy listening in! Perhaps a beer just for the heck of it! Just so the tornadoes don't sound too scary.
thanks
suz
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005 - 11:18 pm:
Susan H. (suz) There is an awful big bouquet of (Lilies) here on this board .
Here's to having a "Barley Sandwich" in the "Bowels of the Basement". Hoping that the tornado is going to pass you by.
This is a great discussion and I am glad to hear that you are not the only wacked out Mom or Dad with a large furry child related incident .
Couple of beers for you and the horse can do wonders.
Cheers,
Susan B.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 30, 2005 - 10:56 am:
It reminds me of a old hunter's reflection: "It takes a good deal of physical courage to ride a horse. This, however, I have...I get it at about forty cents a flask, and take it as required."
~~Stephen Leacock
DrO
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 30, 2005 - 12:43 pm:
Oh my gosh you all are a riot! I wish I had people like you guys to ride with!
I never thought of having a beer before or after a snarly ride but now that you mention it. I think I should start enjoying life more! I think one reason we get so nervous beside obviously having been hurt, is we get more uptight when we get older and forget how much fun life is when your not stressing about what can happen.
PS my arabs like beer michelob, coors you name it the rest of the tribe likes mountain dew, poptarts, and peppermints. I haven't been able to talk any of them into doing a shot of tequilla with me though....
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 30, 2005 - 2:53 pm:
Our foxhunting crew still gets together from time to time to reminisce about the good ol' days. Last time we got together at the beach, I brought a case of Red Truck Wine in memory of the Old Red Truck that used to take us to all the hunts.
It's not a fancy wine (nor was the truck), but it's good table wine and even better, it's priced accordingly. The label alone is worth keeping a bottle or two around the house. I'll have to see if my horses like it (or is that a no no, Dr. O, seeing as how grapes and raisins are bad for horses)? We have a chestnut horse, so maybe the red wine will keep his coat from fading in the sun!
https://www.redtruckwine.com/
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 30, 2005 - 9:40 pm:
Cheryl,
I think you got it right. I know I am trying so hard to ride "right" and train "right" that I forget to just have fun. Horses are very forgiving, geez, they must be if they handled the fox hunting with the "foxed" riders, LOL!!!
Be glad to share a michelob with you and your horses, but egads, no tequilla for us!!!
Debbie,
that reminds of my girlfriend and I naming one of her foals TJ, because we were teenagers running around drinking TJ Swan, and all the Boonesfarm wines.....ah, the good ol' days!!
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Member:
Imogen
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Posted on Friday, Jul 1, 2005 - 8:28 am:
Never more than two hot ports before hunting, never less than one. They are known as "fence reducers".
All the best
Imogen
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Friday, Jul 1, 2005 - 11:45 am:
I wonder if the horse god is upstairs laughing his or hers butt off when they see what uptight bumbling bafoons we let our self become on top of our ever forgiving steeds. I think I am patient but then I am reminded how patient my horse is to tolerate me and my bumbling ways.
I would share a Michi' with you too angie! Sorry for the tequilla my aunt raised me on it don't know much bout beer. After having said that I am not much of a drinker, just very high tolerance. But somehow or another a few of my horses are named for various drinks, Mi Tai- Polish arab, Tequilla Rose- Mustang, and Bailey's - Mustang. Go Figure.
Hmmm, fence reducers.......... Never had a hot port sounds ok!
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