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  Discussion on New rider & not sure what to do
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Posted on Monday, Oct 2, 2000 - 10:22 pm:

I have a 13 y/o, t/b mare. She hasn't been ridden in about 10 years. I have been taking riding lessons for sometime now. My trainer is leaving for the winter and I don't want to give up riding until the spring. She is somewhat temperamental but a sweetheart in general. I have been working with her about everyday and I have gotten a saddle on her with no problems. The next step is to mount. I am leary to because her previous owner told me that at one time she had flipped herself in cross ties. I very much want to ride her but unsure if I can handle her. I love riding so much that I couldn't even think about not riding until spring. But should I take the chance and try to ride her? I would welcome any advice!! Thanks!!
Tracy

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2000 - 11:16 am:

Hi Tracy!

First of all - a horse that freaked out or panics on crossties is a separate situation from riding - unless this horse has a solid history of rearing in general as a vice.

Secondly - if your trainer has not yet left, try to have her/him work with you and your horse as much as possible before they do.

Finally - I would ask your trainer to recommend someone you can work with in her/his absence. A caring, responsible trainer shouldn't be afraid of "losing" you to someone else. It is commendable of you to admit your apprehensions, and you shouldn't have to take unnecessary risks which could result in your getting hurt and/or losing confidence in your ability. And remember - any nervousness on your part will be communicated to your horse as well.
If your trainer can't or won't recommend anyone to you - I would go ahead and search out someone yourself anyway. You shouldn't have to give up riding all winter, and you have a situation that does seem to require some professional assistance to resolve safely.

Good luck! Bonnie

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2000 - 9:37 pm:

Bonnie,
Thanks for your advice. I will ask him about it and he is a very nice man so I'm sure he can direct me. Thanks again!
Tracy

Posted on Thursday, Oct 5, 2000 - 8:52 am:

Tracy,
Do not would not attempt to do any of this on your own. Sometimes when we become first time horse owners, we do things we later regret. My first horse was very green and so was I. I had great confidence, but it wasn't long and my confidence was shaken really bad.... After three bolting episodes, my fear level was pretty high. It took me 6 months to work thru it. I wanted to ride just like you, but safety first...and you will enjoy it so much more.
Denise

Posted on Thursday, Oct 5, 2000 - 12:42 pm:

Tracy,

I agree with Denise. I had a similar situation like Denise and it took me more time to repair my shaken confidence than it did to lose it. There are still times where I question my abilities and there are things that I won't do out of fear, because of something that happened 7 months ago. I'm working on these issues, and can look back and laugh about most of them now (I was so bad, I'd have a panic attack just trying to clean his corral while he was in it), but I lost alot of time in the saddle because of fear and lost confidence.

Good Luck!

Posted on Thursday, Oct 5, 2000 - 10:20 pm:

I think you are right. I have waited since I was a little girl to have a horse and a few more months won't kill me (to ride that is). I have a friend that has lots of horses and I'll see if she will let me ride some this winter. Thanks for your input! :o)

Posted on Saturday, Oct 7, 2000 - 11:08 pm:

Tracy, I was also reading your post about tempermental mare. Looks like all us "mare owners" understand.
You might want to look into some of the Linda Tellington Jones books/videos. She has some great suggestions for ground exercises that give you some ideas for working your mare through the winter. The reason I mentioned your other post is that her exercises aim to teach the horse respect. One of my favorites is "Lets Ride" which follows a story line of a group of kids at a two week camp learning her techniques. I bought this to get some new ideas for horsey fun with my kids. There is also a new one that is very good (can't think of the title and it's at the barn!). I've very much enjoyed using the massage and leading techniques. I'm planning on getting the poles and doing some of the ground work this winter. I find ground work can be as enjoyable as riding. (well, almost) Good luck.
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