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  Discussion on Lost confidence - how to get it back?
Author Message
Member:
Rhondal

Posted on Friday, Jan 20, 2006 - 8:43 pm:

I don't feel so alone now that I have read your posts it has been 20yrs for me also and it is kinda scary to get back on but I'm not going to give up.
Member:
Miamoo

Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 6:51 pm:

Good luck Rhonda! Make sure you are ready for the horse you are riding. Since he lets you walk for a half hour while behaving he must be pretty good.

Take lots of lessons with someone who is really patient and won't mind slowing down when you feel like you need to. Do not be ashamed of spending time on the longe line to help you get your confidence.

As a 41 year old I know that we are not a confident as we were at 16 nor do we bounce as well! Take your time, if you have a good horse and you love it you will find a way!

Ella :-)
Member:
Miamoo

Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 6:54 pm:

Whoops, I thought Rhonda was the first post, I guess I should have addressed it to Cynthia.

Ella :-)
Member:
Alden

Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 8:27 pm:

Cynthia,

A recent incident with one of my geldings left me with 7 broken ribs. It was probably 50/50 his fault and mine.

I spent my many hours on ground work with him while I was healing. Once back in the saddle I did a lot of flexing, turning, and stopping him. I find that the more responsive my horse is the more comfortable I am.

Other than doing ground work and softness exercises the only other suggestion is lots of saddle time.

Good day,
Alden
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Saturday, Jan 21, 2006 - 11:12 pm:

Cynthia, you've gotten lots of good advice. I hope you are wearing a helmet, though!

My sister-in-la just got her first horse in her late 40's. She had never ridden before. She has been taking lessons on her mare, but the one thing that seems to have helped her the most is just spending lots of time with her horse - grooming, taking her for walks, talking to her while she eats, etc. The more she has gotten to know the horse, the more comfortable she has felt with her and on her.

Another thing that often helps new riders, is to have someone lead the horse while they (the rider) do a series of what are basically old cavalry exercises; bending forward and backward as far as possible, touching the right hand to the left toe, etc. These exercises help a rider develop balance and just feel more secure.

Good luck and have fun!
Member:
Leilani

Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 12:10 am:

Alden,

I so agree with you. I have a 4 yr old mare that can be a handful on the trail at times. If I was not confident that I could stop her with one rein, I don't think I would be riding her out. Some days are good and some are... We also do a lot of suppling exercises, change of direction - all on the trail.

So it was a gelding; I always thought it was the mares that created most of the problems (I have mares). Take care.
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 4:05 pm:

I am another that had many years off riding. I grew up on horses but had a big break. Silly me got a 4 year old pure arab who was green broke. Thinking that I would just get back to it like I was never away. Boy was I wrong. My little arab taught me all over again. It was a very long slow process. Never doing what was uncomfortable. My horses was as scared of everything which made things worse. Lots of baby steps. We still have things to work on and I still have days when I think he is too much for me. Though when I think of our accomplishments I am amazed. from a horse who would buck, spook at grass try to bolt every time he was scared. emagine what it did to me. Now he is the best trail horse. We hunter pace and compete it all sorts of stuff. If I am having a day that I dont feel confident I will do something else with him. You dont have ride everytime. I used to take him for long walks like he was a dog. Thats how we bonded.Blaze and me now
Member:
Jlmule

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 - 3:08 pm:

Here's another thought just for the heck of it. Instead of riding a horse, try a Mammoth donkey. I know it may sound silly to you but these tremendously sweet and smart equines are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the "used to be and wanna be again" riders. Although they are by no means "bomb proof" (and in my opinion nothing is), they are definitely more laid back, less apt to bolt, generally a little smaller, more sure-footed, able to carry heavier loads than a comparably sized horse and in my opinion, easier to train. One is seeing more and more of them on the trails as well as in competition. Perhaps riding a donkey for awhile would help you reestablish your confidence enough to feel comfortable on your horse. You may even decide you prefer the donkey as many of us now do.

Leslie
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