Fear of cantering to the left

[midimoos]

I have a pony which has taken off a few times with me but my biggest problem is that a couple of times she has fallen with me in canter, both times on the left rein landing on top of me. Every time she has a little trip in trot it does make me worry but have been dealing with it much better. That was till she has been ill and then blown her tendon etc.. Midi is a Welsh x Fell so nice thick neck in front of me. Anyway after no riding for a couple of years I decided to to the local riding school for a couple of lessons, I explained my fears and the instructor has been really good. Week 1 I had a cob (pepper) that was so lazy but good for me for 1st ride Week 2 and 3 I had a not to lazy cob (Lady) but was cantering both reins but not totally at ease Week 4 turn up and someone had taken Lady out for a hack! So after checking the list of horses another one was picked for me, it was long and narrow with an upside down neck, I walked and trotted and then cantered to the right, it was a nice responsive horse but then I had to canter to the left, I was obviously nervous as I struggled to get canter and then when I did, due to the upside down neck and his head carriage being high I went in to panic, pulled back to a trot but was tilting forward so horse still kept trotting on, I could not sit tall and relax and asked to intructor to stop him for me by getting hold of him. He came back to a walk and stopped, I then burst in to tears and wanted to get off I know it was my fault as the horse was a real sweetie but it has knocked me back again, I did once calm canter on the right again and have re booked for next week with Lady as I need to conquer this fear but I just feel so silly as I know I am capable

[iceberg]

Its not silly when a fear completely takes over you and you need to get off. Its called survival and although your logical mind says you are not going to 'die /get hurt' your emotional mindset can and will override this. The key is to keep plugging away and continue to ride, and yes keep with Lady if at all possible to rebuild your confidence.

Having a horse trip and fall on you is a huge deal, so I think you are a complete star for even getting back on again, let alone cantering!!

And well done for cantering after you had calmed down, I know thats not easy, and it takes courage to do that.

Keep going midimoos and each time it will get a bit easier and your confidence will grow.xx