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Post by lavenderlanebabies on Oct 11, 2011 15:21:07 GMT 1
Well long story condensed. I bought Harvey my bomb proof 15.2hh gelding just over a year ago. Friend tried him out and he was perfect. I swore I would ride him but my nerves got the better of me. Friends took him out and about and he had lots of fun but I was always miserable seeing everyone having the fun I should have been having.
I tried to get on but each time I would have major wobbles about not being able to get off. Being a larger lady I struggle to get my leg over the back of the saddle and usually end up with an enormous bruise.
Anyway today I rang my friend and asked her to come over as felt like I could try. Have been talking to myself about it for so long.
So she came and rode him around and he was as laid back and chilled as any horse has ever been. He then stood at the mounting block for 10 minutes whilst I had a melt down, foot goes in stirrup, foot comes out, sit down head in hands, get up again foot in stirrup, count to 20 sit down again you get the idea.
Then I thought ok one two three and hauled my bulk into the saddle, he didn't move an inch. Found my pedals and suddenly I felt fabulous, on top of the best horse in the world (ok arena) and I walked him round for 10 minutes until I could feel my thighs going into shock. Took 2 attempts to get off and yes I did bash my thigh but friend said you rode your horse, what does a bruise matter get some arnica.
So there you go after 42 years, 36 of the riding, 2 big accidents and some horrible horses along the way I am riding again. I'm not saying we will be out competing at Badminton next year but I think we might think of a Intro dressage test in a year or so.
Wow it feels so good.
Yay.
Sorry for rabbiting, feels so brilliant right now.
Cx
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Post by iceberg on Oct 11, 2011 15:44:31 GMT 1
Well done ;D ;D I know you'll be feeling over the moon right now, so hold that feeling and next time it will be so much easier to get on. Keep going and enjoy!xxxx
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Post by ladyndibs on Oct 11, 2011 16:08:47 GMT 1
That's fantastic, I look forward to hearing more updates as I am in a similar situation and need more confidence even if it's only over the internet. Have you got any pictures of Harvey?
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Post by sarahlev on Oct 12, 2011 8:34:30 GMT 1
Well done! Really pleased for you.
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Post by georgina23 on Oct 12, 2011 8:47:30 GMT 1
So pleased for you. I know exactly how you feel and that was the first step in winning back your confidence. Well done, and he sounds like an amazing horse too xxx
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Post by happysnail on Oct 12, 2011 9:56:35 GMT 1
That's fantastic. You must be over the moon. You're mate sounds like a brilliant support too. Enjoy!
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Post by Hannah on Oct 12, 2011 12:32:28 GMT 1
Well done ;D Next time you have a wobble, dig deep to find that enormously happy feeling you had once you were on
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Post by ingebing on Oct 12, 2011 14:00:26 GMT 1
I haven't posted before but after reading your post wanted to congratulate you. I have been in a similar position. Recently got my first horse mainly for carriage driving but also with the intention of riding. I hadn't ridden since i was about 11 (am nearly 46 now!) I started having lessons at a riding school about a year ago and took the plunge with Dylan - he is a 15h welsh section D.
I have been so lucky with him as he is a very forgiving and patient horse! I also have a wonderful instructor/friend who gives me lessons.
I have just come back from my first hack out with her walking beside me. I have a busy road to contend with so a few lorries and cars came past and Dylan didn't flinch.
I have to agree with you about the getting off the horse -as am not as agile and not petite so the getting on and off has been a hurdle. I have brought the tallest mountain block you can get which is great so I am not pulling on Dylans back to get on. Today my friend made me get off without her holding Dylan. I did do it and felt it was an achievement!! I think its a totally mental thing with me and the more i do the better things get although it doesn't stop me from having panic moments and thinking 'what have I done to get a horse!'
I must say i have found this website very helpful and supportive to hear other stories. At the end of the day we are so lucky to spend our lives having horsesand learning and developing with them. I still have to pinch myself when i look at Dylan to think he is all mine!!
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Post by impyandzephie on Oct 12, 2011 18:36:05 GMT 1
That's fabulous news. Really well done you!
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Post by Mellymoo on Oct 12, 2011 21:51:09 GMT 1
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO well done!!!! I knew you could do it hon!!! ;D
Also welcome ingebing, and well done for you achievements too!
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Post by chavhorse on Oct 13, 2011 13:08:53 GMT 1
Fabulous news well done. ;D
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Post by lavenderlanebabies on Oct 13, 2011 14:30:36 GMT 1
Thank you all, its been a long long road. Riding again tomorrow afternoon weather permitting. Then I think I will book myself in for some lessons to get going properly. I agree with ingebin, I look at Harvey and think how lucky I am that I found him and that he is mine. I am lucky to have him at home so spend a lot of time with him, often late at night he comes to the gate for a cuddle. Often wonder if he fancies coming in to watch tv with me, OH thinks I am nutty.
Please do all keep me posted with your progress and fun
Carol
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Post by julz on Oct 13, 2011 21:40:13 GMT 1
I had no idea you had major wobbles with riding... Im not as adventurous as I used to be while riding... gawd I used to get on anything and go canter it, no matter what it was like... then I had a major accident.... never lost my nerve, but where that person who used to ride anything and everything has gone I really don't know... I've "had" Jay for two years now I barely ride, and when I do it's walk sometimes trot too and rarely canter... He's got the breaks I know he does.... but.............................. That is great that you have finally found the courage to get up on your horse, must be a fab feeling that most of us take for granted..... Hope you do it again soon ;D
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Post by lavenderlanebabies on Oct 14, 2011 14:53:11 GMT 1
Ridden again!!! :-) :-)
Got on straight away, felt anxious but just went straight on. Rode around for 15 mins before body said ok enough!!! Got off first attempt, bashed inner thigh on right leg again, huge bruise there already but hey I rode. I felt more wobbly after I got off than before. Not sure why that is? Harvey was brilliant of course, did what was asked but was less responsive than last time. Friends who were watching said I looked at home up there and solid just a bit too tense in my arms. Nothing that lessons won't help with.
So after you have done this and conquered fear of getting on did anyone move onto trotting etc?
Cx
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Post by julz on Oct 14, 2011 15:14:40 GMT 1
I felt more wobbly after I got off than before. Not sure why that is? Cx Possibly because your muscles aren't used to it and still sore from last time you rode... trot will come but only when you are ready..
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