Post by wozzer on Dec 29, 2006 12:47:13 GMT 1
Funny how things work out. I packed in riding and horses for nearly 10 years after a horrible head on collision on the road. 
Both me and my horse (at that time) weren't badly injured but I totally lost my confidence, sold up and stopped riding altogether. The car we hit was totally written off, but my boy was 17.3hh and I think that's why we sustained such little damage to us.
Two years ago I got Lincoln (and then cried all night because I was frightened I'd gone and got another horse - what on earth was I thinking of
), and it has taken me quite some time to build up my confidence on him. Reading Kelly's books has really helped 
The strange thing is, that having recently met another rider who keeps her horse at a nearby livery, I'm having to be the brave, confident one as she is new to riding. For example, she hasn't ridden on the road as she is too nervous, although her horse is very steady. But we want to hack out to different places, and so having to negotiate some roads is essential.
So, I am now helping her out with this as my horse is very reliable on the road, in most circumstances. Our goal is to meet up with some hackers from another nearby yard, as they have some rides we don't know and it would be lovely to go to new places.
This morning, in gale force 10 we went for a little hack along a road near us. We had planned to go further afield, but the wind and rain were against us, so we decided just to do a short stretch of road between two bridle paths. We were all safety concious in our hi viz kit and the horses were very good. I told my friend to sing (in her head) if she got worried as I know it helps for me! (And I sing out loud, if I am forgetting to breathe!!)
We were absolutely fine ;D. What good, brave horses we have - lucky us ;D I left her at her yard to ride home and met a huge tractor and trailer and, again, my horse was fine.
Now sitting here with my hot chocolate beaming, thinking isn't it funny? I am so busy now trying to give my friend confidence, that my own lack of confidence is being forgotten! Funny, that ;D
Both me and my horse (at that time) weren't badly injured but I totally lost my confidence, sold up and stopped riding altogether. The car we hit was totally written off, but my boy was 17.3hh and I think that's why we sustained such little damage to us.Two years ago I got Lincoln (and then cried all night because I was frightened I'd gone and got another horse - what on earth was I thinking of
), and it has taken me quite some time to build up my confidence on him. Reading Kelly's books has really helped 
The strange thing is, that having recently met another rider who keeps her horse at a nearby livery, I'm having to be the brave, confident one as she is new to riding. For example, she hasn't ridden on the road as she is too nervous, although her horse is very steady. But we want to hack out to different places, and so having to negotiate some roads is essential.
So, I am now helping her out with this as my horse is very reliable on the road, in most circumstances. Our goal is to meet up with some hackers from another nearby yard, as they have some rides we don't know and it would be lovely to go to new places.
This morning, in gale force 10 we went for a little hack along a road near us. We had planned to go further afield, but the wind and rain were against us, so we decided just to do a short stretch of road between two bridle paths. We were all safety concious in our hi viz kit and the horses were very good. I told my friend to sing (in her head) if she got worried as I know it helps for me! (And I sing out loud, if I am forgetting to breathe!!)
We were absolutely fine ;D. What good, brave horses we have - lucky us ;D I left her at her yard to ride home and met a huge tractor and trailer and, again, my horse was fine.
Now sitting here with my hot chocolate beaming, thinking isn't it funny? I am so busy now trying to give my friend confidence, that my own lack of confidence is being forgotten! Funny, that ;D
I think it's always easier to be brave for other people than for yourself, but in doing so, you have now proved to yourself that you HAVE regained your own confidence. Well done, you should be very proud of yourself. What a lovely feeling to have to go into the New Year.! 
