FAO Wozzer, Kya And All The "Confidence Crew"

[Casper]

Weeeellll - the confidence you sent by the bucketload yesterday Wozzer has certainly paid off! Rode Bobby today, he hadn't been ridden for 2 weeks (all changes from now, he is now on a fittening and schooling programme thanks to some really great positive things happening re my grandad). Walked round the school once on a loose rein, went round the second lap - when he looked towards his field, screamed and tanked off! This is something he has NEVER done, usually he jumps sideways like a great big scaredy cat (I do say he is like Scooby Dooh when he is scared). What did I do? Laughed and just continued on our merry way!

Doesn't sound like much I know, but believe me there are times gone by when I would have jumped off or steered well clear of that part of the arena. (I know, I know, wrong thing to do - but that is what nerves can do for you). And although we are only working in walk, halt and rein back he was really good, I got some softness from him and he didn't go round like Mr Giraffe Neck either. So all in all am really chuffed :-)

So thanks to everyone who has helped me with these confidence issues - it really does make a difference knowing that people are out there willing you on. Hugs to you all x

[wozzer]

Just filling up a tipper lorry with some more confidence for you Casper. There.... on it's way.

Well I think that's fab. What you have done is deal with something and found it amusing instead of scarey and that is just amazing ;D. I am soooooo pleased for you. Sometimes ignoring their antics (when safe to do so) is a good way of dealing with it.

You are well on your way now. Something happened, you dealt with it, you carried on. Woo hoo!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D Long may this continue. xx

[wozzer]

PS: Find a way to get to the North West Get Together at mine (see other thread). We can swap confidence stories!!!

[Casper]

Tipper lorry of confidence received - many thanks for that Wozzer! Will have a look at your thread re the Get Together, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. xx

[jill]

Good on you - I knew you could do it. Just a reminder for you as well - one rein stops, circles and serpentines. You figure it out - and remember them when you have, because then you will know what to do in an emergency, real or perceived, and problems won't be problems.
But good on yer - go Casper

[Jo with Ben & Schooner]

you superstar!!!!!!!!!!! how cool are you? AS A CUCUMBER !!!!!!! well done honey xxx

[kya]

Brilliant. It's fantastic when you surprise yourself. There is so much inside yourself you don't even know about- tons of courage and calm included. Well done you!

[Casper]

Thanks so much for the lovely comments everyone. Jill, a couple of times when I didn't have his full attention I circled him until he was soft again and then moved off. I would never have remembered to do that but for you reminding me this weekend. It was so lovely to see you and look forward to seeing you again soon.

[pebblesgirl]

Well done matey,sounds absolutely fab!!

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Louise C]

Just soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo thrilled for you casper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go girl!!

I find that if you go in and stay busy doing turns and circles it keeps both of you distracted:-)))

[nic1]

Well done Casper, knew you could get there. if i can get myself through the confidence thing then i am sure you can. I would say deifinitely try the tapping thing, it really was amazing how well it worked.
It sounds like you and Bobby really made some good progress.

Keep going

Nic
x

[jill]

So come on then, how is it going now? I'm just really keen to know the wonderful things you are starting to do with him, because I know you can

[Casper]

Yesterday only had time to lunge him, as it was Grandad's "coming home" day. (We had to pick him up, get him settled and then go back to meet his night carers for their very first visit, which is their usual policy). I don't lunge hardly ever, usually I long line or free school. Got him walking out quite nicely and with his head down most of the time. (No side reins, just a headcollar and lunge line - I don't do side reins or the like). Only did a little bit of trot work as he is so unfit, he worked nicely most of the time. He did get distracted a couple of times but soon got his attention back. So was very chuffed with him. Definitely riding later today and really looking forward to it.

I am also going to long line him out and about as both he and I need the exercise and it is a way for him to see the world with us both keeping safe. Have already taken him down our track and back - and he was fine, the only thing he spooked at was when shock horror as we got back to the yard a horse got up from rolling. Scarey stuff don't you know!

Many thanks for your support. I really feel that finally we are at the beginning of an amazing journey.

[kya]

I sense the motivation starting to flood your mind. I have that now, and it pushes me on every day.

[em&ed]

Hey that's fantastico!! Well done for laughing about it too!!

Sounds like you are building up confidence more each day

Good Luck - 2007 could be your year!!