|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 10:39:15 GMT 1
Post by wishful on Mar 27, 2007 10:39:15 GMT 1
Three cheers for this thread. does anyone else do what I do-panic at the thought of riding. I am an older rider who would get on anything in my teens. Now it takes all my time to get on a chair I think.I have not ridden for about 4 weeks.T he longer I leave it the more scared I get.It feels like a PHOBIA. I have a 14hh pony-she spooks a bit and this unnerves me.Any ideas please. I love looking after her, but I know I should ride her more for her sake and mine.
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 10:43:53 GMT 1
Post by julz on Mar 27, 2007 10:43:53 GMT 1
do you have anyone who could walk/cycle beside you, either in the school or down a track? Go to Wildrover's thread and write down what you CAN do with your pony...
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 10:53:16 GMT 1
Post by angblue on Mar 27, 2007 10:53:16 GMT 1
Hiya first of all don't beat yourself up about it! I'm sure your pony is perfectly happy just being a horse Echo what julz said try getting someone on foot to help you, it really does give you a confidence boost just knowing someone is there to help. Also I've found that the less I ride the more the nerves creep in so I never go more than a week without riding if poss. But if I dont feel like riding I loose school, lunge, long line or take him out for walks in hand. It's amazing how all the ground work builds your bond & gets them really listening to you, it builds your confidence knowing you can do all these things ;D I do apoligise if you do this already! If you feel like riding get on & do 10mins walking, halting etc in the school/field, once you've done it you'll feel fab All the best x
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 11:25:01 GMT 1
Post by amarche on Mar 27, 2007 11:25:01 GMT 1
Hi wishful!
I second the good advice above and would def suggest doing some groundwork - a guy on my yard had never ridden before in his life (now in his late 40's) bought a very unsuitable horse, and was quite anxious (particularly about falling off and ''making a fool of himself'') followed the Parelli plan intensely and is now riding bareback & jumping and enjoying his horse.
I'm not saying that you should rush out and get the Parelli system or anything similar but just to show that he spent months on the groundwork and built up such a lovely trust between them that the riding was a natural progression in their relationship.
I think it's important not to get yourself into that 'I should be...' cycle too, if you're a goal orientated person then set small acheivable goals and congratulate yourself when you complete them. If you don't, it doesn't matter!
I haven't ridden my horse for months, the idea absolutely terrifies me - I know don't let it bother me, we'll get there in our own time, when we're both ready for it.
It will be far worse if you force yourself to do something you're not comfortable with - stay within your comfort zone and build on that
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 14:26:40 GMT 1
Post by maryplain on Mar 27, 2007 14:26:40 GMT 1
I am an older rider who would get on anything in my teens. Now it takes all my time to get on a chair I think.I have not ridden for about 4 weeks.T he longer I leave it the more scared I get.It feels like a PHOBIA. I have a 14hh pony-she spooks a bit and this unnerves me.Any ideas please. I love looking after her, but I know I should ride her more for her sake and mine. Well done for admitting your problem. I am at a similar place in my life and also get panicky at the thought of riding, especially if I haven't done any for a while. Rescue Remedy is just not enough. Well, I have got a brilliant book that's helped a LOT, it's called 'Ride with confidence', worth a try? Also, as my pony is still a bit green I have invested in a hunting breastplate which has a lovely thick 'chicken strap' across pony's neck which I can grab hold of if he leaps about unexpectedly. This has helped me (psychologically) more than I would have thought it could. It also takes away any chance that I will hang on by the reins and upset pony. Yes, agree with the groundwork thing, but if you are like me you feel angry with yourself for being so scared and I expect you want to conquer this, or you wouldn't have posted here. I am doing much better than I was a year ago, using the help from the Book, getting a friend to walk alongside, using my chicken strap. You can get better too, I hope you do.
|
|
HFM
Olympic Poster
Posts: 853
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 17:36:43 GMT 1
Post by HFM on Mar 27, 2007 17:36:43 GMT 1
echo all the above good advice, i also found setting myself a small goal (like REALLY small which i knew i could do) such as getting on and walking to the end of the lane and promising myself i could get off after that. Then once youve done it you think just a bit further...just a bit further.... also echo trying to ride regularly...even if you have to force yourself just to sit on..otherwise i used to build it up to much more than it was in my head! good luck,
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 18:23:54 GMT 1
Post by kya on Mar 27, 2007 18:23:54 GMT 1
I agree with the ground work ideas BUT... the best advice I had was to ride, ride and then ride some more. One morning you will find yourself excited at the idea of riding- I promise you. I dreaded riding for months after I got my horse last year and would wait in hope of rain or sufficient wind (a nodding leaf would do) to excuse myself from riding. Even now, a few days off unnerves me. This is your fear speaking not your head. You can do it. I'm am a complete nelly, believe me. If I can get back to the joys of riding anyone can.
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 19:23:18 GMT 1
Post by wishful on Mar 27, 2007 19:23:18 GMT 1
|
|
|
panics
Mar 27, 2007 19:34:05 GMT 1
Post by kya on Mar 27, 2007 19:34:05 GMT 1
Oh, Wishful.. should have mentioned the confidence CDs too. There sort of self-hypnosis and very good. You can choose from hacking, jumping etc., whatever is your issue. I downloaded one of them as an MP3 files (for a price of course) and listened to the hacking one every night for weeks at one stage. Very relaxing and gives you tools to draw on from within yourself when the fear freeze happens. www.confident-rider.co.uk. £12.95 as an MP3 file and worth every penny.
|
|
|
panics
Mar 29, 2007 7:02:26 GMT 1
Post by Casper on Mar 29, 2007 7:02:26 GMT 1
I know how you feel Wishful, as at times I would feel physically sick and shakey with nerves att the thought of riding. And having not ridden for a few days because not been feeling 100% am a bit wibbly at the thought of riding again - grrrrr. If all you do one day is tack your horse up, get on, take three steps and get off again give yourself a pat on the back. If you are riding and don't feel happy give yourself permission to get off.
Remember to breathe too. If you inhale through your nose to say the count of 4, when you exhale through your mouth count to at least 6 using the same counting rhythm as the inhalation. This will help to keep you feeling calm and will help to relax your horse as well. Try it, it really does work.
Good luck and here's to a great riding summer for you x
|
|
|
panics
Mar 29, 2007 9:56:41 GMT 1
Post by jill on Mar 29, 2007 9:56:41 GMT 1
Oh Casper sorry to hear you haven't made the progress you hoped. 1. I hope you are feeling better and 2. Trust Bobby and the plan you have to deal with stuff. Then go out there and give the plan another go because it will work, it has in the past. Focus on the plan not what if............
|
|
|
panics
Mar 29, 2007 10:26:47 GMT 1
Post by Casper on Mar 29, 2007 10:26:47 GMT 1
Great news - have been riding this morning, and had a lovely time! Still only in the school, would hack out in company but not solo hacks at the moment. He was a really good boy, very very attentive, did a couple of nice trots and got some softer rein backs. Still some way to go with rein back though as he is still quite bracey, but getting there. And do you know the daft thing? I just got my tack on, got on and did it - and really really enjoyed myself! Has set me up a treat for today.
Thanks very much Jill for the support, and you are right, focusing on the plan is working. Apparently there are a couple of viruses around, which I must have picked up as a couple of other people said they had been feeling the same. Nothing like a good ride to make you feel better though!
|
|
|
panics
Mar 29, 2007 12:32:48 GMT 1
Post by kya on Mar 29, 2007 12:32:48 GMT 1
Casper! We're going to be cantering after you soon shouting 'hey-hey, Casper, get back here!'
|
|