js
Grand Prix Poster
'Tilly' - 1981 - 2010. Always In My Heart
Posts: 1,116
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Post by js on Apr 16, 2007 11:31:44 GMT 1
I need some words of comfort from you guys !
I rode my new loan pony out for the first time alone yesterday. I'm 40 and have been back riding for 18 months after a break of 15 years, so have just taken her on as a lovely safe happy hacker. I hacked her out three times last week with her owner on foot as I thought this would be a nice gentle way to settle us both in. So, for yesterday, I'd planned to make it a happy medium - ride to my friends yard (about a mile), have a walk out with her on foot, then ride home alone.
All went incredibly well on the way, but my friend was delayed by half an hour so we had to wait. Tilly (pony) is always a bit faster on the way home anyway but had got a bit frustrated at just waiting around so when we eventually set off again, she jogged practically the whole way.
I have no ill feelings towards her, I think she was just frustrated and didn't understand, and I never once thought she'd tank off and I did feel pretty much in control. But it just didn't go as planned and I feel a bit deflated now.
Did I set myself up to feel this way because things didn't go exactly as I had hoped?
I'm planning to go out again this afternoon to kind of get myself over it, but do a feel a little wobbly.
Help ?
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Post by iceberg on Apr 16, 2007 11:49:09 GMT 1
For what its worth (my opinion I mean) I think that the only reason she jogged a bit was because she knew she was going home. She didnt really do anything naughty, and neither did you! Dont be nervous this pm, you felt safe, so remember that. I would suggest if you do feel unsafe on the way home, to get off and lead her a bit. Perhaps let her graze a bit in hand, anything to slow the journey down. If she is in unfamiliar surroundings she will want to go a bit faster to get home, also most horses are eager to get home for their tea!
Dont be deflated, think of the overall picture, you achieved what you set out to do, and any little set back was dealt with, without a problem.
Well done, and i hope this helps? And enjoy your ride today.xxxx
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Post by amarche on Apr 16, 2007 11:50:01 GMT 1
Hi js - I think you did really well and I'm thinking also that your probably beating yourself for it not going as planned - take the positives (and there are many in there ) and that's it! She was probably just agitated or picking up on your agitation that your friend was late but the fact that you arrived home safe and sound is great! i always wonder about having a set plan with horses - something unexpected always happens and its usually then that you learn more about yourself and your horse's relationship with how you handle it.
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dawnb
Olympic Poster
What a handsome boy I am, pity bout the scarecrow on top!!
Posts: 735
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Post by dawnb on Apr 16, 2007 11:52:28 GMT 1
Dont be so hard on yourself! You made a huge decision to "go solo" for the first time anyway, Im no where near ready for that yet and I've been riding for more years than I care to remember! She probably did get a bit frustrated and perhaps you did too subconciously?? You acheieved loads so look at the positives - you felt in control, you managed her jogging, and you stuck with it! WELL DONE for all of that - shes new to you as well so shes probably trying you out and perhaps in her former home she wasnt used to the situation you were in. Keep at it, stay positive and Im sure it'll be absolutely great this afternoon. Try a few of the techniques us nutters use - Singing is great for one. Humpty Dumpty for walking - Hot stuff for trot and cant help you with canter as I dont do that (not yet anyway LOL) Good luck xx
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Post by angblue on Apr 16, 2007 11:52:41 GMT 1
Hi js congrats on your new horse ;D I think you've answered your own question! As in you know she was a bit fed up waiting & that she's a bit faster en route for home. So you have worked out why she was a bit fizzy on the way home & you delt with it brilliantly & were still in control ;D Sometimes rides don't pan out how we'd hoped( see my nerve racking post!) but you did it, got home & all this your first hack on your own Which is all great stuff ! I too came back to riding after a 15yr break(occasional trek) & I'm to nervous to take mine out alone, so huge pat on the back & go out today & ENJOY
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js
Grand Prix Poster
'Tilly' - 1981 - 2010. Always In My Heart
Posts: 1,116
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Post by js on Apr 16, 2007 12:27:24 GMT 1
Oh thank you all so much. I'm actually feeling a bit tearful reading your replies because you've all been so kind. And it's also a relief just talking about it.
amarche - I think you're right about having a set plan. I'm just going to go with the flow this afternoon.
dawnb - I will definitely try the singing - although we have to go past some builders so I think I might avoid the 'hotstuff' suggestion lol !!
Thanks all of you and I'll report back later.
J xxx
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Post by amarche on Apr 16, 2007 12:33:55 GMT 1
lol 'hot-stuff!' ;D got damned tune in my head now good luck with your hack js - I'm sure you'll both be fine
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js
Grand Prix Poster
'Tilly' - 1981 - 2010. Always In My Heart
Posts: 1,116
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Post by js on Apr 16, 2007 15:39:03 GMT 1
We're back !! Had about 40 mins - nice circular ride around our village. She was fantastic. We had to negotiate two dumper trucks backing into a building site, various kids on bikes, a lot of children in the village playground and the obligatory nutter driver and she was so good.
Yes she did speed up coming home and we had two jogs, but that is normal for Tilly and something that I can only work on over time. Lots of half halts and absolutely making her stop and stand at junctions and only moving off when I say so.
I feel so much better and thank you all for your support. But mostly thanks to Tilly. What a lady !!!
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Post by angblue on Apr 16, 2007 15:54:24 GMT 1
Yay well done, glad you had a good ride ;D
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Post by amarche on Apr 16, 2007 15:56:30 GMT 1
;D Excellent news!!
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js
Grand Prix Poster
'Tilly' - 1981 - 2010. Always In My Heart
Posts: 1,116
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Post by js on Apr 16, 2007 16:05:33 GMT 1
Thank you, thank you, thank you !
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dawnb
Olympic Poster
What a handsome boy I am, pity bout the scarecrow on top!!
Posts: 735
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Post by dawnb on Apr 16, 2007 17:22:47 GMT 1
Well done hun As for the "hot stuff" you should've sang it past the builders, top of your voice - give them a taste of their own medicine LOL Glad you enjoyed yourself xx
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Post by kya on Apr 16, 2007 17:48:22 GMT 1
That's great news JS. You're still forming a relationship and sounds like you are doing a fantastic job. It IS different. I took a 20 year break from riding and am tipping 40, so I do know. Well done.
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Post by iceberg on Apr 16, 2007 18:28:33 GMT 1
Yes, well done! ;D ;D ;D. xxxx
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Post by Louise C on Apr 16, 2007 20:02:10 GMT 1
Just read this - what a success story!! Well done! Notice you're in Beds - you might be interested in the Kathleen Lindley clinics from 14th - 16th July - all the rider places have gone, but spectator places are available - see under Demos section:-)
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