Today was another nervous ride but I didn't set an aim for the ride, just to have a walk round on my own until I feel a bit better. As I went into the indoor another rider joined us, so I waited for them to finish before riding myself, as I didn't want a repeat of Tuesday. Diesel stood very nicely watching the mare walk round, however this 10 minute wait just led to me becoming anxious again and working myself up. In hindsight I should really have got on, but hindsight is a wonderful thing!
After the mare left the indoor I mounted and Diesel was very tense from the start as he just wanted to follow the other horse out of the arena, and he spent the entire time I rode him shouting to the others on the yard (several horses were kept in for the farrier). As I was feeling anxious again I just rode for a few minutes, on a 20 metre circle between E and B, with a ground pole at both letters, working on halting square as I crossed the centre line and stepping nicely over the poles without changing the speed or rhythm of the walk.
I really do wish I could get over this nervous block so I can do more work with Diesel and enjoy riding him again. It is my lesson in 9 days, and I am really looking forward to it! Any tips or advice are still appreciated!
There won't be any posts for a few days as I am away at my boyfriend's until Sunday evening, I aim to ride on Sunday, so I will post if do.
Thanks for reading!
When I was first going through all my nervousness (my horse started trotting really fast and big one day, and I couldn't get him to stop, and my confidence took a nosedive), my trainer told me to just get on and walk while taking deep breaths to relax myself. Even if I spent 30 minutes walking, I was on my horse at least. And once I got bored with just walking, I'd be wanting to do a little bit more. Then, just do one trot circle and walk again. And each time, challenge yourself to do a little bit more than you did before. And as you do more, you'll realize (and it took me a while to really get it) that you CAN handle it just fine, and it's all in your head.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment and the advice, I tried the deep breathing today and it really did help me feel better. Thank you for reading my posts and taking the time to help, it is much appreciated!
ReplyDelete