At 08:41:58 on 15.02.10, Angelalain wrote:
This might sound a bit silly, but in the stable, would it help if you got yourself some steel toecap boots? That way you will definitely be less worried about the foot standing, and not feel you have to avoid him (which will make him feel he is pushing you about!) A couple of years back I got really windy about turning my daughters loan horse out. He was a tall 16.1 with a high headcarriage and he was pushy, (I'm only 5ft) Twice he started spooking and trod on my foot, I lost him both times. My daughter suggested steel toecaps, which I got straight away, and it just gave me that bit of extra confidence to stay near him and not dodge out of the way. I've been wearing them ever since, they are really comfy (and warm) for both riding and stable work.

At 08:43:24 on 15.02.10, Angelalain wrote:
If you still need prelim 7 send me a note.

At 15:59:57 on 15.02.10, Em28 wrote:
I also wear steel toe caps, they have saved me many possible bruises/pain/anger, I would not go back now! Great idea Angelalain!

At 13:33:25 on 16.02.10, kimmi9080 wrote:
Great idea, i will invest in some! Yes still need prelim 7 please

At 14:11:56 on 18.02.10, CarolineP wrote:
Well done, Kimmi9080, it sounds as though you're already getting there with the positive thinking. If you feel nervous or intimidated, ground yourself even if you have to step away from the horse to do that. The more calm and grounded you are, the better the horse will respond to you. Think what you want from the horse and what you intend to do before you go anywhere near the stable. When you have it clear in your mind and you acknowlege that it's OK for you to expect co-operation and respect from the horse, then it's so much easier for you to put over what you want to the horse. Balance doesn't come from keeping your heels down. Imagine you're full of something heavy that's trickling out through your heels. This will help to ground you and make you more stable (pardon the pun!) in the saddle. Hope the dressage goes well! Kind regards, Caroline
http://www.enjoyriding.com

At 00:40:05 on 02.03.10, chica wrote:
i also have fears in the stable and riding and since my riding teacher has been riding her whole life and has been a jockey and used to train horse with issuse(bucking bolting rearing stuff like that) she doesn't understand how anyone can be scared of horses and just tells me not to be a wimp and says to not diffacult horses since i am not good enough which has not helped in the least let me tell my self esteem has gone down hill quite a bit and i do try and ignor it and i do love to ride but i always have that little voice in the back of my head telling 'your no good your no good"so i understad completely

At 15:31:20 on 13.03.10, CarolineP wrote:
Hi chica, what a lovely picture. The only time I tried to ride my horse in the sea, he nearly shot out from underneath me! I really would urge you to think about finding a different instructor. This person, in my opinion, is not the instructor to help you. Someone who makes you feel LESS powerful and competent is not helping you in any way at all. Get tough with that little voice in your head. There is a technique for controlling your internal voice, but it's a bit too complex to explain effectively here. So, for now, just be determined to shut that little voice up. Practise saying something positive about yourself to yourself. Say it to yourself in a really strong and positive internal voice. Practise saying positive things to yourself until you feel comfortable with it. This will really be a key exercise for you. Refuse to let anyone - including yourself - put you down. Spend time thinking about times when you have been powerful and successful. There will be times when you've felt good about yourself, even if they are a long time ago. So make a point of bringing them to mind and really getting into the skin of that person who felt good about herself. Keep doing it until it's easy for you. The other idea you might like to look at is copying someone else. Find someone you admire (not this instructor, because from what you say she's not a positive role model) and imagine what it's like to be them. How do they do things, what are they saying to themselves (you can bet it's not "You're no good"), what are they thinking etc. Just copy them. This can be a very powerful technique for changing thoughts and behaviour. I hope this helps. Kind regards, Caroline
http://www.enjoyriding.com

At 20:04:47 on 15.05.10, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Join up and why not try to tie him ooutside while you work in the stable? Aslo free school him and stuff so you gain confidence on ground with him in a bigger enclosed area, just make the space smaller gradually also tie him up in the stable so you can move around him without him getting in the way, also make sure you are assertive so he gives you your space and make it clear he moves where you want and if he gets bargy barge back, he will soon respect you and your space. (dont know if any of this was said before)... Good luck :)

At 11:55:04 on 17.05.10, Kath wrote:
hi, well done to kimmi for building up your confidence in a stables... i go to my mates stables nearly every day mucking out bonding with the horses etc, last week i had to go into a stable with a nervous pony to give him silege, straight away i was scared and aware of him when i should have kept calm knowing he was nervous too my mate was with me, if he moves or whatever i start shaking i cant control it at all and im trying my best to, i know horses can sense straight away that your nervous, and i was grooming a lovely horse last week who is half broken in at moment and he didnt like been groomed especially his legs so i was gromming on side my friend the other side, he kept swinging my way i thought he was going to swing and throw me up against fence so i got angry which i can never do as im nervous and tryed my best to push him where he was meant to be but he swings my way again and i didnt groom him no more as i didnt know the horse and didnt trust him, my friend did a good job as he tryed to kick her but she slapped him which he wasnt expecting, its a new place for him i guess... building up your confidence takes alot of time.. especially for me as im a nervous rider after a fall and im trying to build my confidence around horses again.. also want to say this is a great group for advice and will try some tips you all have given thanks!

At 18:28:12 on 07.06.10, flashboy wrote:
hi you could sit in the stable ignor him and if her comes to you talk to him strok him... you can also see your horses character as your doing this