At 02:59:01 on 06.10.10, lauralbriar wrote:
Hi, After many years away from horses, we have now brought two home to live with us. They have been here for almost 6 months and all is going well. However, I have been hesitant to ride - I had a very bad accident many years ago (18 months in hospital, multiple surgeries on back, knees, legs etc. with a lot of metal holding everything together). I have now ridden both of our horses now - one is an 18 year old Lipizzaner mare trained to advanced dressage, the other is a former racehorse who is now 24 and has done everything from English Hunt to Western Trail rides. Both behaved quite well, and I enjoyed our rides - but I know that inside I'm still nervous and I can't say why. But every time I think I want to go and ride, I seem to find a reason not to. It's as if I think something horrible will happen, even though it hasn't the times I have ridden. How can I get my confidence back - I feel stupid but can't seem to change it. Any advice would be much appreciated. thanks samantha

At 19:47:55 on 06.10.10, CarolineP wrote:
Hi Sami, what a lovely horse and I can see how happy you look to be riding! I wonder if I might make a constructive observation based on the video? I think you and the horse would benefit from a little modification of your riding technique. The horse looks a little uncomfortable and at one point appears to be running away from your seat and hands. I would imagine this might be a bit unsettling for you given that you're nervous. If you look at the video, you're rising very high in trot and losing your balance, which results in you bumping back down on the horse's back. This coupled with your rein being a little long and an unsteady hand is, I think, probably the reason that the horse is running forward away from you. My suggestion would be that you make your rising almost imperceptable (imagine you're riding without stirrups) and you remember that the horse is carrying you forward several feet with each stride (in whatever pace). Imagine that you have a big spring attached to your belt buckle and it's pulling you forward with each stride. If you shorten your rein a bit, you will find it easier too. You might want to try your stirrups a hole or two shorter, which will support your lower leg better. You can use mental rehearsal to practise riding in better balance, exactly how you want to. If you practise this daily, it will become easier and easier to do it in real life. As for your confidence problems, have a look through the posts in this group - there's loads of good advice here. I talk a lot about Bach Flower Remedies because they are an effective way to resolve emotional problems and Star of Bethlehem for shock, Aspen for anticipatory fears and a feeling that "something bad" might happen, and possibly Cherry Plum for irrational scary thoughts could help you. I've put a link at the bottom of this post for more information about Bach Flower Remedies. Hope this helps, and good luck with your nice horses. Kind regards, Caroline
http://www.carolineputus.co.uk/Bach-Flower-Remedies.php

At 20:56:06 on 06.10.10, lauralbriar wrote:
Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for your reply and your advice. I agree with your observations of my riding and very much appreciate the advice given on correcting this. Thank you also for the link to the herbal remedies - I'll let you know how it all goes along and hopefully will have another video for you soon, with some improvement! Have a wonderful day samantha

At 21:12:55 on 06.10.10, Em28 wrote:
Hey Samantha, I think it is amazing you have got back in the saddle and are riding your horses! You must have a huge amount of courage to do so, given your common sense would be screaming at you to be careful and not get in the saddle. I wish you all the luck. I am sure the more confident you get the more your fears and worries will subside. Maybe if you found an understanding instructor it would help you build your confidence levels, with the added bonus of you not finding an excuse not to ride if you have booked the lesson prior.

At 01:37:32 on 07.10.10, lauralbriar wrote:
Hello Em28 I thank you for your encouragement. I would love to have an instructor and feel I would really benefit in so many ways if I did, however, we live in a very rural area. I have found only 2 instructors within a 75km radius - started with one, but she could not continue as she moved away, the other is currently not taking new students. Still on the lookout for an English instructor though. Thank you again for your post - I am very much enjoying this website.