Finally decided to saddle up my mare, Dawn, tonight. Hubby’s been riding her for the past several years as I developed a real fear of riding. I do okay coaching but the second I got up on her back, or tried to, I went to bits. After taking weeky riding lessons from a trainer who’s just an angel, I figured it was time to saddle my own horse.
It was a bit of struggle but I** MADE IT UP ON DAWN’S BACK!!**
Og, the feeling of sitting up on her back, feeling her breathing under me, moving with her movements, it was so damn wonderful I wanted to cry. It took me a bit to get used to how she moves as opposed to the lesson horse I was riding [who is an UTTER GENTLEMAN] but she’s a sweet mover.
Well, all was going fine and we were winding up, when Dawn got spooked. She teleported one way, and I…didn’t. Holy shit, I’m glad I landed in the deepest pile of sand in our arena and that I have a nice, cushy butt because it HURT. But after spitting sand out of my mouth, shaking it out of my bra and putting my other boot on [it somehow parted company with me during the teleportation], I got back up. Did three more laps and got off. I’d have done the happy dance but I was too sore!
If it hadn’t been for my husband and one of our boarders, I don’t think I’d have been able to get up on Dawn’s back. They were both patient with me, and so was Dawn [once she figured I was really serious about riding].
So now I’m relaxing in my fave chair, got linament on me from my boobs down to my knees, and feeling this glow in my tummy that I missed.
That’s wonderful! Sounds like you’ve been doing all the right things to get comfortable with riding her again. Can you have your trainer present for the next time (or two or three or…)? Getting back on after developing such fear is very hard (I know!), and getting back on a horse that just dumped you is even harder. You done good.
Oh, one other thing: What sort of tack do you ride in? Have you considered trying an Australian stock saddle? When I was a green owner with a Quarter Horse who’d spent his working life in a ring till I got him, I used to get dumped regularly – “OMG Monster!” Shoulder-duck/sideways-jump and off I’d go. That stopped happening – the off-I’d-go part – once I began using an Aussie. Those thigh-catchers work better than the swells and horn on a Western saddle; they grab and hold you before your body develops momentum. If Dawn is at all prone to spooking, an Aussie could make a huge difference for you.
Congratulations! I am very proud of you! There is nothing like the feeln of riding your OWN horse.
I sold my last horse in 1986 after he threw me and broke my arm BADLY; I didn’t sell him because he threw me, but because I couldn’t work to support him. Either way, I have only ridden twice since then, and I would be lying to say that I have lost most of my confidence… but not the love. I am in the prolcess of getting set up to take riding lessons, because I hope to buy another horse eventually.
I have worked with many riders who have strong fears of riding. Some that arose after scary accidents, others that “just were.” It is great that you are working with a trainer that helps you develop your skills and confidence to the point were you are pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself. Don’t worry if you have a set back or two (or ten…) along the way. Totally normal. Big Pats!!!
Haven’t been able to get a hold of her yet StG. I just tried again and left a message, so hopefully she’ll give me a call back. I’d love to start this weekend!
Several things—Dawn and I had a horrible fall while cantering a few years back when I was riding her in a hunt seat saddle. Add to that some personal issues that really tore up my self confidence as a person and as a rider, and you have a nice combo that kept me off my horse for several years. I rode other people’s horses, but I wanted to be back with my horse.
I’m a Western rider and usually my saddle keeps my butt where it needs to be [thank Og for suede seats and soft, well-worn denim]. The unscheduled separation between me and Dawn probably wouldn’t have happened but we were so unused to each other after so long. Tonight’s ride was much better and oh, it’s so wonderful to be back.
I was thrown from a horse as a child and never rode again. I give you a lot of credit for getting back on. I just got the wind knocked out of me but it was scary.
PapSett - Just remember that barn owners are like a lot of small business owners - Passionate about their interest, but not great business people. Sort of like the people who always wanted to own a bookstore, because they love books, but have no idea what it takes to run a successful store. You may have to give her another call. She might’ve jotted your number down on the back of a vet bill that’s been paid, or on a white board that some kid later came along and erased so she could draw a horsey on, something like that. BE PROACTIVE. Call back and make an appointment. She might be bad about returning calls, but if her horses sem well-cared for, their feet are in good shape, etc., then she’s not a bad trainer, just a bad businesswoman.
