Okay, quick review. On Sept. 1st, I got dumped on my tailbone pretty hard, and decided to get some professional help. Calico and I worked together with our trainer Robin to fill in the holes in my training. Cali was a quick learner, but we definitely had some respect issues to hammer out. Over the holidays, I found myself making excuses to just clean stalls and rush home. Nearly a month went by between training sessions and I was wondering if this was ever going to be fun again or if fear would always be there nagging me. I'm sure Robin picked up on my hesitation. She nudged me a little, then dangled some joy in front of me.
Cali saw the horse trailer pull up, and got excited. I put her in the little round pen next to her stall, and she went wild, bucking and kicking up a dust storm. After she settled down a bit I led her out to the street; she jumped right in the trailer. She was ready to work. Robin said, since it had been a while since our last session, she wanted me to work with her first to see if Calico tried any tricks. Her energy was a little high, and a little pissy, but she got right into the old routine quickly, and soon we were waltzing around like Fred and Ginger. After a while, Robin put on Calico's tack and mounted up. She was walking and trotting, bending and stopping. Then it was my turn. I hadn't trotted on her since before my fall. It was so relaxed, loose rein, easy downward transitions to a walk. Robin said, " You plan when you want to do your first limited distance (25 mile) ride and I'll go with you." I'm so excited. I promised I would ride her at least two days a week, and then we're going to start doing some little trail rides around the neighborhood and local trails. Robin has done so much more than train my horse, she's help me to regain my confidence. That's huge. I'm back.....I'm back in the saddle again!
That's great! I wish that it could have been that way for K., too. I'm glad you found a mentor.
ReplyDeleteI took a fall in August 2010 (actually 3....I misread my horse A LOT!) and for the first time in my life I experienced anxiety and was actually afraid to ride. I got back on him a few times but would have that anxiety thing happen....then I got on my trusty little mustang Tripp who is a doll (most of the time) and I still had it. A friend of mine gave lessons and is an awesome instructor to kids and adults both. She and I met once a week for a while and I rode one of her horses. He is a great lesson horse but also has a mind of his own, so he was perfect for me. It helped so much...but I still go thru my 'ACK!' moments.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that you overcame it then rode some long rides! Woo hoo!!!!