First time post in this topic, please be gentle, it is a long one...
I am a "late to riding" beginner , in my late 30s (I still class myself as a beginner, I'm off lead rein, cantering but not jumping). I am not the most confident rider, but regularly ride a fantastic, if occasionally plodding, cob. I adore him and he would never do anything to surprise me. But I do suffer from anxiety ( not horse related, but PTSD) and if I feel I am not in control of a situation I get very upset and this can set off a cascade of anxiety. I have very rarely felt this on the horse I regularly ride, and have gone on trecks while on holiday and at other local stables. I have ridden other horses , no problem at all, until today....
I had a lesson on a different horse! She is a lovely horse, but I just had no control. She is more responsive so the slightest movement set her off. I felt out of control and stressed, and had to stop the lesson and dismount, I just couldn't go on. The teacher kept raising her voice and telling me to keep going, to slow my rising trot down to take control pull on the reins, relax my hand, shorten the rein....arrghhhhhh, she just went on!!!!
Was I being a complete wuss to stop? I understand the teacher wants me to conquer my fears and I do need to be able to ride other horses, but I'm paying for this lesson! I'm an adult and can decide if I want to stop?! And shouldn't it be fun?
Please help, any advice gratefully received. I love horses and don't want to give up. Should I jump straight back on, switch schools or just get a grip?
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Advice from experienced riders....anxiety during lessons, help!
24 replies
wiccamum · 10/09/2016 19:18
OP posts:
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