Lost confidence, need to get it back

[Snowdays23]

Hi

I have a loan mare that I love. She can be quite moody at times. Recently She can get a bit excited when hacking, couple weeks ago started trying to bronch when going into trot and did a couple mini rears, I managed it though and stayed on. Think she was annoyed because one of the other horses we were with kept walking off. She is hard to get going in the menage, takes such a lot of effort because shes lazy.

Put my DD9 on her and shes brilliant in the menage and listens to her instructions. Today I took her out on a hack with DD riding and she was brilliant again.

Ive lost my confidence when riding and feel like I dont want to ride (but I do if that makes sense.) On the day im riding I literally wont think of anything else and will work myself up.

I just want to get on and enjoy it. Any tips please?

[Lastqueenofscotland2]

Behind the leg in the ménage and bucking and bunny hopping when asked to go forward? I’d be checking for ulcers/sharp teeth

[maxelly]

Yes any sudden change in behaviour does usually have some kind of underlying cause, worth a vet check up for the pony I think (+/- teeth, feet, back, saddle fit, all the usual). I suspect if you are suddenly feeling this way having previously been quite confident your instincts are telling you something is off, and if you can identify a cause and solution you'll feel much better? Out of interest have you ridden any other horses (at a riding school or similar) since the 'incident' and how did you feel then, better/worse/the same?

In terms of general confidence, not sure where in the country you are but the Centre for Horseback Combat not too far from me runs an absolutely brilliant rider confidence day which has completely turned around riding confidence in a few people I know, worth looking into it if or if anywhere similar nearer you runs a course?

[Pleasedontdothat]

Is she in season or going into season when she’s being more difficult? My daughter’s mare is hideous for the first few seasons in spring then calms down as the months go on and by the end of June is lovely again. However in March/April she has to schedule competitions around her seasons to avoid the risk of being eliminated in the first phase 😱.

Is she on full loan? Who has responsibility for vet bills/checking tack fits etc. If it’s you then get the vet round to do a thorough check

[OnarealhorseIride]

very good advice from pp about teeth, saddle etc.
once you know the pony is ok then suggest couple of sessions with a trainer you know to help with the confidence. Sometimes it helps to do something different with the horse eg long reining lesson, or something else you can do from the ground

[Mollyplop999]

I understand how frustrating it is. I had a bad fall in January and my somewhat fragile confidence has been shattered. I'm taking it a step at a time and if I need to I'll get off and walk a while on a hack. Last time this happened I found that lessons helped.

[Balloonhearts]

@Lastqueenofscotland2

Behind the leg in the ménage and bucking and bunny hopping when asked to go forward? I’d be checking for ulcers/sharp teeth

This. Especially if she's fine with your DD riding. (Smaller, lighter rider) My money is on back pain.

[Snowdays23]

Hi thanks for your replies.
I should have said in my first post, back, saddle, teeth, everything is fine.

She does get moodier when in season. She also suffers with pollen so wears a nose net and has a very sensitive nose

[Snowdays23]

I have also ridden my friends horse, who you barely have to touch to go forwards, I was nervous but once I relaxed it was fun to not have worry about him moving and listening to me.
Sometimes I just feel like having lessons at a riding school!