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Regular
Posts: 57
Location: Wishing I was riding | (Warning, it's a book) A couple of months ago, I shared my story about getting dumped (off my horse) and almost loosing my life, and my struggle... I sold the horse who dumped me, and he was my only horse. I haven't been able to get back in the saddle because of the risk of another concussion if I fall off for any reason, so I haven't gotten another horse yet... Well, I've been playing around with the idea of selling all my tack and getting out of horses all together. Most of my memories of my first horse are full of frustration and pain. He was the worst possible horse I could have gotten for the first horse, though he taught me much, he was definitely not for a beginner, and I didn't realize that until I got him home and the sedation wore off, but he was mine and I was in love, but I should've sold him way sooner... So, because of what I've been going through (he*l), all I can think about is the "what ifs", what if I get another concussion, what if I land wrong and it kills me. It's been pulling me apart to the point that I've thought about playing it safe and giving up riding...Anyways, I had a dream the other day, and it was a memory of my best run I have ever had. The one time my horse and I ever felt in sync with him. We felt perfect, I felt like I was flying, and that was the moment that I feel in love with this sport, that's the reason that I put all my blood, sweat, and tears into that horse who I thought was going to be the one, my horse soulmate. I just can't believe that I forgot about that moment, why I love to ride, love to barrel race. Anyone else ever have this happen? I know that when I am finally able to ride again, it's going to be hard. I'm going to be scared, but I'm going to push through, and I'm going to keep going, and I'm going to live my dreams, because a real cowgirl never plays it safe. And I'm definitely not going to sell my favorite saddle. | |
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
 
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | I got hurt a while back and it scared me for a long time. It was on a green horse and it wasn't her fault. Took me a while to get over it. I found a great mare that I worked with and she helped build my confidence back. There are a lot of calm horses out there that you can use to gain your courage back. If your nervous about looking again take someone very knowledgable with you to look. Someone who knows the signs and have a vet test for drugs. There are dishonest sellers out there but there are some of us that are honest and want what's best for you and the horse. 
Edited by ndiehl 2013-11-24 5:39 PM
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 No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | You will find the right horse again, but please wear a helmet not matter what you get. I just bought a Troxel Tipperary and if is snug and comfy. Havent ridden in it yet as we are done until Spring. Make sure if you get one it fits snug because my last one came off when I hit the ground 6 weeks ago because if was loose. | |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| My suggestion is to find an older clunker that makes the same run every time (been there-- done that kind of horse). One that you can feel comfortable on. Mine are all old lady gentle and go as fast as I ask them to go. People at barrel races even laugh about mine being old lady gentle. Mine can get up and go. They just do not do it with me on them. | |
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Regular
Posts: 57
Location: Wishing I was riding | ctdrumrunr - 2013-11-24 6:32 PM
You will find the right horse again, but please wear a helmet not matter what you get. I just bought a Troxel Tipperary and if is snug and comfy. Havent ridden in it yet as we are done until Spring. Make sure if you get one it fits snug because my last one came off when I hit the ground 6 weeks ago because if was loose.Â
I always ride in a helmet, always, every single ride, no if and's or butt's. I was told by several doctors that because of the severity of my brain injury WITH A HELMET ON, if I hadn't been wearing a helmet, I'd be six feet under right now. I actually need to get another one before I start riding again. The impact of my fall cracked my last helmet. | |
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Regular
Posts: 57
Location: Wishing I was riding | Honeymoney - 2013-11-24 7:24 PM
My suggestion is to find an older clunker that makes the same run every time (been there-- done that kind of horse). One that you can feel comfortable on. Mine are all old lady gentle and go as fast as I ask them to go. People at barrel races even laugh about mine being old lady gentle. Mine can get up and go. They just do not do it with me on them.
I am already planning on it. I'm leasing a horse from a friend next spring to get my confidence back on. He's a retired barrel horse, and he is as calm and sweet as they come. I don't think that I'll be doing much, if any, barrel races with him because he is 25. If he is feeling up to it, we might run the pattern a few times, but that's it. I'm going to be looking for a barrel horse to take down the road again next fall/winter. | |
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 Ones with the Hotties
Posts: 1451
Location: Centerburg, OH | I think you have a great plan. I would also take the old boy to some local shows, this will help you more than you can imagine in the future. Id haul a couple times and hang out run/lope some time onlys. or enter some local fun shows. Limit your runs to one per day. The more you go the better your confidence gets and the nerves subside. I would rather put myself in as many stressful situations with old faithful as possible before you invest in your new horse, mostly emotional investment. Remember that most of us invest in dozens of horses before finding that super special one, if ever. But they are all special in there own ways. Pretty is a pretty does. A helmet will really help your confidence at this time.
Last thing, I think that if you could tack old faithful to some local clinics or ride with some respected horsemen in your area this summer you will gain tons and not regret the effort .
Good luck! | |
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