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Veteran
Posts: 270
 
| What happens when you loose confidence in your riding ability? I've been struggling with this lately, especially after loosing my old faithful boy whom I rode for 14 yrs. He had his minor problems when he was younger but I stuck with him and we got past those problems and he turned out to be the best horse I've ever had. It will be 2 yrs in February since I lost him and I miss him everyday. I would give my left arm to still be able to ride him. I knew the day was coming that he would go so I began my search for that next special horse before I even lost him.
Five years and three horses later, I just can't seem to bond and put my trust into any of them. While they haven't done anything super major, they all three have had that attitude where they want to try you on a regular basis. These haven't been babies either, the first gelding was 6, the second which I still have is a 13 yr old mare and the one I bought last year being an 11 yr old gelding.
I'm sure part of it is because I've gotten a little older and wiser about things that can happen as well as the fact that I don't have time to ride like I did when I was a teenager. In return, they sit in the pasture for weeks before I can ride them. I'm not talking running barrels, just trail riding or light exercise in the pasture. I know that's kind of asking for attitude but I also know there's horses that can sit for weeks then pull them out and they're the same horse, we've had a few. Anyways, it has gotten me to the point that I'm not even enjoying the one thing that I've always had a passion for. I'm not sure how to fix it so I hope y'all will share some of your stories! Just want to find my confidence and my next forever horse! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 989
| Go get yourself a horse that you think you are way too experienced for. You will end up riding it to your ability and not be intimidated by it. Then move on to something different once you feel comfortable.
This happened to a friend of mine. She is going down a couple levels of horsepower to get her confidence back and will go from there. |
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Veteran
Posts: 270
| Thanks Puddy! This has kind of been my thinking. I just keep investing money into what I think is better horses only to end up loosing my rear on them when I sell. Did I mention I HATE buying and selling horses!? That's why I want to find me a good solid one that will be with me till the day it dies! |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
 
Location: Pacific Northwest | Can you take lessons from anyone? Not necessarily barrel racing lessons, but maybe just someone you trust that is a good rider that can watch you ride a few times a week? Or even just finding a good friend to ride with that will encourage you and help you if you need it (: |
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Veteran
Posts: 270
| livexlovexrodeo - 2013-12-19 12:51 AM
Can you take lessons from anyone? Not necessarily barrel racing lessons, but maybe just someone you trust that is a good rider that can watch you ride a few times a week? Or even just finding a good friend to ride with that will encourage you and help you if you need it (:
Hmmm, I guess I should've worded that first line different. Not to sound all high and mighty by any means, lol, because I know there's people that can ride better then myself but I also know I'm a good rider. I took barrel racing lessons when I was a teenager and have learned the correct ways to ride versus the way my dad taught me as a kid. My trainer used to always complement me on my riding and have had a few other trainers do the same while just being at different places. Maybe it's more that I'm wanting to have a horse that I can put my trust in???? I'm letting them intimidate me more these days for whatever reason where as I used to would climb up on any of them. Heck, when I put it like that though, it still sounds like I don't have confidence in myself, ha ha, so I don't know! I do think it might help to tone down the horses a notch or two and stick with an old faithful for a little while or maybe even permanently! :) |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | When you say that you have had three horses that are coping an attitude, my first thought is maybe they are finding a chink in your demeanor that gives rise to the issue. Horses are pretty darn good at reading people (maybe more so than people reading horses) and a big percentage of them will take advantage if they sense any lack of resolve.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| KCT82 - 2013-12-19 12:15 AM
livexlovexrodeo - 2013-12-19 12:51 AM
Can you take lessons from anyone? Not necessarily barrel racing lessons, but maybe just someone you trust that is a good rider that can watch you ride a few times a week? Or even just finding a good friend to ride with that will encourage you and help you if you need it (:
Hmmm, I guess I should've worded that first line different. Not to sound all high and mighty by any means, lol, because I know there's people that can ride better then myself but I also know I'm a good rider. I took barrel racing lessons when I was a teenager and have learned the correct ways to ride versus the way my dad taught me as a kid. My trainer used to always complement me on my riding and have had a few other trainers do the same while just being at different places. Maybe it's more that I'm wanting to have a horse that I can put my trust in???? I'm letting them intimidate me more these days for whatever reason where as I used to would climb up on any of them. Heck, when I put it like that though, it still sounds like I don't have confidence in myself, ha ha, so I don't know! I do think it might help to tone down the horses a notch or two and stick with an old faithful for a little while or maybe even permanently! : )
Don't take this the wrong way, but a good rider is the boss, a good rider doesn't get intimidated, a good rider shows confidence when riding. He/she shows confidence in both the horse and themself.
Myself I consider myself a good rider on most of my horses, but two horses I am a weak rider, I do not have the confidence and these two horses I struggle with, they are awesome horses, but this is my weakness.
I would suggest focusing on one horse and taking it to a clinic, reining, working cow, horsemanship. This will give you 2-3 days where you are forced to focus and bond with your horse. |
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Cat Collector
Posts: 1430
| Puddy - 2013-12-18 9:53 PM
Go get yourself a horse that you think you are way too experienced for. You will end up riding it to your ability and not be intimidated by it. Then move on to something different once you feel comfortable.
This happened to a friend of mine. She is going down a couple levels of horsepower to get her confidence back and will go from there.
couldn't agree with this more..
I fell into a big slump after buying a horse i thought was ready to rodeo, well he wasnt and it was really frustrating so i gave him to my mom to season (hes 9 this year) then at the end of the summer my mom bought an 8yr horse from a friend of ours that I knew i could ride the hair off of, he was a stud so we gelded him and I instantly bonded with him, i loved that horse more than anything, he was just point and kick, he gave me way more than i could ever imagine. He gave me my confidence back and the drive to want to rodeo again. The day of my birthday i got a call that he didnt eat, we rushed him to the vet, did a million tests, long story short brought him home and last friday he died of colic. I am devastated, i wanted to sell everything and just quit, but thinking back I needed that horse more than he needed me and he did more for me than he will ever know. |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | Takeing lessons isn't a negative thing. Find a trainer that specializes in horsemanship or a reining horse trainer. Work on fundimentals to polish your skills. Go to clinics. Being one on one with someone helping you, can point out things you might have forgot. Your body language to the horse could be sending wrong signals.
Do your homework on these teachers and find one that will suit your needs.
I went to a trainers house, she was helping two of us. I got to watch my friend ride. Until it was pointed out, I missed seeing she was dropping her shoulder which caused her horse to approach the barrel wrong. (we won't go into what I was doing wrong)  need a whole page for that LOL
Edited by roxieannie 2013-12-19 9:49 AM
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 Underestimated Underdog
Posts: 3971
Location: Minnesota | Do you have friends near by that can ride with you? Sometimes having someone else with you helps bring out confidence. Do you have a round pen or small arena you could work in? When I got my gelding in my avatar picture, the round pen was the only place I would ride him. It takes time and sometimes a friend or trainer to help but things will get better. I don't know where your located but I love trail riding and my place is always open for you.  ? |
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