Thanks Lynda  - and yes I went riding this afternoon and wore my helmet for the first time in months.  I always ride alone as there is no one near me who rides but I am working on that one...

You know what is refreshing about this group - I just worked it out.  Even with the ups and downs everyone is so positive!  Almost all of the other threads I have read had at least one person (normally more) who just had to push their view and were quite scathing of people who were starting out.  You guys have so much knowledge and yet are very relaxed.  I think that is one of the great things about getting older - there isn't anything to prove.  I personally would love a trainer but it just isn't possible where I live so I pretty much read, ask question and talk to people.  If all that fails I just take it slow, calm and listen to the horses and my gut.

Keep up the good work!

Judy

Hi Judy!

Glad you got to go riding and .......Good On Ya! for riding your helmet.  I know it's a drag sometimes, but I've seen enough wrecks and had enough of my own to know they are worth the effort.  I just went off my new horse about a month and a half ago.  Luckily I was in a plowed field at the time and totally unhurt (except for ego...) but happy to have my headgear on.  I had misread his apprehension about a tractor heading toward us, and thought we could get by before it got too close for his comfort.  We didn't; I wasn't ready for a sideways spook; therefore he went left and I went right (and down!).  I think you are right on re listening to your horse and gut; they will tell you much if you just listen!

I either ride alone too, or with my husband, who just started riding a few years ago.  The one (and almost only) good thing about boarding barns is having riding buddies handy.  We have our own farm and no one close by rides.  I don't mind riding alone since I feel secure with my horse and am not pushing anything until we get to know each other better.  But I know basically he is a smart, solid guy, and we are both learning to trust the other.  I have a lot of fun just hanging out with our horses, too, taking them for walks and letting them munch grass, teaching them the carrot stretches, which is good for them and they seem to love it, especially my Arab who is quite the ham anyway

If you want to come to West Texas to ride, would love to ride with you! 

Lynda

Amertouch, I just had to sound in on your Why Arabian? question.  It was fun reading all the comments,  that same common thread runs through them all: they love people.  I had Quarter horses when I was younger and they are a great horse, we also owned a TWH, great ride, but the Arabs I've owned (now have 4 purebreds and 3 halfs), they just seem to have a special relationship with people.  They enjoy being with you, they enjoy working with you, and they have amazing personalities.  Plus they are smaller, have few lameness issues, can excel at almost any equestrian sport, live a long time, are easy keepers, and are beautiful to boot.  On the down side (to some), they have more energy and are quick, so you have to concentrate when you ride and be in touch with your horses emotions.  Training them takes a little more finesse, they get frustrated with heavy handidness and lots of repitition. 

When my family decided to get into horses (after 25 years off for me), we visited several different breed shows in the area:  QH, Paint, Sadddlebred, Arabian, etc  We all just fell for the Arabs.  Watching little kids riding such gorgeous, fine animals in every discipline you can imagine just completely sold us.  Plus we really enjoyed the Arabians owners we met.  When you start horse shopping, wether you want to show or not, I highly recommend visiting some breed shows.  You will learn a lot about the breed, how they move, what the good ones should like and also what kind of people are drawn to them.

On the fear thought:  I just read a good article on this that said the problem of fear ususally stems from one of 2 things.  1. fear following an accident  2. general fear of what can happen.  Overcoming the first type of fear takes time to rebuild your confidence and control.  The second type hits most of us as we age and we realize all the terrible things that COULD happen to us.  This type of fear can be overcome by concentrating more on our riding and not giving ourselves time to sit up there and think...what if? Thinking about your position and setting markers for yourself (I am going to pick up the canter by that tree and then return to the trot at that gate, etc) keeps you looking ahead, planning you next move and focused on the moment.  You don't have time to worry.  Basically it is the same principle you use on your horse when he gets nervous, put him to work, take his mind off the boogie monster, return to a level he is comforatble with.

Sorry for the long post, you all just inspired me!

Enjoyed reading your post.  You put out lots of good points for us to think about re the fear thing.  Re Arabs, I am so glad to find so many Arab people out there.  Here where I live it is 99% Quarter Horses and people treat Arabs like an oddity.  I've always loved Arabs and their personalities.  They are such characters, so loving and so darn smart!  My Arab loves learning tricks and wants to show them off all the time.  He loves moving up to the mounting block for me and amazes me by how perfectly he positions himself for me to hop on.  It took amost no effort to get him to do this.  All horses are great, but Arabs are just special......

I am going through the exact same problem.  In my 20's I cantered bareback in the dark.  When my daughter lost interest in her horse, I took over when I was 50.  I'm 54 now, and recently my horse started spooking alot because our arena was modified for roping calves   

 I began strength training, using weights and doing pilates, which is great for instructing breathing.    Breathing is very important.  Whenever I try to make my body perform aids, I stop breathing.  Holding your breath makes you tense, and is translated to your horse.

 I also started taking lessons again.  I found a wonderful trainer, and for the first month we made arrangements to have lessons 3 days a week.  I fell off the first lesson.when he spooked at some monster in the shadows.  She had her work cut out for her.  The month is almost over, and I rode tonight for the first time without her.  She established a "work ethic" for both me and my horse.  The more he is worked, the better he reacts to being worked.  The "secret" for us was to keep him going forward, so he doesn't have time to worry about the monsters hanging around the arena.  He still trys to get his way on the lounge line, but now I know how to correct it, and have mastered the confidence there.  I'm also able to see what sort of "mood" he's in, if he's listening to me, and when he's ready and safe to ride.

I can only offer the idea that instead of worrying about what could happen, train your mind to think only of what you want to happen.   I used to walk around saying, "I hate my mind", it keeps interfering with little worries and doubts about what could happen.  Making a visualization in your mind before you ride of exactly what you plan to do works for me. I keep my mind busy with positive, constructive thoughts, and scary thoughts are not allowed.

I hope this helps - I know everyone's style of riding and experience is different, and the age and breed of your horse is a factor as well. 

Isn't it something how so many of us forget to breathe?  I remember taking lessons and our trainer always telling one of us to breathe.  And I would realize I was tensed up and holding my breath, very uncomfortable.  You're doing so many great things to help yourself along with the exercises, lessons, etc.  When I started back riding again, after many years, I gave myself permission to take as long as I needed to learn whatever I needed to learn.  I was leasing a horse, taking lessons, and rode in the indoor arena for a long time, before I felt like I wanted to ride outside, which was a big deal for me.  But I am glad I did take my time; now I love riding again so much and don't feel I have to accomplish anything I don't feel comfortable doing.  Since I am not competing, my main goals have always been to have fun and be safe, and kind to myself.  Enjoy!

There are so many good points here!  Breathing and visualization are real keys.  When you think about how sensitive our horses are, when we stop breathing they must be thinking:  OMG what is wrong!  Then he gets nervous, then we get more nervous, etc., etc., etc.  And visualizing a smooth ride helps our muscles remember what it feels like to do things correctly and helps us realize we CAN do it!  I love to picture myself galloping full speed across the country, then my easy lope in the arena is a piece of cake.

It's so nice to be able to remind each other of all the things we can do to lessen the fear factor. Never give up, never surrender!

This morning I put these points to the test!  My husband and I were out on a gorgeous ride, when we came to a pasture that had 3 mini horses running up to the fence.  One was cavorting and whinnying near the fence line.  Our horses both tensed up, so I went first, being the most experienced rider, albeit on a fairly new horse.  My Arab was on high alert, and when we got opposite the fence where the minis were, I stopped him again so he could look.  He was totally tensed, and at one pointed started to spin.  I had contact, and got him stopped, and talked to him (remembering to BREATHE..) and patted him, even tho part of the time he was going backward a bit to get away from those "monster horses"!  After a few seconds, I let him walk away, then turned him back and we went pretty much thru the same scenario again, maybe a shred calmer.  I think I could have gone further up the road past the minis but my husband was getting nervous, and didn't want him having a problem, so we stopped for a few seconds, watched the minis, and headed away, at a walk, again.  I was able to remain pretty darn calm thru the whole thing, and never felt in real danger, just alert and sitting deep.  I felt proud of me and my horse!  This works, ladies!

Lynda

It just had to happen, outo of the blue, just when I wasn't payin any attention, just enjoythe birds singing, the sun dapplin onto here shinney coat when she jus stupmbled loping up hill.  Went off somwhat then doen, just flew over her neck, landin a faceplant, jaw to forehead OUCH!!!

 She didn't leave my girl, stayd by while the people helped the parmedics loaded me into thr truck.

Somewone took Bri back to the stables, Nanch foung my purse in my tackshed and brought it me as I would need my insurace card, etc.

My neck and back look fine, buy i've got an appt  with a orthopediesst and and a cat schn schduled for tomorow.  I guess I better buy a helmet whil'e I'm out too.  I'll keep uou posted

love,

b

. 

OUCH!  I'm so glad you weren't alone at the time. I hope you're not in a lot of pain, and everything goes well for you at the doctor's appointments.  I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.

 YES, DEFNITELY BUY A HELMET!  I stopped wearing mine when I came to this stable because no one else wore one.  The day I started lessons again, my trainer insisted on it, and it was a good thing because I fell off that day.

Now I'm the only one wearing one, but I'm also the only english rider there, so what the heck.  No one else is wearing breeches either, so it goes with my outfit. 

 Please let us know how you're doing as soon as you can.  We'll be here to encourage you and get you back in the saddle as soon as possible!

I am so sorry to hear that - you were doing so well!!

Yes - please keep us posted on how you are going and hopefully you have a speedy recovery.  You have began such a great string and I even started wearing my helmet last week after reading people's advice here.  You just never know and it can't hurt to have every advantage. 

Gosh B,

Owie!  I hope you're feeling better today....but for me,  it seemed like the "secondary" pains started the next day.

Hope all goes well for you today at the Doctor's office.   We'll be thinking about you.

Hugs.  Boots.

Hi B!

Gosh, I am soo sorry to hear about your unplanned dismount.  Hope your cat scan, etc. comes out good.  Please keep us up to date on how you are doing.  I think the 2nd or 3rd day is worst, re pain goes!  By all means, get a helmet!  They are making them so much lighter and more comfortable these days, which makes them much more bearable, and they are such a help.  I know this from my own sudden flights!  I do so relate to your not paying attention and enjoying the day, cuz that is totally why I went off the last time.  If I had been sitting balanced, and paying attention to the fact that my horse was getting freaked by an oncoming tractor, I am sure I would have stayed with him! I was daydreaming, enjoying the sun, and sitting like a sack of potatoes on his back.  I ride Western, but still wear a helmet.  They are worth the time trouble and $$!  Take care of yourself!  Get well soon!

Lynda

Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllo!

Guess it's time to get a helmet????????????

The doctors decided I ended up with a separated shoulder, cracked rib, a hitch in my get-a-long and some very humble pie.  They tell me six weeks before I can ride (I'll show them!).  That should give me a good long time to go helmet shopping!!!  LOL!!!  Funny thing is my head came out OK.....is that trying to tell me something?????

The trainer at our stables told my riding buddy Nancy, what I probably did wrong was to hang onto the reins (I did) instead of just tucking and rolling.  That is what pulled my shoulder out.  OMG, you should see the x-rays...the good shoulder has this long bone just sticking out straight to my shoulder, no space between it and the bones below.  The BAD side has this gap of about an inch where my clavacle bone just pulled away the rest of my bones and now is trying to mend!!!  GEESH!  The CAT scan was good and the x-rays just showed the seperated shoulder and cracked rib.  The rib hurts the most.  Can't sneeze, hicup, or even take a breathe without it telling me it's hurtin!!!!

I still haven't made it down to the stables to see Briahna.  Don't feel strong enough yet.  My friends have turned her out and she feels fine, so I'm the only casualty on this drama!  I've got to say the paramedics are the best, I kept saying "Is my horse OK?" and they kept reassuring this poor fallen rider her horse was just fine and someone had already taken her back to the stables and hosed her off and she was drying in the sun!!!!

Thanks for all the best wishes, I needed them all those first few days.  I know we have all been there and done that, I just didn't think my time was coming soo soon!!!!

Thanks everyone, your kind words are appreciated!!!!!  I think it's time for my nap.....