Would this be BEST for me??

Question

Ok.. well i used to ride horses. And i rode for around 4 years. I fell twice, but the second time really got to me. I kept on riding though (got back in the saddle) but my nervousness wouldn't go away.

One day, my trainer got this new horse that was only 2 or 3.. he wasn't fully trained... and i wasn't in the place to be riding him (since i was so nervous)... but she made me ride him. So i did, and things just didn't go well. I almost got trampled, and a lot of other things like that happened.

So i decided to take a break from riding (i ended on a REALLY BAD lesson).

But, its almost been a year, and I really miss riding. So, I've decided to start up lessons again. But, i'm still REALLY REALLY nervous.. and really low on self confidence... so should I:

1. Take lessons, a one on one with a different trainer. Tell her about my nervousness... the way i stopped lessons on a bad note, etc. Find a good, well-trained, older horse to ride..

or

2. Go to the riding camp. There will be a lot of ppl there, many horses, ppl on all sorts of different levels. I will learn how to clean stalls, etc. Also we would ride. But I'll be nervous and low on self confidance.
**********

I was thinking to take a few PRIVATE lessons... and then MAYBE take the horse camp. That way I'll be able to talk to the trainer, and over come my fear/nervousness... and find a good horse for me... But am I wrong?? What should I do?? THANK YOU!

LOL, i don't mean for it to sound the same. THe last q i asked was about overcoming my nervousness... but this one was about if I should just take private lessons, or do the horse camp.

Answer 1

This is obviously a big step for you, and I can really understand you wanting to figure out the best thing to do. Can you contact the people who will be running the camp? If you can have a chat to them about your worries, and they will be able to let you know if they think that a couple of lessons before hand would be good. It would be even better if you could get a lesson or two from somebody who will be instructing at the camp, that way they will know all about you before you go, and you won't have to explain anything.

Whatever route you decide to take, just go for it, you are obviously ready to come back, so make sure you carry on and get back in the saddle, lots of luck and enjoy whichever route you decide to take.

A couple more thoughts for you, you may want to start some stretching exercises before you get back in the saddle, also have a look at this link, it gives you some tips on deep breathing. Every time you get nervous remember to breathe deeply, it does help, also practise some positive thinking, very time those nervous thoughts come on, get a clear picture in your mind of you cantering round an arena, in perfect time with your horse, you have a big smile on your face, and it feels really good. The more you can fix the picture of the confident happy you in your mind, the easier it is to turn it into reality.
http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/stress/breath.html

Answer 2

If I were you, I would not do the horse camp until you've gotten good bit of your confidence back. At camp you'll be surrounded by a lot of kids, many of whom don't yet realize that accidents like yours happen, or how nervous they can make people. Some of them won't be nice about it, and a lot of them won't be nice about it if the instructor is busy helping you all the time.

I would find a different trainer, at a different barn. If possible, this person should be certified. The ARIA is good, because the instructors are up for re-certification every 5 years or so, and if they don't stay up to snuff, they don't stay certified. Your trainer NEVER should have put a nervous rider on such a young horse. It's stupid, dangerous, irresponsible and not good for the rider, or the horse.

I think private lessons would be a very good idea for you. I know at least one person who has benefited from switching barns and trainers. Be sure to observe the trainer in action before you ride with him/her and make sure they know that you have had a couple really bad experiences.

It takes a lot of courage to get back on after what happened to you, and even moe after such a long time, so kudo's to you! Good Luck!

Answer 3

I would agree with the majority and say to go to a qualified trainer who can provide you with a well mannered safe horse to take your lessons on. Then start from the basics again. Ride around in a controlled atmosphere at a pace you are comfortable with. Learn to "feel" the horse. Take baby steps....there is no reason you have to take off loping around if your heart says let's enjoy this walking, turning, stopping, etc. You will know when you want to do more, and a good teacher will see it in you too. Good luck and most of all HAVE FUN. That's really what it's all about

Answer 4

Get a different trainer! Your other trainer definately wasn't qualified it sounds like. Make sure that when you are talking to your new trainer to tell her how experienced you are and be honest that you are nervous to ride again and Im SURE she will understand. Horse camps are fun too-- at the camp I work at we get all sorts of beginners but the camp horses are always a bit unpredictable-- with the hot weather, the trails etc... You should take lessons and then go to a camp =)

Answer 5

I suggest private lesson with a different trainer with an older horse, until you get your nerve back (one on one is the best way to learn anyway).
Then after that, you could go to horse camp if you decide. You'll have a better time because you'll have more self confidence and make learning more fun.

Answer 6

The Private horse lessons may be better because people you dont know wont be watching and your trainer can have one on one time with you however, you must learn once confident riding again to go around people and be confident so horse camp also sounds like a good option as well. hope my input helped.. .^.^

Answer 7

I say get a private trainer who will help you and not rush you when you are riding some calm horses. That way your confidence will build up, and you'll be back to riding again, without being afraid.

You can go to the horse camp afterwards, because first you have to work out your problems!

Good luck!

Answer 8

Get a trainer that is a certified riding instructor, talk to them about your past expereiences, and make sure they understand your needs and riding abilities. Take a few private lessons, on a good horse, then I think maybe the camp would be good expereince, since you learn more barn keeping skills, and will make friends, etc.

Good Luck, and have fun!

Answer 9

I would go for the first one! Then the trainer would know about your low self confidence and how nervous you are and would probalby work on it with you. I got bucked of my horse about 5 times and broke my arm once. I was nervous but my mom, who helped teach me worked with me on it and i was able to keep riding. My uncle had to wear a brace for months, got kicked in back, got bleeding in the brain after being trampled, and more but he still keeps riding, it just depends on your drive. Good luck!

Answer 10

I would say find a good trainer in your area and explain to her that u have had bad experiences but u still love the sport. as long as u dont find a "cowboy up" type of trainer they should understand this and work with u to overcome u'r fear. it may be intimidating to go into camp with more experienced riders, then try camp. or u can come clean my stalls, lol