Sorry, I haven't posted since October last year! after 5 years of podcasting I just couldn't face my biggest challenge with you all. Had I ruined my Rosie Pony and should I give up riding completely?
Yep a big decision and one I really struggled with, horses are my identity, the reason I get up in the morning, go to work to keep them in some jobs I really haven't enjoyed! But was it time to face facts and realise I'm just a crap rider and if I didn't do something soon I could ruin my lovely Rosie!
So I gave myself the winter to turn round my very nappy, not particularly happy pony into a more forward thinking, happier person. This lead me into looking at me, my riding, what was I so worried about as Rosie really hasn't got a nasty bone in her body (as long as she is fed!). My lack of confidence stemmed right back to when I miss read the signals Indie Pony gave me nearly 6 years ago and from that day I doubted myself, my abilities and basically did I know anything about horses at all!
I realised my tension in my shoulders was causing issues everywhere, I would instantly shorten my reins and stop breathing why? I didn't understand Rosie, not a very confident person, but willing to give it a go if she thought I would. I went back to basics, did ground work, did tiny hacks so she would move forward, ditched a few things like spurs. Then became too comfortable in a tiny environment, step up my frank talking mate Laura - pushed me a bit more and suddenly I was hacking further, jumping a bit and laughing more.
Wobbles in confidence still happen (Saddle Fitting with Peewee demonstrated this) but we rode through it. Understanding Rosie more and building up a friendship is growing. Still a nob to load for reasons known only to Rosie, once in stands perfectly, doesn't move just nibbles her hay!
She loves hacking, especially with one or two. She absolutely loves jumping especially towards the gate! but we are working on it.
I have kept an audio diary of our winter struggles and will be posting a few in the next few months to show you how many ups and downs there were...follow along and see how we go.
