Jun
25
How To Regain Your Horseback Riding Confidence
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Margarethe De Clermont asked:
Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action. ~Walter Anderson
If you have lost your riding confidence for some reason or another, if thinking of riding, jumping, competing, loading your horse fills you with dread, think about Mr Anderson’s words.
You need to do something about it.
And not just try to do something about it. “Try” is a word that should be used with great care. If you’re like most people, when you “try” to do something, that means you are giving less than your full effort to it. If you’re going to do something, just do it.
When you try to do shoulder-in, or attempt a jump, or try to load, it gets very confusing for your horse. Are we going to jump over this thing…or not? Does she want me to do shoulder-in… or not? Is she seriously expecting me to get onto this trailer?
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t proceed with caution or take the time to plan and prepare properly. This isn’t about throwing all caution to the winds; it’s about the intensity of energy you put forth when you decide to take action. Make up your mind. Merely trying is pointless. You either do, or you do not.
Regretfully, just because you put your full effort into something doesn’t always mean that you will be successful. Do not allow this to put you off. Do not regard mistakes as failures, embrace them as learning opportunities. Sometimes you may need to do something dozens of times before you’ll get the result you want. To succeed, you need to give everything you have got, every time. If you can’t, take a break.
“Trying” is for those people who doubt their ability to do something. It means they would like a successful outcome but sincerely doubt they’ll get one. When you start something with such a negative focus, it’s no surprise it doesn’t work out very well. Instead, make it your mission to simply do it - and do your best - whatever you are planning to do. If the outcome is less than you hoped for, do it again. Or do it differently. Don’t waste time “trying” to do anything. It’s a complete waste of your horse’s attention span and energy.
Talking about taking action…most of us are great learners. We love to read, watch, listen to, and absorb new ideas like a sponge. We love exploring new techniques and ideas to better our riding, improve our relationship with our horse, master new riding skills, and so on. However, when we spend all of our time searching for that “latest, greatest” book or instructor or talented horse, nothing gets done. What we forget is that the most helpful material out there is only as valuable as our ability to put it into practice.
If we take even the most moderately helpful ideas and put them into action, we immediately reap the rewards. Rather than having a vague wisp of knowledge rattling around in our minds, we now have a solid addition to our riding progress. With each new book or video we buy, we can increase the value we receive from it by taking time to work with the techniques or ideas before moving on to something else.
Do yourself a favour: take action now. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t fool yourself into believing that you have all the time in the world. Don’t waste time trying. Don’t waste time reading yet another book or watching yet another video.
Don’t let another day go by without taking positive action. If you begin by taking even small but determined steps forward, you will gain confidence. Your horse will gain confidence. Your understanding of each other will deepen. Before long, you’ll both grow to love the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you get from moving forward.
Action reduces anxiety. If you want to regain your riding confidence, be active.
So don’t just sit there Go clean the tack.
GILBERT
Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action. ~Walter Anderson
If you have lost your riding confidence for some reason or another, if thinking of riding, jumping, competing, loading your horse fills you with dread, think about Mr Anderson’s words.
You need to do something about it.
And not just try to do something about it. “Try” is a word that should be used with great care. If you’re like most people, when you “try” to do something, that means you are giving less than your full effort to it. If you’re going to do something, just do it.
When you try to do shoulder-in, or attempt a jump, or try to load, it gets very confusing for your horse. Are we going to jump over this thing…or not? Does she want me to do shoulder-in… or not? Is she seriously expecting me to get onto this trailer?
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t proceed with caution or take the time to plan and prepare properly. This isn’t about throwing all caution to the winds; it’s about the intensity of energy you put forth when you decide to take action. Make up your mind. Merely trying is pointless. You either do, or you do not.
Regretfully, just because you put your full effort into something doesn’t always mean that you will be successful. Do not allow this to put you off. Do not regard mistakes as failures, embrace them as learning opportunities. Sometimes you may need to do something dozens of times before you’ll get the result you want. To succeed, you need to give everything you have got, every time. If you can’t, take a break.
“Trying” is for those people who doubt their ability to do something. It means they would like a successful outcome but sincerely doubt they’ll get one. When you start something with such a negative focus, it’s no surprise it doesn’t work out very well. Instead, make it your mission to simply do it - and do your best - whatever you are planning to do. If the outcome is less than you hoped for, do it again. Or do it differently. Don’t waste time “trying” to do anything. It’s a complete waste of your horse’s attention span and energy.
Talking about taking action…most of us are great learners. We love to read, watch, listen to, and absorb new ideas like a sponge. We love exploring new techniques and ideas to better our riding, improve our relationship with our horse, master new riding skills, and so on. However, when we spend all of our time searching for that “latest, greatest” book or instructor or talented horse, nothing gets done. What we forget is that the most helpful material out there is only as valuable as our ability to put it into practice.
If we take even the most moderately helpful ideas and put them into action, we immediately reap the rewards. Rather than having a vague wisp of knowledge rattling around in our minds, we now have a solid addition to our riding progress. With each new book or video we buy, we can increase the value we receive from it by taking time to work with the techniques or ideas before moving on to something else.
Do yourself a favour: take action now. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t fool yourself into believing that you have all the time in the world. Don’t waste time trying. Don’t waste time reading yet another book or watching yet another video.
Don’t let another day go by without taking positive action. If you begin by taking even small but determined steps forward, you will gain confidence. Your horse will gain confidence. Your understanding of each other will deepen. Before long, you’ll both grow to love the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you get from moving forward.
Action reduces anxiety. If you want to regain your riding confidence, be active.
So don’t just sit there Go clean the tack.
GILBERT
Jun
17
Learn to Ride a Horse - Basic Horseback Riding Lessons
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Clinton Lyons asked:
There are a few things that some people wish to do before they die. For some they want to climb Mount Everest, some want to see the ancient pyramids, and some just want to learn to ride a horse. Fortunately for me I was able to learn to ride a horse at a very young age and it’s something I have enjoyed my whole entire life. If you wish to learn to ride a horse I’ll give you just a couple of things that you should learn to do right at the start.
One of the first things that you should do when you learn to ride a horse is to learn how to lead one. That’s probably not what you had in mind but still, it’s kind of important. You shouldn’t be standing at the end of the lead rope trying to pull your horse along and you also shouldn’t be standing at their shoulder letting them lead you along. There’s no control in either of those methods. The best way to lead a horse is to stand with your shoulder pretty close to their throatlatch and about a foot over to the side of them. That way you have enough room between the two of you for comfort. With one hand right below the lead snap and the other holding the rest of the lead line, you will step forward with the horse hopefully following. If it doesn’t then you just simply push gently in the direction you want to go with the hand that has the snap. That will give you the most control over the horse.
Now that you know how to lead a horse your horseback riding lessons will flow smoother. When you learn to ride a horse you have to be in control and if you can lead one with control on the ground you have a better chance of being able to learn to ride a horse. Riding a horse works best when you know that you’re in control. If you think that you can’t ride a horse, you will never be able to learn proper horseback riding. They will know that you’re scared and take total advantage of you. That’s all there is to it. If you get scared just take some deep breaths and tell yourself that you’re the boss. Any time my mare and I have a “discussion” and she thinks that she’s the boss I calmly let her know that I’m the boss and that I’m always going to win. And I always do. You can’t get rough and be mean but you have to be firm. If you start beating and thumping on a horse, odds are it’s gonna scared and then you might get scared. Not a good thing.
You can learn to ride a horse by taking lessons but unless you are with a trainer that has a goal of teaching you something in particular, you might be able to get the same effects by watching a few videos or reading some horse training books. And a lot of those books you can purchase online for a reasonable cost. No sense making horse ownership any more expensive than it needs to be. If you learn to ride a horse, you are learning a skill that has been around for hundreds of years and obviously is still important to this day because people still do it. Mainly some will learn to ride a horse for pleasure, relaxation or just time by themselves. What’s you’re reason?
ALPHONSE
There are a few things that some people wish to do before they die. For some they want to climb Mount Everest, some want to see the ancient pyramids, and some just want to learn to ride a horse. Fortunately for me I was able to learn to ride a horse at a very young age and it’s something I have enjoyed my whole entire life. If you wish to learn to ride a horse I’ll give you just a couple of things that you should learn to do right at the start.
One of the first things that you should do when you learn to ride a horse is to learn how to lead one. That’s probably not what you had in mind but still, it’s kind of important. You shouldn’t be standing at the end of the lead rope trying to pull your horse along and you also shouldn’t be standing at their shoulder letting them lead you along. There’s no control in either of those methods. The best way to lead a horse is to stand with your shoulder pretty close to their throatlatch and about a foot over to the side of them. That way you have enough room between the two of you for comfort. With one hand right below the lead snap and the other holding the rest of the lead line, you will step forward with the horse hopefully following. If it doesn’t then you just simply push gently in the direction you want to go with the hand that has the snap. That will give you the most control over the horse.
Now that you know how to lead a horse your horseback riding lessons will flow smoother. When you learn to ride a horse you have to be in control and if you can lead one with control on the ground you have a better chance of being able to learn to ride a horse. Riding a horse works best when you know that you’re in control. If you think that you can’t ride a horse, you will never be able to learn proper horseback riding. They will know that you’re scared and take total advantage of you. That’s all there is to it. If you get scared just take some deep breaths and tell yourself that you’re the boss. Any time my mare and I have a “discussion” and she thinks that she’s the boss I calmly let her know that I’m the boss and that I’m always going to win. And I always do. You can’t get rough and be mean but you have to be firm. If you start beating and thumping on a horse, odds are it’s gonna scared and then you might get scared. Not a good thing.
You can learn to ride a horse by taking lessons but unless you are with a trainer that has a goal of teaching you something in particular, you might be able to get the same effects by watching a few videos or reading some horse training books. And a lot of those books you can purchase online for a reasonable cost. No sense making horse ownership any more expensive than it needs to be. If you learn to ride a horse, you are learning a skill that has been around for hundreds of years and obviously is still important to this day because people still do it. Mainly some will learn to ride a horse for pleasure, relaxation or just time by themselves. What’s you’re reason?
ALPHONSE
Jun
10
15 Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire Your Horseback Riding Instructor!
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anonymous asked:
Have you ever imagined yourself walking boldly into a paddock to catch “your horse”?
You slip the halter on smoothly, close the snap, and then your well-trained animal walks calmly beside you, through the gate, and waits patiently as you close it.
From there, you groom your horse effortlessly, saddle and bridle it without fuss and then, you are ready to ride. Your Riding Instructor is in the ring, ready to teach.
You either head for a block, or ramp, and your horse waits patiently for you to climb aboard. As you feel the morning sun on your face, you breathe a contented sigh.
LIFE is GOOD!!!
Here is your chance to make that imagined scene really happen for YOU, no matter how inexperienced or worried you are; no matter what your age. I have seen this happen many times in my 30 years as a Horseback Riding Instructor and it CAN happen for you.
My question to you is: ………………..Are You Ready To?
The only way to put horses into your life with safety and fun is to find a riding instructor that you can connect with. Here are a few questions to ask a riding instructor or yourself as you begin the process:
1. What does the farm look like? Is the barn neat and are fences in good repair?
2. Is there an enclosed riding area?
3. What is the farm’s safety record? As you watch a few lessons, are the horses well-behaved?
4. Are the Horses healthy?
5. Are you able to spend pre-lesson time with a horse or does someone else do all the grooming and saddling for you?
6. Is the riding instructor available to work with you during the lessons or is it an assistant?
7. Do all the riders wear helmets? If not, really think about that- you only have one head and it won’t last long if you fall on it!
8. Is the instructor patient and compassionate with the riders? What tone does the coach use during the lessons?
9. Is there an awareness of each rider’s learning style and fear level?
10. How does the riding instructor handle challenges or problems in the ring?
11. Are there opportunities to become involved with horses other than riding?
12. Are you able to watch and work with more advanced riders?
13. Are you financially and physically able to commit to one lesson per week? The more we repeat a process, the faster we learn it.
14. Are you able to do any type of physical fitness work between lessons to gain endurance?
15. Do students look like they are having fun?
Wouldn’t YOU like to learn how to be happy with horses? START RIGHT Now by printing these questions and then looking for your Horseback Riding Instructor!
EUGENE
Have you ever imagined yourself walking boldly into a paddock to catch “your horse”?
You slip the halter on smoothly, close the snap, and then your well-trained animal walks calmly beside you, through the gate, and waits patiently as you close it.
From there, you groom your horse effortlessly, saddle and bridle it without fuss and then, you are ready to ride. Your Riding Instructor is in the ring, ready to teach.
You either head for a block, or ramp, and your horse waits patiently for you to climb aboard. As you feel the morning sun on your face, you breathe a contented sigh.
LIFE is GOOD!!!
Here is your chance to make that imagined scene really happen for YOU, no matter how inexperienced or worried you are; no matter what your age. I have seen this happen many times in my 30 years as a Horseback Riding Instructor and it CAN happen for you.
My question to you is: ………………..Are You Ready To?
The only way to put horses into your life with safety and fun is to find a riding instructor that you can connect with. Here are a few questions to ask a riding instructor or yourself as you begin the process:
1. What does the farm look like? Is the barn neat and are fences in good repair?
2. Is there an enclosed riding area?
3. What is the farm’s safety record? As you watch a few lessons, are the horses well-behaved?
4. Are the Horses healthy?
5. Are you able to spend pre-lesson time with a horse or does someone else do all the grooming and saddling for you?
6. Is the riding instructor available to work with you during the lessons or is it an assistant?
7. Do all the riders wear helmets? If not, really think about that- you only have one head and it won’t last long if you fall on it!
8. Is the instructor patient and compassionate with the riders? What tone does the coach use during the lessons?
9. Is there an awareness of each rider’s learning style and fear level?
10. How does the riding instructor handle challenges or problems in the ring?
11. Are there opportunities to become involved with horses other than riding?
12. Are you able to watch and work with more advanced riders?
13. Are you financially and physically able to commit to one lesson per week? The more we repeat a process, the faster we learn it.
14. Are you able to do any type of physical fitness work between lessons to gain endurance?
15. Do students look like they are having fun?
Wouldn’t YOU like to learn how to be happy with horses? START RIGHT Now by printing these questions and then looking for your Horseback Riding Instructor!
EUGENE
Jun
5
Equestrians and Property Trends in the USA
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Roger Bourdon asked:
In a recent investigation of the new property scene in Florida and Georgia, a remarkable growth in the influence of equestrians has become very obvious.
Obviously aimed at the ‘Baby Boomer’ set; these properties unfortunately will not be within reach of the average horse enthusiast. Where once the leading attraction on new large scale developments was to have a golf facility enclosed within the designs, more and more of the up market projects are including horse riding facilities as a much higher priority.
As a horse riding fan, this is not difficult to understand, for although other recreational facilities such as golf, and close proximity to other ‘attractions’ such as theme parks, can provide a certain amount of relaxation, nothing can really beat the lure of horseback riding as the ultimate in ‘unwindingness’.
The first signs of this were spotted at a massive development that is still being constructed on a 2,500 acre site just adjacent to Disney in Orlando. However the presence of a number of ‘signature’ golf courses, and the close proximity to Disney overshadowed the equestrian facilities that are there. But, there they are, and all visitors to this complex have to pass by the stables and training areas as they approach the magnificent entrance to this development.
However, all this pales into insignificance when compared to the facilities being offered at a development in the nearby State of Georgia, at a purpose-built Country Estate, close to Lake Oconee in White Plains.
Unlike the developments in Florida, here the home stead sites all range from 1 to 6 acres, with estate home plans ranging from 2,400 to over 8,000 square footage. On homesteads of at least three acres in size, owners will be able to keep up to 2 horses on their own private enclave.
OK, these homes are not going to be within reach of every horse lover, as the home plots themselves will range from $200,000 to $450,000, but look at the range of facilities available to you equestrian enthusiasts.
1. The Riding Club and Boarding Stable. This barn will include a full tack room, tack lockers, members lounge, and stalls, jumping facilities, quarantine facilities and much, much more.
2. The Club Horse Boarding Stable. The Equestrian Village will feature a club horse-riding program.
3. Multiple Riding Areas and Training Facilities. A number of training facilities to provide a world class equestrian experience including an Indoor and Outdoor Riding Arena, and a standard Dressage area.
4. Club horses will be available to Club members for trail rides at no extra cost
Then look at the range of horse care facilities offered
1. Clean and muck stall and outside pen once a day
2. Feeding twice daily or special feeding and exercise programs.
3. Visual monitoring during normal business hours, special medical attention and grooming services on a fee basis.
It just goes to show, how much horse riding has come back into its own when large leisure organizations start to heed to desires of equestrians. But then, it is hardly surprising, as we all know horse back riding is far more relaxing for the body and the sole than hectic and busy Disney style entertainment.
So, when you set off in search of these luxurious leisure resorts, you may want to have a book or two handy to polish up your techniques, and according to a number of international ‘horsy’ specialists, a good site is very useful. One such site worthy of more than a quick glance can be found at www.anyhorsebackriding.com for an ever-expanding variety of horsy topics and advice.
JEREMY
In a recent investigation of the new property scene in Florida and Georgia, a remarkable growth in the influence of equestrians has become very obvious.
Obviously aimed at the ‘Baby Boomer’ set; these properties unfortunately will not be within reach of the average horse enthusiast. Where once the leading attraction on new large scale developments was to have a golf facility enclosed within the designs, more and more of the up market projects are including horse riding facilities as a much higher priority.
As a horse riding fan, this is not difficult to understand, for although other recreational facilities such as golf, and close proximity to other ‘attractions’ such as theme parks, can provide a certain amount of relaxation, nothing can really beat the lure of horseback riding as the ultimate in ‘unwindingness’.
The first signs of this were spotted at a massive development that is still being constructed on a 2,500 acre site just adjacent to Disney in Orlando. However the presence of a number of ‘signature’ golf courses, and the close proximity to Disney overshadowed the equestrian facilities that are there. But, there they are, and all visitors to this complex have to pass by the stables and training areas as they approach the magnificent entrance to this development.
However, all this pales into insignificance when compared to the facilities being offered at a development in the nearby State of Georgia, at a purpose-built Country Estate, close to Lake Oconee in White Plains.
Unlike the developments in Florida, here the home stead sites all range from 1 to 6 acres, with estate home plans ranging from 2,400 to over 8,000 square footage. On homesteads of at least three acres in size, owners will be able to keep up to 2 horses on their own private enclave.
OK, these homes are not going to be within reach of every horse lover, as the home plots themselves will range from $200,000 to $450,000, but look at the range of facilities available to you equestrian enthusiasts.
1. The Riding Club and Boarding Stable. This barn will include a full tack room, tack lockers, members lounge, and stalls, jumping facilities, quarantine facilities and much, much more.
2. The Club Horse Boarding Stable. The Equestrian Village will feature a club horse-riding program.
3. Multiple Riding Areas and Training Facilities. A number of training facilities to provide a world class equestrian experience including an Indoor and Outdoor Riding Arena, and a standard Dressage area.
4. Club horses will be available to Club members for trail rides at no extra cost
Then look at the range of horse care facilities offered
1. Clean and muck stall and outside pen once a day
2. Feeding twice daily or special feeding and exercise programs.
3. Visual monitoring during normal business hours, special medical attention and grooming services on a fee basis.
It just goes to show, how much horse riding has come back into its own when large leisure organizations start to heed to desires of equestrians. But then, it is hardly surprising, as we all know horse back riding is far more relaxing for the body and the sole than hectic and busy Disney style entertainment.
So, when you set off in search of these luxurious leisure resorts, you may want to have a book or two handy to polish up your techniques, and according to a number of international ‘horsy’ specialists, a good site is very useful. One such site worthy of more than a quick glance can be found at www.anyhorsebackriding.com for an ever-expanding variety of horsy topics and advice.
JEREMY
Jun
1
Horse Riding - The Importance of the Helmet
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Lydia K Kelly asked:
While people are becoming more aware of the need for head safety, somehow the equestrian world has missed the boat. Cyclists are wearing helmets, worrying about the potential impact should they fall or be hit by a car. And yet, riders on living, thinking animals seem to forget the risks.
Horseback riding has one of the highest accident rates for minor injuries. When entering the Emergency room with a broken collar bone or other injury, most doctors and nurses just sigh when you tell them you ride horses. It is an every-day kind of occurrence.
Lots of people think of riding motorcycles as being highly dangerous, but in fact, riding horses ranks at about the same level! Imagine, on a motorcycle, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. On a horse, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. The only difference is that motorcycles are controlled by the driver. Horses have a mind of their own.
It is easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. If your horse is a quiet animal who rarely startles, you might not think that anything could happen. But all it takes is a sudden noise, or something that catches his eye and he could be off and running, leaving you in the dirt. Even the quietest horse in the world has the potential to spook.
When training a performance horse the risk is even greater. The more fit the horse is, the more likely he is to have the athleticism to unseat his rider. Besides being fit, he is also more alert and has a higher chance of pulling something stupid in response to good spirits, or even having a temper tantrum over a movement he does not want to do.
World class dressage riders have been known to lose control of their horses, and dressage is the sport where control is of the essence. Jumper riders get ditched by their horses when they refuse a jump. An overexcited gaming horse can slip and fall in the middle of a pattern, and even a champion pleasure horse can stumble, catching his rider unaware.
And yet, thousands of adult riders refuse to wear helmets. They are hot, they are uncomfortable, and they don’t look cool. You name it, and the excuse is used. So many riders feel that they would never fall off, or that their horse would never pull anything stupid on them. And yet, as a rider becomes more experienced, the risk of injury during a fall tends to go up. This is because it generally takes something a lot bigger to get them off, and the potential for landing badly increases with the explosiveness of the situation.
All it takes is once, and you could suffer from a serious concussion, or worse. It is a fact that riders die every year from head impacts that would have caused little more than a serious headache if they had been wearing a helmet.
Additionally, as adults, we need to set a good example to young riders. How many kids feel that it is perfectly safe to hop on a horse without anything on their head? How many others can’t wait until they are 18 and no longer need to wear a helmet in the ring? If adults were more responsible about wearing helmets, perhaps the young riders would feel more comfortable about protecting their heads.
You only get one head. It is worth protecting.
REINALDO
While people are becoming more aware of the need for head safety, somehow the equestrian world has missed the boat. Cyclists are wearing helmets, worrying about the potential impact should they fall or be hit by a car. And yet, riders on living, thinking animals seem to forget the risks.
Horseback riding has one of the highest accident rates for minor injuries. When entering the Emergency room with a broken collar bone or other injury, most doctors and nurses just sigh when you tell them you ride horses. It is an every-day kind of occurrence.
Lots of people think of riding motorcycles as being highly dangerous, but in fact, riding horses ranks at about the same level! Imagine, on a motorcycle, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. On a horse, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. The only difference is that motorcycles are controlled by the driver. Horses have a mind of their own.
It is easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. If your horse is a quiet animal who rarely startles, you might not think that anything could happen. But all it takes is a sudden noise, or something that catches his eye and he could be off and running, leaving you in the dirt. Even the quietest horse in the world has the potential to spook.
When training a performance horse the risk is even greater. The more fit the horse is, the more likely he is to have the athleticism to unseat his rider. Besides being fit, he is also more alert and has a higher chance of pulling something stupid in response to good spirits, or even having a temper tantrum over a movement he does not want to do.
World class dressage riders have been known to lose control of their horses, and dressage is the sport where control is of the essence. Jumper riders get ditched by their horses when they refuse a jump. An overexcited gaming horse can slip and fall in the middle of a pattern, and even a champion pleasure horse can stumble, catching his rider unaware.
And yet, thousands of adult riders refuse to wear helmets. They are hot, they are uncomfortable, and they don’t look cool. You name it, and the excuse is used. So many riders feel that they would never fall off, or that their horse would never pull anything stupid on them. And yet, as a rider becomes more experienced, the risk of injury during a fall tends to go up. This is because it generally takes something a lot bigger to get them off, and the potential for landing badly increases with the explosiveness of the situation.
All it takes is once, and you could suffer from a serious concussion, or worse. It is a fact that riders die every year from head impacts that would have caused little more than a serious headache if they had been wearing a helmet.
Additionally, as adults, we need to set a good example to young riders. How many kids feel that it is perfectly safe to hop on a horse without anything on their head? How many others can’t wait until they are 18 and no longer need to wear a helmet in the ring? If adults were more responsible about wearing helmets, perhaps the young riders would feel more comfortable about protecting their heads.
You only get one head. It is worth protecting.
REINALDO
May
21
Horseback Riding Lessons For Beginners
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Paul Gray asked:
There are some things that just come natural to some. Some people are almost born knowing how to stay on a skateboard. Me personally, I fall flat just about every time that the board moves. That’s something that just wasn’t born in there.
One thing that was born into my system was how to ride a horse. It seemed I knew how to ride a horse from birth but didn’t start riding alone till I was three. That was mainly in part to my beloved quarter horse Harlan who knew that I was a beginner. So, would you like for me to give you some tips on how to ride a horse?
When learning how to ride a horse one of the best things I can tell you is to always keep your cool. If you lose control of yourself, I have no doubt that you will lose control of the horse. You know how people say that a dog can sense if you’re scared? Well so can a horse. Some will bank on that fear as an easy way out of work. Even if you think that the horse is some big animal and you have no idea how you’ll ever stay on you can not think that around the horse. You need to stay calm and relaxed. If you get a little scared take a few deep breaths so that you can slow your heartbeat and relax yourself. Odds are, if you think you’re in control, so will the horse.
Now that you have calmed your nerves and told yourself that you are boss, let’s talk about how to ride a horse. There are two styles of riding you can think about when you learn how to ride a horse, English and western. If you haven’t ridden much I suggest a western saddle mainly because of the fact that is holds you in place better and has a horn for you to hang onto if you feel the need. An English saddle is lighter in weight, has thinner stirrups and no horn to hang onto. Some people swear by them for a beginner to build up balance and all but I just feel safer in a western saddle. I figure that if a cowboy thinks that they’re the best to hold you in I’ll have to agree with them. You can work on balance once you learn how to ride a horse a little better.
With the saddle in place, you can hop on and go for a ride. When you first learn how to ride a horse you can’t just hop on, dig in your heels and think that the horse will just mosey off. To make a horse go forward you generally will just have to squeeze a bit with your thighs. Might need to move your **** forward towards the horn a little to let them know you’re serious but being a beginner you should already be on a well broke horse. A green horse and a green rider are never a good combination when you first learn how to ride a horse. Green by the way means that you’re just learning. Don’t go out looking for a horse that will blend in with the grass. But once you’re up in the saddle and walking, you can guide your horse in one of two ways. If you know that your horse neck reins, you simply lay the reins across the left side of the neck to go to the right and across the right side of the neck to go left. If you were told that the horse plow reins, take one rein in each hand and pull on the side that you want to go. If you want to go right, gently tug on the right rein and vise versa with the left.
These are a few simple things for those who are just learning how to ride a horse. For those with experience in horseback riding you might have your own ideas but these are the basics that I teach my kids. And so far I feel that they know how to ride a horse quite well for their ages and practice safety procedures without risk or injury.
Did you know that 90% of falls and horse related injuries result from an inexperienced rider? Don’t let this happen to you. Take a few minutes to learn the essential horseback riding and horsetraining methods practiced by experts for generations which are guaranteed to improve your horse riding skills.
NESTOR
There are some things that just come natural to some. Some people are almost born knowing how to stay on a skateboard. Me personally, I fall flat just about every time that the board moves. That’s something that just wasn’t born in there.
One thing that was born into my system was how to ride a horse. It seemed I knew how to ride a horse from birth but didn’t start riding alone till I was three. That was mainly in part to my beloved quarter horse Harlan who knew that I was a beginner. So, would you like for me to give you some tips on how to ride a horse?
When learning how to ride a horse one of the best things I can tell you is to always keep your cool. If you lose control of yourself, I have no doubt that you will lose control of the horse. You know how people say that a dog can sense if you’re scared? Well so can a horse. Some will bank on that fear as an easy way out of work. Even if you think that the horse is some big animal and you have no idea how you’ll ever stay on you can not think that around the horse. You need to stay calm and relaxed. If you get a little scared take a few deep breaths so that you can slow your heartbeat and relax yourself. Odds are, if you think you’re in control, so will the horse.
Now that you have calmed your nerves and told yourself that you are boss, let’s talk about how to ride a horse. There are two styles of riding you can think about when you learn how to ride a horse, English and western. If you haven’t ridden much I suggest a western saddle mainly because of the fact that is holds you in place better and has a horn for you to hang onto if you feel the need. An English saddle is lighter in weight, has thinner stirrups and no horn to hang onto. Some people swear by them for a beginner to build up balance and all but I just feel safer in a western saddle. I figure that if a cowboy thinks that they’re the best to hold you in I’ll have to agree with them. You can work on balance once you learn how to ride a horse a little better.
With the saddle in place, you can hop on and go for a ride. When you first learn how to ride a horse you can’t just hop on, dig in your heels and think that the horse will just mosey off. To make a horse go forward you generally will just have to squeeze a bit with your thighs. Might need to move your **** forward towards the horn a little to let them know you’re serious but being a beginner you should already be on a well broke horse. A green horse and a green rider are never a good combination when you first learn how to ride a horse. Green by the way means that you’re just learning. Don’t go out looking for a horse that will blend in with the grass. But once you’re up in the saddle and walking, you can guide your horse in one of two ways. If you know that your horse neck reins, you simply lay the reins across the left side of the neck to go to the right and across the right side of the neck to go left. If you were told that the horse plow reins, take one rein in each hand and pull on the side that you want to go. If you want to go right, gently tug on the right rein and vise versa with the left.
These are a few simple things for those who are just learning how to ride a horse. For those with experience in horseback riding you might have your own ideas but these are the basics that I teach my kids. And so far I feel that they know how to ride a horse quite well for their ages and practice safety procedures without risk or injury.
Did you know that 90% of falls and horse related injuries result from an inexperienced rider? Don’t let this happen to you. Take a few minutes to learn the essential horseback riding and horsetraining methods practiced by experts for generations which are guaranteed to improve your horse riding skills.
NESTOR
May
17
The Horse: No Animal Has Done More
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Elizabeth Miller asked:
No animal has done more for the advancement of humankind than the horse. That said, it’s hard to imagine ever using the horse as a source of food. But of course, that’s how the man-horse relationship began.
The history books contain many references to the horse as prey some 50,000 years ago, when Cro-Magnon man had to hunt for his food. Seems that no one knows for sure just when or how the horse first became a helper to man. But many have reasoned that when early Cro-Magnon man needed to move his encampments from place to place, he started using the more docile horses as pack animals. So that would mark the beginnings of horse domestication.
Historians also believe that as man progressed from hunter to farmer, he continued using horses for food but also as helpers for herding. This would have brought about the need to jump on the horse’s back and follow along behind the herd. And that would mark the beginnings of the horse as a means of transportation for humans.
Recent archeological excavations in the Ukraine unearthed horses’ teeth and evidence of the first “bridle.” These findings have brought the experts to conclude that the beginnings of horseback riding began with the nomadic tribes of what is now Eastern Europe, in about 4000 BC. However, riding wouldn’t really catch on until long after the invention of the wheel and the preferred use of horses as draft animals.
It is believed that the horse’s domestication as a draft animal began sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC. Faster than the oxen and equids that had first been used to pull wheeled vehicles, the horse soon took over and this spawned the ever-improving development of yokes, ****** straps, collars, bits and bridles.
Inevitably the horse was to become a major tool of warfare. Around 1350 BC the Hittite king Suppililiuma decided to go to war against the Mitannians, bought large numbers of horses, and engaged the services of a Mitannian horsemaster named Kikkuli. After defecting from the Mitanni, Kikkuli turned the king’s horses into war machines that were ridden into battle until the king’s militia had totally destroyed the Mitanni.
Now the bonding of man and horse had truly begun. Still, horseback riding was not for the elite, much less the general populace. For hundreds of years, horses were bred to be warhorses. But when Xenophon wrote “The Art of Horsemanship” in around 400 BC, the time was approaching when people would ride horses for more than herding, hunting and fighting.
Although America’s wild horses had been tamed by the Indians, it is said that the Spanish explorers brought the first domesticated horses to North America in 1519 AD.
By the early 1700s, Rhode Island had become America’s principal horse breeding state. Horses became the primary means of transportation, soon carrying riders on their backs and pulling people and materials in wheeled vehicles across the vastness of the New World.
By the 1800s the horse was a necessity of urban and rural life. The horse helped us build cities, farm the land, fight wars and settle a continent. No animal has done more for humankind.
ERICH
No animal has done more for the advancement of humankind than the horse. That said, it’s hard to imagine ever using the horse as a source of food. But of course, that’s how the man-horse relationship began.
The history books contain many references to the horse as prey some 50,000 years ago, when Cro-Magnon man had to hunt for his food. Seems that no one knows for sure just when or how the horse first became a helper to man. But many have reasoned that when early Cro-Magnon man needed to move his encampments from place to place, he started using the more docile horses as pack animals. So that would mark the beginnings of horse domestication.
Historians also believe that as man progressed from hunter to farmer, he continued using horses for food but also as helpers for herding. This would have brought about the need to jump on the horse’s back and follow along behind the herd. And that would mark the beginnings of the horse as a means of transportation for humans.
Recent archeological excavations in the Ukraine unearthed horses’ teeth and evidence of the first “bridle.” These findings have brought the experts to conclude that the beginnings of horseback riding began with the nomadic tribes of what is now Eastern Europe, in about 4000 BC. However, riding wouldn’t really catch on until long after the invention of the wheel and the preferred use of horses as draft animals.
It is believed that the horse’s domestication as a draft animal began sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC. Faster than the oxen and equids that had first been used to pull wheeled vehicles, the horse soon took over and this spawned the ever-improving development of yokes, ****** straps, collars, bits and bridles.
Inevitably the horse was to become a major tool of warfare. Around 1350 BC the Hittite king Suppililiuma decided to go to war against the Mitannians, bought large numbers of horses, and engaged the services of a Mitannian horsemaster named Kikkuli. After defecting from the Mitanni, Kikkuli turned the king’s horses into war machines that were ridden into battle until the king’s militia had totally destroyed the Mitanni.
Now the bonding of man and horse had truly begun. Still, horseback riding was not for the elite, much less the general populace. For hundreds of years, horses were bred to be warhorses. But when Xenophon wrote “The Art of Horsemanship” in around 400 BC, the time was approaching when people would ride horses for more than herding, hunting and fighting.
Although America’s wild horses had been tamed by the Indians, it is said that the Spanish explorers brought the first domesticated horses to North America in 1519 AD.
By the early 1700s, Rhode Island had become America’s principal horse breeding state. Horses became the primary means of transportation, soon carrying riders on their backs and pulling people and materials in wheeled vehicles across the vastness of the New World.
By the 1800s the horse was a necessity of urban and rural life. The horse helped us build cities, farm the land, fight wars and settle a continent. No animal has done more for humankind.
ERICH
May
1
How To Use Equestrian Quotes To Improve Your Horse Riding Skills
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Margarethe De Clermont asked:
Horse quotes, equestrian quotes, dressage quotes, words of wisdom from the masters of classical riding: a single sentence can change the way you look at horses and horse riding forever.
Horse quotes and horse riding quotes can be inspiring, heart-warming, educational or amusing. Educational quotes can make us think, comical ones can make us laugh and when the quote touches on a subject close to our hearts, it can even bring a tear or two to our eyes.
Reading quotes and marvelling about how accurate and true they are is entertaining, but could they possibly have a more influential effect or our personal riding experience? Could a quote really make a difference to how well you ride, on how effortlessly you interact with your horse?
To master the art of classical riding, physical practice is not enough. Mental training is as important as physical training if you truly want to learn how to communicate flawlessly with your horse. This is not a new discovery, far from it, the concept was familiar to horseback riders and trainers more than a thousand years ago.
Modern Masters confirm this belief in no uncertain terms. There are endless examples of equestrian quotes validating this statement. One of the most impressive and most complete is this one from Charles de Knuffy: “Horsemanship is not merely a matter of bodily skills, but is based on scholarship and, therefore, is a matter of the mind and intellect. Good horsemanship is based on proper character development and, therefore, is also a matter of mentality and spirit. Without the correct attitudes and insights, there cannot be the right sport.”
But what have quotes got to do with mental training?
Affirmations is one of the techniques that have been used for decades to change human behaviour. An affirmation is an emphatic statement that you make to yourself. Everyone uses affirmations, intentionally or unintentionally. You wake up in the morning, jump out of bed and exclaim “I am a great rider”. That is a positive affirmation. Or you drag yourself out of bed in the morning and whimper “I am a rotten rider”. That is a negative affirmation. Both statements determine the emotional state you are in and affects you confidence levels.
We can use affirmations to improve our riding, our relationship with our horse, our ability to perform under stress. Affirmations are used successfully in all areas of personal growth and self improvement.
It is estimated that an average person has 10,000 thoughts or images flashing through his mind each day. At least half of these thoughts are negative, such as “I struggle to learn new riding skills. I learn much slower now than when I was younger. My memory is getting worse and worse!” Unharnessed, a steady dose of worry and negative thoughts can severely damage your self-esteem.
For an affirmation to be effective, it has to conform to certain requirements. It has to be stated in the positive, present tense and in the first person. They should also contain an emotional and visual component.
An example of a good affirmation is: Using these principles an affirmation may look like the following: “It is deeply satisfying (emotional) that I (personal) respond (present tense) with wisdom, love, firmness, and self-control (positive) when my horse misbehaves.”
But how does horse quotes fit into this equation?
Equestrian quotes can form the foundation of extremely effective and influential affirmations. The same quote can have different effects on different people. The secret is to choose a quote that means a lot to you personally, and transform it according to the rules above into your own personal power-affirmation.
Take the following quote: “The smell of hay, leather and saddle soap immediately transports me back to the stables where I learned to ride as a child, bringing with them a warm glow of happiness and excitement.”
Whenever you feel stressed or tired, cheer yourself up with a similar affirmation. Remind yourself of a time when you felt happy, excited, motivated and positive. Create your affirmation in the present tense, make it personal, emotional, and visual.
Quotes can be used in many different ways to enrich your riding experience.
RAYMOND
Horse quotes, equestrian quotes, dressage quotes, words of wisdom from the masters of classical riding: a single sentence can change the way you look at horses and horse riding forever.
Horse quotes and horse riding quotes can be inspiring, heart-warming, educational or amusing. Educational quotes can make us think, comical ones can make us laugh and when the quote touches on a subject close to our hearts, it can even bring a tear or two to our eyes.
Reading quotes and marvelling about how accurate and true they are is entertaining, but could they possibly have a more influential effect or our personal riding experience? Could a quote really make a difference to how well you ride, on how effortlessly you interact with your horse?
To master the art of classical riding, physical practice is not enough. Mental training is as important as physical training if you truly want to learn how to communicate flawlessly with your horse. This is not a new discovery, far from it, the concept was familiar to horseback riders and trainers more than a thousand years ago.
Modern Masters confirm this belief in no uncertain terms. There are endless examples of equestrian quotes validating this statement. One of the most impressive and most complete is this one from Charles de Knuffy: “Horsemanship is not merely a matter of bodily skills, but is based on scholarship and, therefore, is a matter of the mind and intellect. Good horsemanship is based on proper character development and, therefore, is also a matter of mentality and spirit. Without the correct attitudes and insights, there cannot be the right sport.”
But what have quotes got to do with mental training?
Affirmations is one of the techniques that have been used for decades to change human behaviour. An affirmation is an emphatic statement that you make to yourself. Everyone uses affirmations, intentionally or unintentionally. You wake up in the morning, jump out of bed and exclaim “I am a great rider”. That is a positive affirmation. Or you drag yourself out of bed in the morning and whimper “I am a rotten rider”. That is a negative affirmation. Both statements determine the emotional state you are in and affects you confidence levels.
We can use affirmations to improve our riding, our relationship with our horse, our ability to perform under stress. Affirmations are used successfully in all areas of personal growth and self improvement.
It is estimated that an average person has 10,000 thoughts or images flashing through his mind each day. At least half of these thoughts are negative, such as “I struggle to learn new riding skills. I learn much slower now than when I was younger. My memory is getting worse and worse!” Unharnessed, a steady dose of worry and negative thoughts can severely damage your self-esteem.
For an affirmation to be effective, it has to conform to certain requirements. It has to be stated in the positive, present tense and in the first person. They should also contain an emotional and visual component.
An example of a good affirmation is: Using these principles an affirmation may look like the following: “It is deeply satisfying (emotional) that I (personal) respond (present tense) with wisdom, love, firmness, and self-control (positive) when my horse misbehaves.”
But how does horse quotes fit into this equation?
Equestrian quotes can form the foundation of extremely effective and influential affirmations. The same quote can have different effects on different people. The secret is to choose a quote that means a lot to you personally, and transform it according to the rules above into your own personal power-affirmation.
Take the following quote: “The smell of hay, leather and saddle soap immediately transports me back to the stables where I learned to ride as a child, bringing with them a warm glow of happiness and excitement.”
Whenever you feel stressed or tired, cheer yourself up with a similar affirmation. Remind yourself of a time when you felt happy, excited, motivated and positive. Create your affirmation in the present tense, make it personal, emotional, and visual.
Quotes can be used in many different ways to enrich your riding experience.
RAYMOND
Apr
14
How can Horseback Riders benefit from Self-Hypnosis?
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Margarethe De Clermont asked:
Firstly, what is Self-hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis is a process of communicating with oneself, directing one’s own attention in specific ways in order to produce states that are commonly recognised as trance states. Neither sleep nor unconsciousness, hypnosis is a state in which a person has shut out distractions and is free to focus intently on a particular subject, emotion, or memory or goal. The hypnotic state is an optimum state for making changes in your attitude and approach to horse riding.
Why would a horse rider want to change their attitude or approach?
Because her competition nerves are hindering her performance during contests
Because she wants to get rid of the debilitating residual fear after a horse riding accident
Because she wants to get rid of ingrained riding habits that limit her progress
Because she wants to master new riding skills faster
Because she wants to stay motivated to reach her riding goals
Self-hypnosis can be a very powerful tool in the mental skills toolbox of the rider. However, if you think hypnosis is no more than a stage trick or is performed only by charlatans, your doubts will impede any positive results that you may get from a hypnotic session. Therefore, you must be open-minded to some degree to the possibility that you can improve your riding ability through the power of auto-suggestion.
In reality, trance states are nothing special; we go in and out of these states several times during the day. Day dreaming, a well-known trance state, is a form of self-hypnosis. You have hypnotised yourself when you drive to work on auto-pilot. Afterwards you remember little of the journey, but if you suddenly had to react fast to avoid an accident, you would have. You are not asleep during hypnosis. You are aware of every thing that is being said. You can remember everything afterwards.
True, effective self hypnosis should be designed and created by the very person who will ultimately use and benefit from it, incorporating the precise words and phrases that mean the most to that particular person. If someone is willing to take the time and mental discipline necessary to improve their riding ability and awareness of themselves and their horses, with self hypnosis, the results will be extraordinary, positive and lasting.
Hypnosis is simply a state of mind, in much the same way that happiness is a state of mind.
Contrary to what most people believe, the mind under hypnosis is still alert and very much in control. If you cannot hear anything, then you cannot benefit from self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness. You remain fully alert, in fact more alert than usual.
Any one can be hypnotised. In fact, it is often a learned trait. You can teach your body and mind to go into trance, and get better and better at it as you practice self-hypnosis. We are constantly hypnotising ourselves. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, when we call ourselves names, or put ourselves down and reinforce fears and limitations. It can become a habit and if you do it long enough you will develop a belief that will get the results you fear. Ex:
* Boy, my jumping is getting bad
* I am so bad at setting the horse up for a jump
* I will never jump higher than 90 cm, never
These are auto-suggestions or negative affirmations. More appropriate auto-suggestions to give yourself under self-hypnosis would be:
* My jumping is getting better and better every day
* I am very good at show-jumping, it is easy for me to set up my horse for a jump
* I will easily jump higher than 90cm
…and because the trance state gives you direct access to your unconscious mind, you will embrace these suggestions without reserve and accept them as the pure, unadulterated truth.
Imagine what might happen if you changed the suggestions that you give yourself on a daily basis? If you used the hypnotic trance state to give yourself empowering suggestions to improve your riding, reduce your anxiety about and exponentially increase your self-esteem?
NOAH
Firstly, what is Self-hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis is a process of communicating with oneself, directing one’s own attention in specific ways in order to produce states that are commonly recognised as trance states. Neither sleep nor unconsciousness, hypnosis is a state in which a person has shut out distractions and is free to focus intently on a particular subject, emotion, or memory or goal. The hypnotic state is an optimum state for making changes in your attitude and approach to horse riding.
Why would a horse rider want to change their attitude or approach?
Because her competition nerves are hindering her performance during contests
Because she wants to get rid of the debilitating residual fear after a horse riding accident
Because she wants to get rid of ingrained riding habits that limit her progress
Because she wants to master new riding skills faster
Because she wants to stay motivated to reach her riding goals
Self-hypnosis can be a very powerful tool in the mental skills toolbox of the rider. However, if you think hypnosis is no more than a stage trick or is performed only by charlatans, your doubts will impede any positive results that you may get from a hypnotic session. Therefore, you must be open-minded to some degree to the possibility that you can improve your riding ability through the power of auto-suggestion.
In reality, trance states are nothing special; we go in and out of these states several times during the day. Day dreaming, a well-known trance state, is a form of self-hypnosis. You have hypnotised yourself when you drive to work on auto-pilot. Afterwards you remember little of the journey, but if you suddenly had to react fast to avoid an accident, you would have. You are not asleep during hypnosis. You are aware of every thing that is being said. You can remember everything afterwards.
True, effective self hypnosis should be designed and created by the very person who will ultimately use and benefit from it, incorporating the precise words and phrases that mean the most to that particular person. If someone is willing to take the time and mental discipline necessary to improve their riding ability and awareness of themselves and their horses, with self hypnosis, the results will be extraordinary, positive and lasting.
Hypnosis is simply a state of mind, in much the same way that happiness is a state of mind.
Contrary to what most people believe, the mind under hypnosis is still alert and very much in control. If you cannot hear anything, then you cannot benefit from self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness. You remain fully alert, in fact more alert than usual.
Any one can be hypnotised. In fact, it is often a learned trait. You can teach your body and mind to go into trance, and get better and better at it as you practice self-hypnosis. We are constantly hypnotising ourselves. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, when we call ourselves names, or put ourselves down and reinforce fears and limitations. It can become a habit and if you do it long enough you will develop a belief that will get the results you fear. Ex:
* Boy, my jumping is getting bad
* I am so bad at setting the horse up for a jump
* I will never jump higher than 90 cm, never
These are auto-suggestions or negative affirmations. More appropriate auto-suggestions to give yourself under self-hypnosis would be:
* My jumping is getting better and better every day
* I am very good at show-jumping, it is easy for me to set up my horse for a jump
* I will easily jump higher than 90cm
…and because the trance state gives you direct access to your unconscious mind, you will embrace these suggestions without reserve and accept them as the pure, unadulterated truth.
Imagine what might happen if you changed the suggestions that you give yourself on a daily basis? If you used the hypnotic trance state to give yourself empowering suggestions to improve your riding, reduce your anxiety about and exponentially increase your self-esteem?
NOAH
Apr
5
Equestrian News: How To Maximise Your Horse Riding Confidence By Being Your Own Life Coach
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Margarethe De Clermont asked:
Many of us spend a lot of time convincing ourselves that our dreams will never come true. That we will never master the half-pass, or jump a clear round or canter fearlessly on a hack.
You can easily turn these negative thoughts into positive beliefs by being you own life coach. The next time you feel destructive thoughts coming on, take a deep breath and say, I love myself, just the way I am. I can and will achieve my dreams.
Banish negativity by setting realistic horse riding goals
Instead of thinking negatively, think about what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it. Make plans, write down your goals, and take action to reach those goals. Start with something simple. Learn how to clean tack properly. Learn how to ask for canter properly. Small victories will give you the confidence to aim for larger ones.
No matter what, just say no
Learn to say no. Even to your horse. In fact, especially to your horse. For most of us, our natural instincts lead us to help others. However, are you sacrificing your own needs to consistently take care of other peoples needs, even your horse’s? Or are you taking time out of each day to pamper yourself and recharge your batteries? Maybe you are spreading yourself too thin?
If you are spreading yourself too thin, it will lead to worry, discontent and many sleepless nights. You will feel anxious and get depressed. This will do you riding and your horse no good.
So you aren’t good enough?
Do you tell yourslf that you are not good enough to jump a clear round or get a high dressage score? Do you feel like you deserve whatever you get? Focusing on negative thoughts causes loss of self-esteem depression. If you do not respect yourself, how can you expect your horse to respect you and do as you ask?
If you are one of those people who at interviews, when asked about your qualities, skills, etc, rambles on about your bad qualities, you need to stop now. Some of us are lost at words when it comes to speaking highly of ourselves. For some people this seems selfish, or boisterous, yet it is not.
Be your own life coach. Build your personal confidence by avoiding negative thinking. Your riding confidence will increase in tandem. Learn to become your own best friend and give yourself frequent compliments. Stop criticizing your every move, and forget about past mistakes and focus on your future. Know your weaknesses, and know your strengths, just as you know your horse’s strengths and failings.
Or is it your horse / trainer / equipment that isn’t good enough?
So many times, we do not take full responsibility of our own actions. We blame others for our mistakes or misfortunes. Do not obsess over past mistakes, but do not live in denial either. Stop blaming others (including ou horse!)
We all make our share of bad choices in life. This is a natural part of living. Learn from your mistakes and move ahead.
If you are stuck in a spiral of negative thinking and feel you cannot escape, engage the services of an equestrian life coach. It will without doubt be one of the most empowering decisions you ever make to increase your horse riding confidence.
KAREEM
Many of us spend a lot of time convincing ourselves that our dreams will never come true. That we will never master the half-pass, or jump a clear round or canter fearlessly on a hack.
You can easily turn these negative thoughts into positive beliefs by being you own life coach. The next time you feel destructive thoughts coming on, take a deep breath and say, I love myself, just the way I am. I can and will achieve my dreams.
Banish negativity by setting realistic horse riding goals
Instead of thinking negatively, think about what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it. Make plans, write down your goals, and take action to reach those goals. Start with something simple. Learn how to clean tack properly. Learn how to ask for canter properly. Small victories will give you the confidence to aim for larger ones.
No matter what, just say no
Learn to say no. Even to your horse. In fact, especially to your horse. For most of us, our natural instincts lead us to help others. However, are you sacrificing your own needs to consistently take care of other peoples needs, even your horse’s? Or are you taking time out of each day to pamper yourself and recharge your batteries? Maybe you are spreading yourself too thin?
If you are spreading yourself too thin, it will lead to worry, discontent and many sleepless nights. You will feel anxious and get depressed. This will do you riding and your horse no good.
So you aren’t good enough?
Do you tell yourslf that you are not good enough to jump a clear round or get a high dressage score? Do you feel like you deserve whatever you get? Focusing on negative thoughts causes loss of self-esteem depression. If you do not respect yourself, how can you expect your horse to respect you and do as you ask?
If you are one of those people who at interviews, when asked about your qualities, skills, etc, rambles on about your bad qualities, you need to stop now. Some of us are lost at words when it comes to speaking highly of ourselves. For some people this seems selfish, or boisterous, yet it is not.
Be your own life coach. Build your personal confidence by avoiding negative thinking. Your riding confidence will increase in tandem. Learn to become your own best friend and give yourself frequent compliments. Stop criticizing your every move, and forget about past mistakes and focus on your future. Know your weaknesses, and know your strengths, just as you know your horse’s strengths and failings.
Or is it your horse / trainer / equipment that isn’t good enough?
So many times, we do not take full responsibility of our own actions. We blame others for our mistakes or misfortunes. Do not obsess over past mistakes, but do not live in denial either. Stop blaming others (including ou horse!)
We all make our share of bad choices in life. This is a natural part of living. Learn from your mistakes and move ahead.
If you are stuck in a spiral of negative thinking and feel you cannot escape, engage the services of an equestrian life coach. It will without doubt be one of the most empowering decisions you ever make to increase your horse riding confidence.
KAREEM