Ahliver's And My First Ride Through The Wreck Area

ahlihaff · 08-23-2008, 11:42 AM

I'm back - and alive. Didn't throw up; my mouth wasn't even all that dry.

I did a lot of communicating to Ahliver. Lift, slide, bend kept running through my mind.

Cooper led. We rode through the wreck area without issue. I did remind myself to relax there especially. As we headed up the path on the east side of the field we came across a bale of hay off to the side where the path turns west. Cooper had a meltdown there and did a mega rear and spun. Keith stayed on. Ahliver was pretty calm through this. I kept bending and asking for hq. I suggested Keith do an "approach and retreat" exercise, and that worked well. A minute later, Ahliver did a mini spook in place. Don't know why, but he was looking across the field. We continued on toward the horse eating hay and Ali checked it out, but wasn't overly concerned.

We made a loop around the huge field and headed down the west side that leads to the woodsy path behind the barn. Cooper was hesitant to keep moving forward about halfway down which is around the time a four wheeler came out of the woods. Dave stopped and waited for us to approach. We decided to dismount and walk them to it to check it out.

We then continued back to the yard. So, overall, the short ride went well. When I think back to a year ago, we were riding these same horses all over the place for hours - on many different trails through the woods, other fields, exploring potential new trails.

All it took was that one wreck in May when I got hurt and I realized what Ahliver was capable of, to dash my confidence to heck.

Thanks for your encouraging, supportive words. I'll bet I'll be calling on you all again.

Bandit · 08-23-2008, 12:17 PM

Congrats on the success! It will take some time, but you will get back there.

Its amazing how one wreck can ruin your confidence, and I fully know where you are at right now. I was that way a couple years back with Toby and it took over a year for me to get that confidence back with him.

I thought everything was going really well this year, but then I had the 2 incidents with Drifter (bucked me off one week and turned around and bolted with me the following week and I came off and landed under my husband's horse's hooves). Problem is - I haven't been back on Drifter since.

horselady · 08-23-2008, 02:41 PM

Way to go Paula, Keep up the good work. now you need to forward past your comfort zone.

TanyaV28 · 08-23-2008, 05:37 PM

That is great!!I hope you feel good about yourself!!! It takes time. I have major confidence issues with my horse as well but the more you do the better!!

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08-23-2008, 11:42 AM
ahlihaff Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western MA Posts: 3,635	Ahliver's And My First Ride Through The Wreck Area I'm back - and alive. Didn't throw up; my mouth wasn't even all that dry. I did a lot of communicating to Ahliver. Lift, slide, bend kept running through my mind. Cooper led. We rode through the wreck area without issue. I did remind myself to relax there especially. As we headed up the path on the east side of the field we came across a bale of hay off to the side where the path turns west. Cooper had a meltdown there and did a mega rear and spun. Keith stayed on. Ahliver was pretty calm through this. I kept bending and asking for hq. I suggested Keith do an "approach and retreat" exercise, and that worked well. A minute later, Ahliver did a mini spook in place. Don't know why, but he was looking across the field. We continued on toward the horse eating hay and Ali checked it out, but wasn't overly concerned. We made a loop around the huge field and headed down the west side that leads to the woodsy path behind the barn. Cooper was hesitant to keep moving forward about halfway down which is around the time a four wheeler came out of the woods. Dave stopped and waited for us to approach. We decided to dismount and walk them to it to check it out. We then continued back to the yard. So, overall, the short ride went well. When I think back to a year ago, we were riding these same horses all over the place for hours - on many different trails through the woods, other fields, exploring potential new trails. All it took was that one wreck in May when I got hurt and I realized what Ahliver was capable of, to dash my confidence to heck. Thanks for your encouraging, supportive words. I'll bet I'll be calling on you all again.

08-23-2008, 12:17 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,790	Congrats on the success! It will take some time, but you will get back there. Its amazing how one wreck can ruin your confidence, and I fully know where you are at right now. I was that way a couple years back with Toby and it took over a year for me to get that confidence back with him. I thought everything was going really well this year, but then I had the 2 incidents with Drifter (bucked me off one week and turned around and bolted with me the following week and I came off and landed under my husband's horse's hooves). Problem is - I haven't been back on Drifter since. __________________

08-23-2008, 02:41 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,309	Way to go Paula, Keep up the good work. now you need to forward past your comfort zone. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

08-23-2008, 05:37 PM
TanyaV28 Started Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,052	That is great!!I hope you feel good about yourself!!! It takes time. I have major confidence issues with my horse as well but the more you do the better!! __________________ Im movin on like a sinners prayer