Appreciation post 💕
Long post warning🤣
Rip, Ripley, Rip man 💕 the horse that’s helping me get my confidence back!
I don’t talk about it much but after having kids I’ve had a HUGE mental block/fear of getting hurt. My body is the weakest it’s ever been physically which has led to me mentally also really struggling. Sometimes that would be body image issues but mostly it has messed with my riding. I just have this fear of the possibility of getting hurt and what that would do to my kids. When it came to getting Rip going undersaddle I was fine with groundwork but it took me forever to convince myself to just step up. Eventually I decided to try riding with a helmet and that helped surprisingly quite a bit but when Rip decided to be pretty broncy most of last year that just fueled the fear.
I still had/have all these goals to show in Versatility Ranch Horse (with Zinnia). So after having Miles I decided to take a different approach and just go as slow as I ever have training one. It has paid off quite a bit and today we had Rip’s first trail ride! Sometime in June we hauled to our first indoor arena and rode as well. Huge thank you to Hope for helping me with both of those outings!
My confidence is finally where it needs to be just in time to start Zinnia undersaddle. To say I’m so excited would be an understatement! So all that said, thank you Rip for helping me get my confidence back while also making sure to keep my humble 💕💕
Also huge appreciation to my husband for supporting my crazy horse dreams! Dalton you’re the absolute best 😘 crazy to think this is the same horse as the sickly little engagement colt all those years ago
Returning to horseback riding after a significant break, especially following life-altering events like childbirth, can be both daunting and rewarding. Many riders face a mental block fueled by fears of injury or physical limitations, often intensified by the responsibility of caring for children. The approach of progressing slowly and taking time with each step in training is a wise strategy that allows the mind and body to rebuild trust and strength simultaneously. In my own experience, wearing a helmet was a game changer, not just for safety but psychologically—it created a protective barrier that eased the mental burden of risk. Starting with groundwork before riding can also help restore confidence, allowing riders to re-establish communication and trust with their horses without immediate physical risks. Trail riding and indoor arena experiences represent pivotal moments. They not only test riding skills but also bolster emotional confidence by proving that challenges can be met safely. The role of supportive people, like trainers and family members, is absolutely vital. Their encouragement and belief can carry riders through frustrating or fearful times and celebrate small victories. Moreover, focusing on goals such as competing in Versatility Ranch Horse events provides motivation and a clear path forward. It’s important to remember that every horse, no matter their starting point, has potential. Witnessing a once sickly colt grow into a capable and spirited partner is a beautiful reminder of the rewards of patience and dedication. For those facing similar fears or struggles, know that you’re not alone. Confidence in riding is often built in incremental steps, supported by safety measures and a strong support system. Each ride, whether calm or a bit broncy, contributes to growth both as a rider and a person. Embracing humility along the journey enriches the experience and deepens the bond with your horse.
