Have you ever questioned your horseback riding ability?

[Kira B]

All the time. I think a lot of younger riders (myself included) feel as though we have to live up to everyone else's standards. We realize that to get somewhere, we have to reach a certain level. We also realize that not everyone gets there.

I'm doubting myself big time with my lease right now. I usually have good sense about how to fix something, or get through something, and am no stranger to young or difficult horses. For some reason, there is a communication block between us right now and I can't figure it out. My trainer is coming out to help me work it out, but it's a huge confidence hit. I know I have to be good enough to make equestrian teams, and I see my friends with their extremely well trained horses, poise in the show ring, and one of them has several national titles. I have nothing. I look at the congress Chronicle and see 12 year olds on congress champions, their whole family behind them in the photo and I can't help but feel like I'm incredibly behind. I constantly feel as though I'm at a severe disadvantage because I don't have a horse, or parents who know riding or throw money at it (I have to pay for extra lessons, they won't buy me a horse), the horses I do ride are not completely finished show horses, nor do I get the privilege of working with a trainer several days a week. I broke down crying about my future three times in the last week, and I'm not the type to cry about anything. I'm just so stressed about my future, what it could lead to, and how freaking far I have to get there.

Yeah, you aren't alone. Thank you for helping me see that as well.

P.S. Unfollow that girl, she isn't helping you, just hurting.

[Ruffian]

Every great horseman does. What else will encourage you to get better?

[Lv W]

You have to I think? Horseback riding is a tough sport and you always learn something knew and you never learn completely ever. I don't think you should question but you should know when you are doing something wrong. Every single rider makes a mistake, but you want to minimize it as much as possible.. learn what your mistakes are and try to improve that.

I agree with ang, and I believe that on average a rider really doesn't know what they're doing wrong at all... and really don't understand horses. Horses are living breathing creatures with personalities and they are not cars or bikes. If teaching riding was in general the right way then instructors would teach the riders what horses think, what they do, how they respond to things ect. And well how can that be done when instructors most of the time don't even know themselves? I suggest you look into watching people work with their horses that know what they are doing and really know what horses are all about.

[redheaded]

There's a point where you are doing great in your lessons but nothing can top having your own horse and the experiences you deal with by riding outside of a ring going in a circle, and handling your horse on the ground and caring for them. I reached that point in my riding and changed instructors a couple of times. The last one finally told me what you need is just to get out and ride on your own and gain experience. Horses at a riding school just go in circles and do what they're told and don't usually give one a bad time.