Can we have an adult re-rider support group?

[CVPeg]

I’ve been hearing this from some for a few weeks. Bucked off my OTTB twice within about 3 weeks. Did all the “must do’s” - vet checked, discussing changes in training, etc.

Some have voiced the opinion that I’m over my head. Because I’ve gone back as an older gal, and he is right off the track, and he isn’t straightforward. Well, no, I’m not. It’s just been an awful winter turnout wise. (And we’ve decided to start again with some training basics. I was unclear about what he had done before I got him, and am starting some things over.) But even in deep snow, horses can often get out and run around - but not in the mud/ice mess of this winter. I’ve appreciated not having to pay for getting the driveway plowed, but my horse, and most at the barn, haven’t been able to get the turnouts they need.

If you read some of the other threads, I think this year/winter there have been an inordinate amount of bucking, or other “monster” incidents. And I admit I am one who was sure it wouldn’t be a problem simply because the weather felt nice. Hah!

Sometimes some people are not too swift in voicing what is really a concern about themselves - projecting their own fears on to you, and it comes across snarky. For the most part I heard griping from people not at my barn but from those who don’t know me that well personally, or the situation. But I did get some raised eyebrows from those at my barn. I am now turning him out in the indoor daily, and staying there to see how much of a release he gets. Taking the blanket off so he can roll, then watching him take off. His bucks are well above his head. The other day, when the trainer walked by, it was “Ohhhhhh!” In other words, “I see what you mean…”

Core I have pretty good, but continuing to work on. I am getting that little strap for the front of my saddle. But I don’t even think that would have helped much for those bucks.

Hold on to your belief in yourself. Work on what you feel you need to.

And if one of my friends fell off, or had an incident, I’d say, “Here let me give you a hand.” or “Let’s go get a beer (or ice cream!)” Your trainer is the only one who should voice an opinion. The others should defer to him/her.

And pony4me’s comment was perfect. It is yesterday’s news. Hope you’re fine!

[Opus1]

[QUOTE=dreaminOTTB;6188150]
I’m sorry … I’m already beating myself up enough over this as it is. I know I’m not a great rider or anything, but how would you respond to a friend or person you know who just came off? Sorry for the long vent …[/QUOTE]

Just what pony4me said: S–t happens. Glad you’re OK.

I’m pretty sure I would have went off on someone if they started giving me pointers after I came off like that.

[spacytracy]

How is a horse spooking when you’re just standing there and you falling off any way your fault, or due to any lack of core strength??? Most times, if you’re just standing around you’re not paying attention.

That’s a “Bless Your Heart” moment.

[Trevelyan96]

Small Victories

I am learning as an adult re-rider that the smallest things can be a major triumph. I had 2 this week. My trainer is not one to blow bubbles up your butt. She watches your lesson like a hawk, tells you what you need to do to get the job done, and explains kindly and patiently what you need to fix if its not going well. I’ve ridden with a lot of different trainers, and I keep going back to this one because in my opinion, she is, truly, the best, at reading the horse and rider. She doesn’t miss a thing, whether its a bad transition or a poor bend in the corner, and in 18 years I’ve never once heard her yell at human or horse.

Triumph #1 in my Thurs. lesson. She gave me the ultimate compliment simply because it WAS a compliment. I’ve been riding a mare who likes to move crooked and has difficulty with the left lead, and I got a very enthusiastic ‘beautiful canter transition, looks great, good job’! Its such a small thing, but knowing how terrified I was to canter at all a year ago, and being praised for my work on this mare that can be challenging, is one of those rare moments that makes me feel like maybe its coming back!

Triumph #2 was on Rico this afternoon. Its been a long winter, and I’ve been neglecting his training. He’s home alone for the month, Inky is at H/J boot camp. So today’s plan was for an easy ride for both of us. Me being a timid rider usually makes for an easy ride for him. Today we were just tooling around the pasture when a gust of wind set him off into "OMG, freakout, get off cuz I’m outta here!’ mode and for the first time I just sat up, wrapped my legs around him and made him stop his nonsense! I don’t recall putting on my big girl panties this morning, but I guess I must have, LOL. For once a spook/buck/bolt elicited no greater reaction in me than ‘You dork. Back to work.’

Its those small victories that push us forward!

[PaintedHunter]

[QUOTE=spacytracy;6189207]
How is a horse spooking when you’re just standing there and you falling off any way your fault, or due to any lack of core strength??? Most times, if you’re just standing around you’re not paying attention.

That’s a “Bless Your Heart” moment.[/QUOTE]

Seriously!

[PaintedHunter]

Trevelyan96, I can SO relate to your post! I am often timid as well, and have had similarly proud moments when I’ve found myself wearing big-girl undies on certain days

[dreaminOTTB]

THANK YOU to everyone for all their support and responses to my vent! That was what I expected when people heard of my fall (and some did have your reactions), but several people immediately jumped in with: “well, you should be doing such-and-such exercise” or “well, you had two accidents earlier this year (one when I wasn’t even ON the horse) and if you spent more time on basics you’d be better able to sit things like that.” Okay, I get spending time on basics - I really DO spend time on basics, but the people making the comments don’t often see me ride so they don’t know what I work on!

I’m feeling a bit better, but still having a few head injury symptoms along with general soreness so I’ll be checking in with my doctor tomorrow. I’m sure she’s just sigh and tell me to take it easy (and maybe make another pass at trying to get me to give up horses).

I am so happy to have found this group: riders who have come back to riding and just, well, get it! You all are so wonderful!

[PaintedHunter]

I had a similar standing-still fall-off last year too, and it was terrible! Me and another rider were on our horses, standing next to each other in the ring, just chatting. Her horse start nuzzling mine, and was being cute and sweet, and then he stopped. Thirty seconds later, her horse suddenly struck at mine on the neck and managed to take a chunk out, even with his bit in! Of course, my horse reared up out of fear and pain and bolted to the side, and off I went. You just can’t prevent those kinds of falls sometimes.

[RiderWriter]

OTTB: Boy, I just bet you’d like to smack some people. Here, we’ll do it for you! whap I’m so sorry that happened. I am finally able to join in on this thread because I am FINALLY back taking lessons myself. Definitely an adult (pulling 40, let’s say ;-), and while I’ve been doing a little trail riding and light dressage here and there it’s been five years since my last H/J lesson. So I’m chiming in here to say, I think the fact that you’re still in the saddle after a couple confidence-testing wrecks already is GREAT!

And NO, obviously this latest one is NOT your fault. Horses. Are. Animals. They are going to do unpredictable things some times. This is why we wear helmets -ahem - and hopefully ride suitable beasts. You were not over mounted, and doubtless felt quite safe and happy. Who knows what set the gal off? Sure, maybe Karen O’Connor or Beezie might have stayed on, but 98% of riders are not that skilled, for Pete’s sake. Sounds to me like some people are jealous of you!

I hope you feel better soon. Such is life with our beautiful and sometimes wild friends, unfortunately…

[OneGrayPony]

ugh sorry dreaminOTTB. Whether the comments are true or not is completely irrelevant…they are just rude and unfeeling.

Congrats Trevelyen!

Had two GLORIOUS rides over the weekend on the big bay sillybutt. The first was his first outing to the new outdoor arena, which he handled like a rockstar. The second we actually did some work out there and I got a real canter out of him to the right. The left lead is still a mess and a half, but we got a canter to the right! Yay!

We can hack all over the place on the buckle now, which is fantastic progress (for both of us, I’m sure he was always capable).

Getting ready to take him to Hunter’s Rest for 4 days (hopefully 13 days, but we’ll see how that goes)…I’m nervous and excited. We may also do a little show at the beginning of April. Eek!

[HazelG]

Dreamin just ignore them. Keep your head up and keep trying your best. They only win if they get to you. The thing about feedback is first you need to consider the source, then the motive. Only then should you consider the words. Sounds to me like not worthwhile in this case. I managed to fall off my old horse walking over a pole on the ground. When my trainer fell off last year she told all of us (class act). If SHE can fall off, why wouldn’t I?

Dewey how’s horse ownership? How are the feet?

Opus have you ridden the lease again?

Way to go Trev. It’s true about being pumped about the small things, it’s what keeps us coming back :). Good for you too OGP!

Off for a week with my daughter for school break so no riding for me. And the weather is supposed to be warm so hopefully out of the indoor when we get back. Have a few good rides for me

[dreaminOTTB]

Trevelyan and OneGrayPony - congrats on the awesome rides! Those little victories are the best feeling. Sometimes all it takes is just a nice halt! I’m hoping to get back in the saddle in the next few days … have to find a new helmet first!

You guys give some great, sound advice. I am so happy I found this thread! Perfect place for an adult re-rider like me!

[PaintedHunter]

I’m having heartburn about my horse right now. I started him on the low-starch feed this weekend, as I am now willing to bet $100 that he has PSSM after educating myself on it. it’s just TOO big a coincidence with not only all his symptoms, but the fact that he was perfect for his previous owners on a low-starch feed, and similar for when he was in training for 5 weeks, and she fed a low-starch feed.

The heartburn isn’t so much right now from the prospect of more specialized upkeep…it’s with the fact that I don’t think my trainer believes me at all that it’s a pain issue. She still thinks it’s 100% behavioral. And it seems everyone at the barn does too. I just don’t know how to feel about that. I feel like everyone thinks I am crazy, and they all told me yesterday during my ride -I ONLY wanted to walk yesterday due to my thoughts on PSSM- that I needed to “get on him” and be tough with him. I didn’t want to MAKE him move more or get in line or whack him with a crop repeatedly if this is really a super pain issue. how would anyone here feel if they had, say, a broken or sprained arm and someone was yelling at you to carry a heavy box? I just don’t think it’s fair, and my heart was dropping at the thought everyone just wanted me to be tough with him.

[Trevelyan96]

OTTB: Your fall was NOT your fault. Spook, bolt, buck is one of those tricks that can unseat anyone who is not ready for it, and in your case you had no reason to suspect it was coming. Delivering a virtual slap to the critics. Glad you’ll be back in the saddle soon.

PH: Don’t let anyone convince you to do something your gut instinct tells you is wrong. You know your horse best. And frankly, I am so sick of hearing ‘its behavioural’ when horses have issues. Horses are NOT evolved enough to the think “oh, if I do this or that, I won’t have to work”. I call copout on those who blame the horse. Misbehaviours are due to 1.)Rider error 2.)Physical issue 3.)Training holes. The horse is either saying 1.)I can’t 2.) I don’t understand what you’re asking me. or 3.) You’re asking me for something different than what you think you’re asking.

The I can’t responsce can be either from physical pain or just that the horse isn’t fit/flexible enough to do what’s asked without some physical discomfort. Either way, its our job to be sure they’re capable of doing what is asked of them either through a vet workup or correct conditioning.

Now, I’m not saying that some horses aren’t total $h!t$, but they’re usually the ones that come out of the womb with an attitude on the ground. If they’re easy to get along with on the ground, then under saddle issues are usually due to one of the above. So a sweetly smiling “Bless Your Heart” is in order for your trainer when she says your horse is deliberately being a butthead. She just doesn’t know how to solve the problem, so she’s taking the easy way out by blaming the horse.

[PaintedHunter]

I agree about pain vs training holes, etc. And since my boy is bucking when just being asked to WALK now, I don’t think it’s training at all. I really wonder what she’s going to say if his test does come back positive or if the vet agrees with me.

[dreaminOTTB]

PaintedHunter - I could not agree more with everything Trevelyan said! With my friend’s horse (the one that just tossed me), my friend is having her checked by a vet this week as she also just bucked my friend - also out of nowhere. In addition, she’s checking with the trainer at her barn (someone she very much trusts) as well as the trainer at the barn where the mare came from - ruling everything out: pain AND training.

At the same time, I have ridden (and been thrown) by a horse that I have to characterize as just … well, evil. He is the only horse I would label that way and I’ve ridden quite a few. I’ve been bucked, come off, bitten, whatever by many horses and never thought it was the horses intention to be mean/malicious EXCEPT for this one large pony. Everything was evaluated with him, training, vet, chiropractor, farrier, etc. and he was fine. He was just a jerk. Always had been and probably always will be. It’s sad because when he was willing to work, he was a great ride and incredibly talented. Then he would decide he was finished and buck until you were off. Believe me - the barn he was at went through EVERYTHING they could to figure out what was wrong with him. He was “excused” from the lesson program after my fall, considering how severe it was. It was just his last strike.

So, I guess my point is, yes, I agree with Trevelyan Unless you have a little monster (and it does NOT sound like you do!), 99.9% of the time, it’s pain, training, or some mistake on our part. I guess my advice is the same everyone here gave to me: you know in your gut what is right and you have to “blow off” the trainer. Maybe there is someone else there that could help you?

[bumknees]

Hi all mind if i join in?

I posted probably back on pg 3 or 4 about the original reriders clique then go busy doing a lot of nothing around my house …

I have not read most of the 57 pages of this thread but skimmed this last one.

OTB tell your DR no horse not an option so dont even go there. If dr doesnt understand or doesnt want to uderstand then get new dr one who wants to or does. Trust me it helps a lot o hve drs who understand that horses are part of our life and the sooner understand that the eaiser their job is and the better your life will be to tend to… I have mmm counting my really good ones mmm about 20 drs and they all understand that with out horses their jobs would be a lot more difficult and my life would be a lo more difficult… and at least 3 of my drs are in the top 10 in the world in their fields…
Even my dh understands life with me and horses makes our life together a lot eaiser /better…

But anyway…
I rode a lot when I was younger getting my first horse when I was 16. she was a challenging horse for a firs horse. I dont think knowing what I know now if I knew then whatI know now she would have been my first horse as I would not be as damaged as I am now … But if I do not choose her as my first horse I would not be the uality of rider now that I am with out her antics… like running me into walls, throwing me into jumps, acting like a screw, thought she was a qh she was a nut and her pesonality says she should have been a TB… I learned stickability because of her.

I currently own a 4yo OTTB gelding… I just cant ride him right now. I managed to break that bone that is between your ankle and foot on the outside of your foot… I stood up took a fnky step when turning and you know whow sometimes your ankle turns under your foot? That is what happened. Only I fall down go thud… And then I sit there and watch this bump grow from the size of a chicken egg to a goose egg to ostrich egg… with a wonderful color of yuck… now just have to find someone to ride him…
OTTB if only you were on the oppsite/ kitty corner end of the state I have a horse you could ride… …

Of course this happened right after I figred out our schedule for spring and summer or I should say our hopeful schedule if finances and horse and my body would have been willing willing…

[Opus1]

Welcome, RiderWriter! Hope you stick around for a while.

And welcome back, bumknees!

==

Everyone: I’ve read all your posts, but I don’t have a lot of time online tonight, so forgive me if I don’t post responses. I’m on Day 7 of my project, and if I’m lucky, I’ll have off Wednesday for my ‘weekend.’

HazelG: I have not rode him again since the last time. I’m down for weekly lessons with Trainer No. 2, and I had to cancel last Thursday due to work. Unfortunately I may have to cancel again this week. (I also had to cancel with Trainer No. 1 today)

But fortunately, this project is only a once-a-year thing, so by next Thursday, I’ll be in the clear for many, many months.

It totally sucks, especially since my last ride with him was fantastic and I loved it, and my trainer loved how I rode. Now I’ll probably look like an epileptic monkey the next time I ride him.

[pony4me]

Had a chance to ride my at-home pony this evening after work. Yay for more daylight! We didn’t do much. I just climbed on bareback and we walked around the farm a bit. Pony is such a sweetie!

I’m still very bummed out about the TB flunking his vet check last week and being stuck on stall rest for another month. Now that it’s show season, and I’m not showing, I’ve become an invisible at the barn. The vet asked them to rig up a smaller turnout space for the TB, but they haven’t done anything yet. I asked about it on Saturday and got some excuses, so I walked the barn manager/assistant trainer over to the area I thought could be partitioned off safely and cheaply. Still no buy-in. Then on Sunday, she was talking about just turning him out in the round pen, but there’s no grass in the pen, the ground is muddy and uneven because they work the babies in there, and the vet said it was too big as a first turnout space. Looks like I will have to email the vet and politely ask him to be an advocate for us. He’s at the barn at least once a week, so maybe if he keeps asking something will get done.

Any support this support group can lend would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[dreaminOTTB]

bumKnees - welcome! I’m fairly new to the group too. What general location are you in? I rode a little as a youngster, mostly camps and trail rides. I stopped when I went to high school and college as I was too busy with music (music ed. major). I taught high school music for three years and then got out, seeing the writing on the wall in my lovely state. I am now licensed in special ed, with a secure job (same can’t be said for many other educators in the state, unfortunately … but that’s a whole other can of worms for an entirely different forum). With the new job came more time, especially on weekends and I came back to riding. After a few years of lessons, I fell into leasing and after only a couple months of that, I bought by OTTB, a lazy, sweet, gentle 11 year old chestnut gelding.

Did you break you fibula? I am recovering from a shattered tibia/fibula - near the ankle - on my left leg (surgical repair in July) and broken tibia/fibular - mid-shin - on my right leg (surgical repair in November). Both are healing well, though I’m having some of the “hardware” removed from the right leg in April because it’s irritating bone/tissue. I’m back in the saddle (well, in a couple days … :-P). How long of a recovery do you have? Any friends around to help with your OTTB?

PaintedHunter - keep us updated, please! Wishing you the best.