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June 06, 2017 2 Comments
What do I mean by that? Nearly every day people lose their confidence to ride due to injury or near injury. Just today I read an email telling me how she got hurt, broke her nose and cracked some ribs. She's lost her confidence and she's asking me how she is going to get it back.
I spend a lot of time talking about recovery because I've had to make recoveries from injury and loss of confidence. I don't want anyone to go through what I've been through and that's why I want to set people up for success.
In case you have been through injury, just know, you're not alone. I'm here for you. I believe in you!
Confidence recovery is a fickle thing but it's also definitely possible to recover completely. In truth you will be more aware, more alert, more guarded but your confidence to go ahead and do what you love can return.
The safe scenario for most people is to avoid accidents altogether. In other words, don't go out and risk your life to ride a horse, motorcycle, subway, or scooter. Stay inside, stay safe. But of course this isn't really the best case scenario because there is no life in complete bubble wrapped safe rooms. Life happens outside, in the exact same places that death happens. There is no getting around risk, but there are certain steps one can do to avoid risk and in the event you can't avoid injury, you can learn to recover physically and emotionally.
Set the stage for a safe ride by ensuring other horses aren't apt to jazz your horse up. Ride on days that won't be so spooky for your horse (such as windy days) and do the proper ground work to ensure your horse is connected. Because all injuries. ALL injuries stem from a momentary lapse in concentration either on the riders part or the horses. I'm not saying accidents can't happen. I'm saying you can minimize accidents happening when you have total awareness of the situation and every possible pitfall. Just like a pilot crossing the Atlantic, checking fuel gauges, maps, radar screens, and more, you must be vigilant about your horse's emotions, physical limitations, energy levels, concentration levels, etc.
In my book Leadership and Horses I talk in detail about setting the stage for safety and confidence. Pick it up today!
Time heals all wounds, except injury related fear wounds. One hundred years can go by and you will still be afraid of injury and even more afraid because you're body isn't what it used to be. Therefore, the only way to recover from lost confidence or (fear wounds) is to rejoin the living.
Yes, the body needs to heal, a broken rib needs mending. And when it is healed, you must walk again, you must run again, you must ride again. You must find the inspiration to become whole again.
"If a horse bucks you off, what should you do?"
Answer:
"Get back on again!"
You know who said that? Jim Craig in the famous "Man from Snow River" film.
This is one of the films that drew me to horse riding. I find if I stay connected to the inspiration, I recovery more quickly for riding again. I've had injuries, and I've recovered. So can you.
What inspires you? What do you want to remember about riding and horses? What will compel you to return? Find it, find the answer!
Let's start communicating about your confidence. Sign up for emails at the bottom of the page here and we'll send you regular inspiration.
To your success!
PS. Buy they course that will make you safer when riding! Beginner Riding
Don
June 20, 2017
I always had a dream of cantering and dropping the reins. Literally, I would dream of it! When I first started to ride with you Don, my confidence to canter was probably at a 2 out of 10. I had a bad accident years ago and ended up in the hospital for a week ( granted they use to keep you longer than they do now! ). Mohna’s speed scared me. But our last clinic with you, that Mohna and I did together, I was able to drop the reins, and ride her at the walk, trot and canter, with my hands at my side! I followed all that I had been learning from you. I can’t thank you enough for that!!Comments will be approved before showing up.
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Kathy Wattles
June 21, 2017
This movie, a favorite, is downright scary and wholly inspiring. When I used to hunt, the gallops were what made my day. Since meeting you and Rachel, I began to dream about that day when I could take the bridle off my spirited horse and ride with confidence. Working through the levels was one confidence step at a time and now I truly know I will make it there. I am on the verge of passing my level 4. Thank you Don. Now I feel there is nothing Peace and I can not achieve together.