I’ve had several lessons and good rides since ‘the incident‘, but even so nothing has felt quite normal.  Either I’ve been worried or Simon has seem worried (most likely because I am). I’ve been riding defensively and either going too fast, too slow, leaning or getting left behind.  Nothing tragic has happened, but nothing has really felt good either.

The derby ended up getting entirely cancelled due to rain, which I have mixed feelings about.  However after my lesson on Sunday, I realized that all things do work out for a reason. We had a great ride and I am starting to feel like myself again over fences.

In case you’re a chicken like me, I figured I’d share these easy to follow tips to try and get your mojo back.

First, DIY your horse a kick ass bonnet and put on his new fancy bridle from Europe.

Bonus points for matching saddle pad and fancy show boots.

Start small.

No really… small!

Find your horse’s happy canter.  Pro tip – it’s not running around fast and strung out because “you need momentum to get over the jumps.”

Get a good reminder about why leaning is BAD.

Ask your trainer to put the giant noodle oxer of doom down to a crossrail.  Then a vertical.  Baby steps people… Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Remember how good it feels when you provide leg and support every stride coming up to the perfect distance.

Realize how much more secure you feel with your leg position.  Maybe you shouldn’t retire after all?

Get some emotional support from your favorite barn dog.  I jump, he jumps, we jump!

Feel amazing about yourself when you get over the giant noodle oxer of doom.

Later you’ll look at the pictures and realize it wasn’t giant at all, but that’s why there’s always another lesson 🙂

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About that forward thing… Nobody Said It Was Going to Be Easy Making Oxers My B Making Amends Falling Back Into Fear