From: Lif Strand <lif@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: [RC] Fear
At 03:12 PM 10/2/2004, mfvisco@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: >Has anyone ever had a couple of bad experiences or accidents and developed >fear to the point where it really interfered with your riding? If so what >things worked for you to get back in the game? Thanks
I have had several accidents in the past few years and my riding confidence has really waned. A few years ago was thrown in a spook and spin and broke my back pretty bad. I am reminded of the wreck daily as the pain never is totally gone. The entire experience left me with a lot of physical and psychologic scars and I started riding again but not very far, or very fast, or with a whole lot of confidence. A friend talked me into going to a guest ranch and we went a few weeks ago. I know most people that ride a lot do not like poking around on dude horses. Turns out it was perfect for me. We rode every day for a week on the Idaho side of the Tetons. The horses were incredibly sure footed, and the trails were too steep, narrow and rocky to go above a walk anyway. Had a comfortable cabin and a hot tub, three delicious meals served a day and some absolutely great rides. There is so much wild life in that area (lots of moose and some grizzly bears) that I would not have felt comfortable taking my own horses into that area anyway, and I've always wanted to ride there. I came away with a great sense of renewed confidence and really enjoyed riding my own horse when I came home.
