 |
[RC] Nerves when riding - Karen CasemierA friend who was formerly a psychologist gave me a tip when my fears were at their worst (I was returning to the saddle after a really nasty accident with a long term layup) - she suggested I sing when I ride (I think I've heard that recommended on Ridecamp as well).The singing forces me to regulate my breathing... I didn't realize how much I held my breath when I was afraid, which of course made me physically tense, which then made my horse wonder what the heck we were afraid of... you get the picture - viscious circle. When I start regulating my breathing by singing, the physical tension eases, and when the physical tension eases, I feel less anxious, and the horse tends to feel less anxious... opposite of viscious circle I've also found singing softly (I'm not talking Jeanie Miller type singing here! ;>) also seems to sooth most horses. I pick a tune I know and just make up words, incorporating my horse's name into the song. I'll do it even in the arena when my young horse starts to get insecure. I can often get her to flick an ear back at me by singing when she will completely ignore my regular aids. At first I was embarrassed to sing if other people were around, but screw it -- it works for me! Karen and Marina, who thinks mom's voice sucks but likes to hear her own name =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|