Lost confidence completely!!

[kirsten91]

Since retiring my pony last year from SJ I have not jumped since, I have been schooling my youngster and my other pony was on full loan so was unable to do so- not that I minded. I now have my pony back off his loan and when riding him the other day thought I'd pop a jump. As I was coming around to it I got a horrible feeling- I was terrified!!

It was by no means a massive jump, only about 75cm, but I was still ill at the thought of it. I cannot for the life of me think what has brought this on. I have had falls in the past like I'm sure everybody has but have just got on with it. My mum seems to think it is just because I havn't done it for so long and need to get back into the swing of things so to speak. Has anyone else had experiences like this? If so how did you overcome it?

Any advice would be much appreciated xx

[beachbum12]

I showjumped and hunted for many years and then one day after having my first child my confidence just left !! I couldnt even try a small cross pole on my old boy who I trusted with my life. I guess I just built up confidence out hacking when I look back , popping the odd twig in the woods ! moving up to small logs and teeny ditches , and then small cross poles at home in the paddock . Then I dared to go out hunting again , and if I remember rightly , it was one particular day out that brought my confidence back , it just happened , the adrenaline of being out there on the field on a horse I trusted. I just started jumping again. Take things slowly at a pace you are comfortable with and good luck ... it happens to us all at times... but you will find it again x

[kirsten91]

I hope so, I used to love jumping!! My pony is very sensible so that should help too xx