I fell off my horse and broke my arm last Friday. I'm now stuck with a huge cast for 6 weeks and a spooky horse. My friend has taken on the role of riding her until I'm back. But she also has her own horse to ride so my horse won't be getting much attention. Right now shes lame from trying to go underneath a fence (which is how I broke my arm...) anyway, I want to go see her...I haven't been since that day...I'm scared though...I'm scared of her, I'm scared she's changed...I'm scared I've changed...I'm scared of everything.I love my horse more than anything in this world. And I love this sport. I don't want to give it up...I know I've got 6 weeks to get over falling off and ride again, but I don't have that long to build a ground relationship with my horse again. The longer I wait, the harder it will be, I'm sure some of you have been there.... How do I get up the courage to go see her? I'm not mad at her, I never was, but I do feel like I've disappointed her. And when I can get the courage to see her, I've got 6 weeks...what can I do besides just brush her? And how do I get over not being able to ride?? I usually get really irritating and depressed after not riding for a couple days. It's going to kill me to watch her being ridden by someone else when I cant even sit on her and walk around for another 6 weeks....
Anonymous2011-11-19T20:16:03Z
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These people who are commenting do not know what they are talking about, and are just being rude. I would be afraid to get back on my horse, even though I trust him. I have never fallen off and he has never hurt me, but he has bucked a few times and made me a little nervous. These people are not in your position, so they need to quit judging you. I would try just feeding and petting him and giving him treats and get the trust back. Then I would get back on and have someone lead me. Then, I would start getting back into riding on my own. Just try and shake it off and keep moving.
No matter how bad the fall you always have to get back on. Even if you just sit on your horse for a few minutes. Not getting back on the moment it happened is why your now having problems with fear. Every time i fell off i was forced back on, now it just comes naturally. The fall is only as back as you make it. Last year my horse launched me into a wall, a hit my head of a beam and scratched the crap out of my back (i still have the scars), and I happily got back on.
All you can do now is just build up your courage. Spent time brushing your horse, or doing ground work (once your horse isnt lame, and your use to your cast). Then your cast is off, get back on.
Great gazoo, you piss me off so much. Anyway - I know how you feel. A while back I was bucked off a bolting horse and broke my ankle. At first I was scared, and it was hard going out to see him with crutches. I always had to have someone walk him for me, pick his feet, everything - it was pretty downing. When I could finally walk again (with an aircast) it was the best thing that had happened to me. Our bond became strongdr then ever. Yes I was nervous at first, and I only rode western on trail rides in fear of this happening again. But I worked my confidence up until I was even better then before! Dont be afraid to see her,she did nrothing wrong. At least keep her on a normal visiting scedule so that you can maintain your bond and work up your confidence for when its time to ride again, you will be just fine!
Yuk. I had the same problem though it was my pony, he kicked me and I put my arm up to protect my head and he broke it in two places!
Obviously there is little you can do now, apart from groom her (but get someone else to pick her feet up) and perhaps take her for walks on a bridle. When your arm feels a little better you could try some ground training in an arena or small space.
When you get back to riding I would strongly advise getting a few lunge lessons to regain your seat and confidence.
Remember, unless this climbing under fences is a regular habit, it was probably a one off. You are probably still in shock, but it will get easier.
You are reading into this WAY too much. Your horse is not 'disappointed' in you, your horse is not angry, she probably hasn't even thought about the fact that you fell off since like 5 minutes after you hit the dirt. Suck it up and go to the barn. Pretend like everything is normal, do anything that you'd do with her if you hadn't fallen. Lunge her, groom her, hand graze her, etc.
Also, why can't you just get on her and walk around? Obviously I'm no doctor, but I wouldn't not ride just because of a broken arm. Even if I had to be led, or even if I just jumped on while she grazed.