Confidence Get Bruised? Put on Some Funny Socks and Get Your Butt Back in the Saddle!
Ok, I haven’t posted in awhile because I’ve been super busy with work, but also because my confidence got kicked into the dirt a little. No one’s fault really, but it made me realize that when you pick a trainer, you really need to do your homework first.
I had my first reining lesson about three weeks ago on a school horse. Long story short, I ended up getting off the horse, in tears, and walking out of the arena. I was completely convinced that I’m too thinned-skinned for riding lessons. Now that I’ve had a chance to calm down about it, I know that’s not true, but it will be awhile before I go hunting for a coach again.
I don’t know about riding instructors, but I’ve spent enough time in school to know that each teacher has his/her own style of teaching. I, naturally, learned the most with teachers that taught in a style that is best suited the way I learn. So, while the reining instructor that I had is probably extremely effective with other types of learners, with me the results were pretty upsetting (for both of us). I feel pretty bad about the way things ended up; the poor instructor probably didn’t know what happened to make me flee the arena.
I didn’t feel like riding for a week. I was walkin’ around with droopy shoulders and a “can’t do” attitude for days and days. You can only sulk around for so long though, I mean, there ARE horses to ride after all. So, one rainy afternoon, I pulled on my most cheerful pair of funny socks and marched out into the gray, the rain, and the mud and saddled up that “angry” horse that I love so much. After a few rides (and some Les Vogt DVD watching), all my self-confidence came back and I knoooow I can learn this stuff!
You know what would be great is if I could find an instructor that has also learned from Les Vogt, and teaches in a similar manner. Too much to ask? There must be one out there somewhere (hopefully in Washington State). 
Yes…those are English riding boots. They’re comfortable okay! And anyway, it’s too muddy out to wear my new boots. Jeeeeeeeez!
