As for riding other people's horses: I highly recommend a Rich lesson on Bear. She's not going to scare you doing dressage and she's a little dressage schoolmistress. I'm sure Meg would be on board with that! It would do you SO much good b/c you can feel what it is you're striving for!
I second this, but I think all riders need to ride a verity of horses at a variety of skill levels and honestly even other disciplines. But I’m also in favor of cross training.
Great work! She jumps well and you are doing great with her--you've just GOT to stop with the lack of confidence in both of you! Tina's been seeing that equine shrink--maybe that would help you as well? B/c honestly, your lack of confidence is all that's holding you back. You can ride this horse, girl!
It's hard to know what someone feels in any situation. Watching this, it looks absolutely fine ... to me. But you are obviously finding it incredibly stressful. ❤️ I'm watching this on the evening of Christmas Day, in hospital. I have multiple chronic illnesses (and haven't been able to ride for 15 years) and with that, my share of mental health struggles. You absolutely CAN ride, and you can slow her, sit up, get collected but bouncy. You have the practical tools and knowledge to jump well! But something in your brain and body are getting in your own way. Making noises of dread and saying "Oh my god I'm going to die" is going to just transmit all the wrong messages. I get she scares you, and yes she can be silly. But expecting her to be perfect when your brain is in chemical chaos is just not going to happen. See counselors, medications, psych professionals, do a lot of yoga, meditation etc... whatever you need to do to get your brain and mental health fitness so you able to react more appropriately in situations. There are certain learnt responses to stress (like in PTSD) that *can* be changed. Otherwise riding with your (incorrect!) lack of self belief is actually dangerous. I've watched Meg since early Bear days and feel like I know you a little. I'm choosing you out of all the youtubers out there to watch and keep me company on Christmas on my 5th day in hospital. This is all said from a very positive place. Look after yourself and be proud of how far you and Affie have come over the last year!! I hope your Christmas Day was really good (better than mine! lol). If you read ALL of this, thanks! It just made me sad to see you so doubting yourself. Be well. ❤❤
Merry Christmas Han and cameraman. Do you all have confidence clinics in the UK? In the US we have confidence and despooking clinics regularly. Helps to build exposure and emotional regulation in both riders and horses, and gives you the tools you need when the emotions escalate.
Totally understand - I’m very nervous riding on my own especially after my trainer had a very bad accident. But you looked great! Affie was forward but you kept a lid on it. I think you should be proud of yourself for that session. It’s all about small wins over and over again for your confidence!
Oh Han, so much negativity. You really need to get your head in the right space, stop fussing over Affie and get to a place where you enjoy riding. I guess I'm old school, but I find all this 'tack' everyone uses so excessive, brushing boots, tendons boots, over reach boots, rugs for this, rugs for that, oh she's cold, oh she's warm!......too much! Affie is doing nothing wrong, so everytime you say, there's a van coming, there's a horse, I'm scared etc she is feeding off it. You are a good rider, you have the skills, you just need to work on your mental health. Sorry for the rant....it just makes me so sad to see a lovely, talented girl in this negative space. Have a great Christmas and come back in 2025 with a positive outlook.
Affie did absolutely nothing wrong, she’s a saint really as you’re giving off SO much negativity. Absolutely no hate as I’ve been in the same position with my pony but I really think it’s worth getting to the bottom of your nerves and having someone more experienced present. Also watching other people ride her might help to show you that nothing is going to happen.
Its so easy for us to find an excuse for anything. Every emotion has a trigger but its literally impossible to remove all lifes triggers. Instead we need to instil coping mechanisms. The alpha is not the biggest and baddest, its the most grounded energy that set reliable boundaries. Until you can be that leader you cant work on establishing those coping mechanisms. I love how simon narrates his rides so jolly and calm. Perhaps concentrating on the way you are talking is the first step? Take it all with a bit more humour and sweetness. You are more than capable with her 💕
"I'm gonna die.I don't want to die" You didn't! YAY! That would have jacked up the holiday spirit! Good job Han and Affie.
As for riding other people's horses: I highly recommend a Rich lesson on Bear. She's not going to scare you doing dressage and she's a little dressage schoolmistress. I'm sure Meg would be on board with that! It would do you SO much good b/c you can feel what it is you're striving for!
I second this, but I think all riders need to ride a verity of horses at a variety of skill levels and honestly even other disciplines. But I’m also in favor of cross training.
Great work! She jumps well and you are doing great with her--you've just GOT to stop with the lack of confidence in both of you! Tina's been seeing that equine shrink--maybe that would help you as well? B/c honestly, your lack of confidence is all that's holding you back. You can ride this horse, girl!
It's hard to know what someone feels in any situation. Watching this, it looks absolutely fine ... to me. But you are obviously finding it incredibly stressful. ❤️ I'm watching this on the evening of Christmas Day, in hospital. I have multiple chronic illnesses (and haven't been able to ride for 15 years) and with that, my share of mental health struggles.
You absolutely CAN ride, and you can slow her, sit up, get collected but bouncy. You have the practical tools and knowledge to jump well! But something in your brain and body are getting in your own way. Making noises of dread and saying "Oh my god I'm going to die" is going to just transmit all the wrong messages. I get she scares you, and yes she can be silly. But expecting her to be perfect when your brain is in chemical chaos is just not going to happen.
See counselors, medications, psych professionals, do a lot of yoga, meditation etc... whatever you need to do to get your brain and mental health fitness so you able to react more appropriately in situations. There are certain learnt responses to stress (like in PTSD) that *can* be changed. Otherwise riding with your (incorrect!) lack of self belief is actually dangerous.
I've watched Meg since early Bear days and feel like I know you a little. I'm choosing you out of all the youtubers out there to watch and keep me company on Christmas on my 5th day in hospital. This is all said from a very positive place. Look after yourself and be proud of how far you and Affie have come over the last year!! I hope your Christmas Day was really good (better than mine! lol).
If you read ALL of this, thanks! It just made me sad to see you so doubting yourself. Be well. ❤❤
Fresh Affie ! Atleast she’s keen 🎉👌😁👏
Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that scared on her! I think she was picking up on your terror!
Merry Christmas Han and cameraman. Do you all have confidence clinics in the UK? In the US we have confidence and despooking clinics regularly. Helps to build exposure and emotional regulation in both riders and horses, and gives you the tools you need when the emotions escalate.
After watching you jump addy... youve definitely got this. Have more confidence in yourself 😊
Totally understand - I’m very nervous riding on my own especially after my trainer had a very bad accident. But you looked great! Affie was forward but you kept a lid on it. I think you should be proud of yourself for that session. It’s all about small wins over and over again for your confidence!
She would be telling you to relax we’ve got this!
Oh Han, so much negativity. You really need to get your head in the right space, stop fussing over Affie and get to a place where you enjoy riding. I guess I'm old school, but I find all this 'tack' everyone uses so excessive, brushing boots, tendons boots, over reach boots, rugs for this, rugs for that, oh she's cold, oh she's warm!......too much! Affie is doing nothing wrong, so everytime you say, there's a van coming, there's a horse, I'm scared etc she is feeding off it. You are a good rider, you have the skills, you just need to work on your mental health.
Sorry for the rant....it just makes me so sad to see a lovely, talented girl in this negative space. Have a great Christmas and come back in 2025 with a positive outlook.
Affie did absolutely nothing wrong, she’s a saint really as you’re giving off SO much negativity. Absolutely no hate as I’ve been in the same position with my pony but I really think it’s worth getting to the bottom of your nerves and having someone more experienced present. Also watching other people ride her might help to show you that nothing is going to happen.
Hope you have a lovely merry Christmas and happy new year ❤
Its so easy for us to find an excuse for anything. Every emotion has a trigger but its literally impossible to remove all lifes triggers. Instead we need to instil coping mechanisms. The alpha is not the biggest and baddest, its the most grounded energy that set reliable boundaries. Until you can be that leader you cant work on establishing those coping mechanisms. I love how simon narrates his rides so jolly and calm. Perhaps concentrating on the way you are talking is the first step? Take it all with a bit more humour and sweetness. You are more than capable with her 💕