Getting right back on the horse

To quote Alfred Pennyworth from Batman,"What do we do when we fall down, sir? We pick ourselves up." If you are at the bottom or if you fall down, then you need to pick yourself up and do what you need to do. As for literally riding a horse, I do not like to ride animals, I think it inhumane.

I think that expression is about conquering your fears, but to be told that you have to fall off a horse 100 times to be considered a real rider? I don't know, but to me that's like saying you have to crash your car 100 times before you can be considered a real driver. I learned to ski when I was in my late 30's, but in retrospect that is still pretty young and if you are basically healthy there should be no reason why you can't pursue horseback riding if that is your desire. Have you checked out any other stables?

I don't think that the 'get right back on' is meant literally if you're hurt to the extent you describe!! It's a real shame that incident has shaken your confidence enough to stop you doing something you enjoy. Couldn't you try another stable? Perhaps one recommended by friends? You really shouldn't let the bad experience stop you, as your story proved that you had a good instinct to feel that something was wrong (better than that lousy stablehand anyway!) I would love to ride horses, as I haven't tried it since I was a child. Unfortunately, I'm a big guy (not even really obese, but I'm a six-footer and heavily set so I weigh about 250lb / 18st) so I'm too heavy for most horses & ponies! So get back on and enjoy a ride for me will ya?!

I am glad that you are okay.. I have never ever ridden a horse, but i must say i would love to. i know a lot of people are scared of horses because they are skiddish. . i have never been around them often, but the few i have been around have been very gentle. . tell me something.. dont horses all have different personalities just as other intelligent animals do ?

Yes, I had a fall before. I fell on my left side and had bruised muscles and was in some pain for awhile. It took me awhile to get back on, not because I couldn't physically but I kept "putting it off." Once I was back in the saddle, I didn't know why i waited so long. When I fell I was about 12 or 13 years old and had lost my stirrups and part of my fall had to do with my panicking about it. Then someone came into my life that changed it. I started going to another stable with another instructor and she taught me how to ride without stirrups if I had to, how to jump closing my eyes, and how to ride if I had to without a rein. Not that I would want to but just in case in an emergency I had to or more so I wouldn't panic. She taught me how to do an emergency dismount when the horse was still moving. Also, she taught me the most valuable thing - how to fall. Yes I learned to fall off the horse. You have think that sounds crazy, but I learned that if you let your body relax, you won't get hurt. And she taught me how to fall the right way. It was all just in case i found myself falling, but more so, sometimes you can save yourself from serious injury from dismounting or falling off the horse early. I actually fell off the horse on purpose a couple times and did not get hurt at all. Except for dusty pants, of course. When I went to college, I was a theater major. This experience fueled my interest in stage combat and stunts. I have never ever gotten hurt not even once even though to others I appeared to get hurt (but that was the impression that we were trying to create). On another note, you have every right to be mad. SOmetimes mistakes are made, but a poorly shod stable of horses is not just dangerous, its unhealthy for the horss. And inhumane to boot. If I were you I would find another instructor. Go to a few other stables and ask to take a few lessons at them until you find an instructor that you mesh with. She or He is out there. And when you go, explain that you are looking for the right instructor for you and don't be afraid to want to talk to them about their approach first. Unfortunately, most people who have a few horses think they can teach and its not always true. A good instructor will back you up a little after a fall that scared you. If you were jumping, they will go back to flat work - starting just to walk and trot again. If you were just starting to canter, they will take you back to the very basics. Even very high level riders start out slow when they come back to riding because it involves building your muscles back up. So it is nothing to be ashamed about. A good instructor will push you a little, but will know when you are ready. Also, they will pair you up with a horse that will be more your speed. When I was riding, I was with one horse for quite a long time until my skills changed and then I rode a different horse. The relationship and trust between you and the horse grows too.