Wayhay!
Can't help but share my feeling of elation this morning! I've just come back from riding my big boy, Tobie, around the open fields at the livery yard. With the sun on our backs....feeling happy and confident....this has been the first time that I felt 'at one' with him, and its only the second time that I felt *brave* enough to do it. We even managed a few strides of canter. I've been reading the various posts on EE re rein contact etc, plus articles written by Dr Ritter such as the "sucked back horse" "rein contact" etc. These have definitely helped me to think positive!
I've been thinking about expanding from my comfort zone of a safe enclosed arena to venturing into *open space*, for a while now. But I hadn't felt ready until Thursday. First time, we just took our time walking and trotting round! I didn't panic when he began spooking!
We did a bit of schooling at the top of the fields where it was level. Ok, my rein contact got a bit heavy handed when I attempted canter and he did get bit upset, but my friend was schooling in the other field and called out a few 'instructions' to me!
I hope this post encourages anyone else who may be going through a tough time with their confidence. You can do it!
