So as some of you may know from my previous posts, cantering hasn't come easily to me in the past. I'm enjoying things with my share, have had some lessons throughout winter to keep my confidence up, and have been going for some really nice canters recently, even finding myself laughing out loud while I'm going along because I'm enjoying myself so much.
BUT I have this issue with this one long stretch where I have cantered once, and I just can't bring myself to do it again. It's the best cantering spot around for miles and should be a place I can enjoy going. I went up there for the first time a while back, he was going really nicely, but for some reason I just couldn't enjoy it. I was just filled with this sense of dread, like I would never be able to stop, when in reality, he pulled up after I asked a few times and everything was fine. He was never remotely out of control or anything like that.
I know this is a completely psychological thing and nothing to do with him - he's a really safe horse and I know he'll always look after me. Our hacks are generally quiet and uneventful, no spooks, nothing. I can canter anywhere else but this spot just gives me the heeby-jeebies for some reason. I want to go back up there and conquer my fear, but at the same time I don't think I can do it. Some people say I should go up there as soon as possible to just get over it, but others say I shouldn't if I'm not confident. I can see merit to both sides of the argument. Has anyone had similar experiences, and can they share any tips on how they dealt with it? I am getting really frustrated with myself and wish I could just sit back and enjoy the ride so to speak!
BUT I have this issue with this one long stretch where I have cantered once, and I just can't bring myself to do it again. It's the best cantering spot around for miles and should be a place I can enjoy going. I went up there for the first time a while back, he was going really nicely, but for some reason I just couldn't enjoy it. I was just filled with this sense of dread, like I would never be able to stop, when in reality, he pulled up after I asked a few times and everything was fine. He was never remotely out of control or anything like that.
I know this is a completely psychological thing and nothing to do with him - he's a really safe horse and I know he'll always look after me. Our hacks are generally quiet and uneventful, no spooks, nothing. I can canter anywhere else but this spot just gives me the heeby-jeebies for some reason. I want to go back up there and conquer my fear, but at the same time I don't think I can do it. Some people say I should go up there as soon as possible to just get over it, but others say I shouldn't if I'm not confident. I can see merit to both sides of the argument. Has anyone had similar experiences, and can they share any tips on how they dealt with it? I am getting really frustrated with myself and wish I could just sit back and enjoy the ride so to speak!