Anxiety & Depression , Horsepeople coming together to deal with these mega problems.

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Comment by Marti Langley on January 22, 2010 at 2:12pm

Prayers for you Tara.

Comment by Tara (VW Scully) ;) on January 22, 2010 at 12:32am

I had cancer last year and I'm too young for that shit! :( I'm in remission but still scared of cancer every day and wonder if I will even get to live to be 45 years old :(.
However, the only thing that allows me to NOT think about stupid cancer is riding my horse! I'd go mad if I couldn't ride!!

Comment by Marti Langley on November 9, 2009 at 2:59pm

I find if I get nervous while riding, that if I keep my legs relaxed and the reins relaxed my horse never even knows. Or if she knows, she ain't letting on.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on November 9, 2009 at 9:16am

Most of the old horse books note that the rider has to learn to control themselves before they can control the horse.
The horse cares about what you are doing physically. I do not worry much about feeling fear because as long as I keep from hurting the horse they do not seem to care, though I have gotten reassurances from the horse that I did not need to be fearful.
It is the panicked digging in with the heels and the death grip on the reins that make a horse restive under the fearful rider. I have found that the proper response to my fear is to make sure my body is in proper position (especially heels down) and my hands are relaxed. Then I can freak out all I want (no screaming! horses do not like screaming) while the horse usually stands there waiting patiently for me to get myself back together.

Comment by Mary H on November 9, 2009 at 1:02am

How nice of you to ask "How is everyone today" Marti.
I agree with Shirley - the right medication and time with horses helps. They have been a natural feedback loop to help me relax in the saddle. If I tense up the horses do too. If I "force myself" to relax, the horse does too. After this happening enough times over the past 9 years I have learned to control my reactions and stay calm. Has anyone else noticed that?

Comment by Marti Langley on November 8, 2009 at 6:42pm

Amen!!

Comment by Jackie Cochran on November 8, 2009 at 5:47pm

I've been great too. I rode today, it always makes life better!

Comment by Marti Langley on November 8, 2009 at 5:33pm

How is everyone today? I have been great lately.

Comment by Marti Langley on November 2, 2009 at 9:31pm

Yeah, you sure don't want to quit horses right before it gets fun, lol. You are doing great, Jenn.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on November 2, 2009 at 10:53am

Stacey, I also had to stop owning horses (I have Multiple Sclerosis.) I now ride other people's horses. Since I know how to ride, I find myself helping rehab or retrain horses at both stables where I ride. Since I am limited somewhat physically the owners find me ideal for patient rehab! Since I am not going anywhere (not competing) I can take all the time necessary.
Riding other people's horses can give you EXPERIENCE that will pay off when you can own your own horses again.

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