Riding
“He (Gallwey) soon discovered that if he simply invited his students to focus their awareness on their strokes as they were, technique evolved naturally and seemed to self correct.” The Inner Game: About
I’ve sent in payment for an appointment to talk to someone about my ability to spin myself into a swivet before getting on a lesson horse. As always, will give more detail once I ascertain their level of comfort. [Lessons, Theory Vs. Reality]
These are ongoing, long-term issues. Why now?
My horse has promoted himself to uninjured reserve, which is a good trick if you can manage it. I’d like to take riding lessons. I have stopped doing so. I am so *%$^# tired of being nervous. [Taking A Hunter Break]
Second Thoughts
Of course I’m having second thoughts.
Just get over myself. This is not a problem. Deal with it.
The person in question has written a book. I have it. Read it. Costs way less than an appointment.
Why have lessons on other horses? Plenty of people do just fine just riding their own horse.
Pricey. The cost for a series of eight sessions is startling. That is why I am starting with a single session as a test drive. I will be annoyed with myself if nothing comes of this.
Counter Thoughts
Get over myself. Doesn’t work. If I could have, I would have.
Read a book 1. As with many (most?) areas of my life, I don’t need more theory. I’ve read the books. I’ve interviewed big name sports psychologists. I need someone to help me apply the general theory to my specific circumstances. Much like riding. We all know your heels should be down. We need an outside eye to tell us, ‘Your heel is here. It needs to be here.’
I need help getting out of my own head.
Read a book 2. I haven’t found much sports psych that address my particular set of neuroses.
A lot of what I’ve read is about nerves while riding. Mine is all pre-ride. Once I’m on the horse and in the ring, I’m fine. Maybe some nerves in the warm-up at a show. That’s normal. Maybe a few laps on a new horse. Once I’m up and going, I’m good.
I know with 100% certainty that I’ll be fine once I get on. No, I will not suddenly develop the internal fortitude to jump a five-star. I’ll ride as well as I am capable of. I know this. Does not help in the slightest.
Before class: Why? Why do I do this? Never again.
After: ALL THE SHOWS!!
[The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly, Show Report]
Lessons. You always learn from riding other horses. Or maybe, possibly, just do it because it’s fun? [Lessons, Theory Vs. Reality, Further Considerations]
Price 1. Expertise is expensive. As it should be.
Price 2. I’m cheap … um … thrifty. Unless it’s for the horses, but we won’t go there.
Price 3. I wouldn’t be so shocked by the cost of everything if I didn’t insist on looking at the world in 1980 dollars. Seriously. I will use an online inflation calculator to translate backwards. Oh, that’s not too bad.
If it works, priceless.
Final Thought
Had to do something. This is something.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Good luck!
Something is good.
Expert advice is good.
Help specific to you is good.
All good.
Just do it because it’s fun. You have nothing to prove,
What both of them said. Think of it as something to look forward to, the nerves as tickle of anticipation. That said, I can relate to what you’ve said.
Thank you. We shall see.
~~~
As for nerves, they are edging into debilitating rather than energizing. Knowing it’s a stupid response just makes it worse.