Troxel Blog

“Fear of failure becomes fear of success for those who never try anything new.”

This week was full of trying new things. I have finally come to a point in my riding where I feel more relaxed and confident, and less like my horse is secretly plotting to buck me off and ride off into the sunset.

I started one of my lessons this week without my lunge line, which means all the control was now in my hands. To my surprise I felt oddly comfortable and really enjoyed the freedom and control. However, I also had to increase my concentration (not easy for us natural blondes). Once I was at ease off the lunge line, I tested my diagonals with figure eights - what a work out!

This week I also learned to trot over a poll! Talk about leaps and bounds! Actually there was no leaping at all. I just went over a trot poll flat against the arena ground. In order to go over the trot pole I had to hold my post, which is a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. Libby made things difficult by walking over the pole or just going around it entirely. Quite honestly, I don’t blame her it was a hot day and I’m sure I wasn’t light as a feather after eating a huge burrito for lunch.

I also got the opportunity to ride a new horse, a teenage Quarter Horse/Arab named “Lord Jim.” Riding a different horse is kind of like riding a new car. This horse was a lot taller and was a lot bouncier than Libby. Lord Jim also responded to commands very differently and spooked easier. One of the times we were trotting along and Lord Jim spooked from a loud door being shut. When I watched it back on film it looked like no big deal at all, but when you’re actually in the saddle it feels extremely different. It gave me a very real reminder of how unpredictable horses are. It gave me the jitters for a little while, but I just kept on riding and they eventually went away.

This week was definitely the most challenging one so far, but I feel like I really gained a lot through these challenges and worked through more of my fear of horses. After my lessons this week my trainer informed me that I’m ready to test to the next level (Beginner II) and compete against a couple other riders in a couple weeks! So stay tuned for the competition!!!

Feel free to leave me a comment below!

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