Troxel Blog

Way to go, Karisa! Your positive, outgoing attitude combined with the awe and inspiration of horses can only be a wonderful experience. I too faced my terrible fear a few years ago, completing a high ropes course to turn my fear of heights (I was literally afraid to even stand on a chair!) into one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life! That one day alone lessened my fears altogether, and provides inspiration for life's day to day challenges. I look forward to hearing more about your experience. Thank you for sharing it!

Giddyup!!

Good for you Karisa! You are very brave. Don't be nervous - just go slow and you'll build up confidence. I have a feeling you are going to enjoy it!

From what I understand about horses (and this is a minimal at best understanding), like most beings in this world - if you feed them something like carrots or apples or other delicious treats they will love you. Keep it up!

Can't wait to hear more. There better be more pictures too. And PS pop an advil or two after that first lesson. You'll be amazed at how sore you will be the next morning.

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears. --Rudyard Kipling

Hi Karisa! Kudos to you for facing your fear! I love the quote that inspired you. Try to take it slow and do a lot of groundwork (e.g. grooming, lunging, etc.) in order to get comfortable around horses. I can't wait to hear about your experience. I'm wishing you the very best!

Baby steps......nice and slow....learn to walk before you run....the best view is that between a horses' ears! Hugs from Kansas

I'm thrilled that you'll be overcoming your fear soon! I'm sure you will fall in love with horses and soon be working on getting one of your own. Anytime you come to Northern California you can come ride with me...I have a good one!!! You'll do great and I can't wait to read about your adventure!!!

I have loved horses all my life, and when a girl, used to play horse. You know, run around tossing my pony tail and pretending? Anyone else relate? It led to owning two horses in Seattle when my daughter wanted hers. I loved them. They were wonderful big pets... with personalities and preferences. I found them to be loving, fun, wise, dependable, and like any animal, open for a relationship with mutual respect. I look forward to reading your journey and trust it will be a great adventure and love affair. Salute to your courage! The only way to get rid of a fear is to go through it, Coach Kathy

I fell of a horse 3 times one time a horse almoct bucked me but the falls did not stop from what i loved they seemed so kind and wise I rode them cause it seemed as if they would be so sad if I left them but the horse you rode is a different horse some pony are sweet and nice and you try to get to ride them you might just be suprised you might make best friends with horse so I hope you have with your riding lessons.

Once you get started you will find that you can never again be without the contact of a horse. Good for you for not only facing your fear, but actually getting lessons to gain the confidence in a safe and knowledgeable way. I look forward to reading more of your blogs! (via Facebook)

Way to go, Karisa! Welcome to our world! Good luck with the riding lessons. You are going to love riding. There is nothing like it. Be safe and wear your helmet....wink wink! =) (via Facebook)

Good luck Karisa! I had a horse growing up & have always loved horses. A few months ago we brought our first family horse home, all of a sudden I found myself scared to death, because this time, it's me in charge of the horse and the safety of him and everyone who rides him. I have worked through it and have been taking regular lessons and just spending as much time with him as I can, all of these things have really helped. I've also read a wonderful book by Kelly Marks that has really helped me! :-))) (via Facebook)

I am so excited for you! And if you find it difficult to relate to horses, go spend a day at a local rescue and hear their stories, meet them in person and I would be willing to bet you'll never think about horses the same way again. I started out a horse lover, but I have had my soul literally expanded by meeting the horse-love-of-my-life, Coconut Macaroon. I wouldn't suggest my path of actually rescuing one as a novice (thankfully it worked out, but as you know I "broke" during the process!). It just seems to make a difference in the trust factor when you meet an animal that has no reason to trust us because of the pain/starvation/etc they experienced at the hands of another human, yet they do...and they have a way about them that makes it impossible not to completely fall in love (and trust) with them. I'm sure I don't have to tell you to be SAFE...but open your heart and feel them & you'll overcome your fears. Can't wait to see the update!!

Karisa, Horses are big, unpredictable creatures. That common sense should keep you safe. The key is to learn about horses physicality and psychology. Most importantly wear your helmet and a vest. After falling off twice went out and got a good vest. When I fell again not only was my head protected but my upper body was too. You have no idea what a difference these two items can make. No busted head, back or ribs.

Thanks Jane! You are such an inspiration to those trying to overcome rider fear, thank you for all you do!

Awesome, Karisa!! I'm sure many people will relate to your journey and find courage through your story!! Kick on! Jane Savoie

I'm looking forward to following your blog as you overcome your fear of horses (while styling in your fab Troxel helmet no doubt). Hopefully it can inspire others to do the same.

Wow! So inspiring - good luck. I can't wait to see how it all turns out :)

Wonderful! A lot of riders (especially adult ones) have to eventually face fear. So you are not alone. But overcoming fear + getting to know horses and riding is priceless. I wish you well--and joy!

Good luck to you in your endeavers! I have horses and have been around them all my life but still have a healthy fear that holds me back from riding like I want. So I hope you post what you learn to help all of us that still have a fear but a strong desire to ride like the wind!

My daughter 11, was recently thrown from our horse on the day of her first show, in the arena. She could have been killed, but was suprising not hurt only by the grace of God. I am going to have her read this because I know in her heart she is scared just like you were. She got right back on that horse, only with the help of 2 very good leader/trainers who were there that day. She then went to a friends house the next day and rode and had the time of her life. We are sad and she is totally heart broke because her horse she now has a very serious trust issue with and we've decided to sell him. Our trainer and 4-H leader both feel he's not the right horse for her. We are now starting the process of looking for another horse. It breaks my heart to see how sad my daughter is and that she had to go through this all. But I hope that we'll look back one day when she has the right horse to love and ride and the pain of this experience will be gone for her. She was not wearing a helmet the day she was thrown and we realized how lucky we were to get a second chance. I'm going to look up your helmets to buy one. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm so glad you were able to share this and also begin to tackle this fear.

You are certainly right about horse people being some of the neatest kind....

I have loved horses all my life, I got my first horse 11 years ago when I was 46, I loved him dearly but after 8 years with him I had to put him down because of cancer, I how have a horse that I got 3 years ago he is the sweetest little horse and is very gentle and I know would not try to hurt me, he has gone out of his way not to hurt me, But one day about 6 months or a year ago I got on him and I had an anxiety attack. I became afraid to ride him. I have been working with him and doing ground work everyday. I'm now on anti anxiety meds to help me, I'm just waiting for it to cool off enough to try to get on him again. I was told to take it slow, one baby step at a time each successful step is a good ride.

I can relate Karisa! As a kid I was fearless. Coming back to riding much later in life fear accompanied me. It was awful. But, fear is really ungrounded with a trusted schooling horse and a wise trainer. Relax and love that horse! It will be worth it! Can't wait to follow your journey!

Thanks Danielle! So glad your daughter is okay and working through her fears. I really appreciate your feedback and your support in Troxel helmets!