I managed a brief ride on Pie this morning between rain showers. He was very muddy, but at least it was dry mud - not as bad to clean up. We went on our first, very short (couple of hundreds of yards in a loop) trail ride since my accident, including going right by the area where I fell, past a number of downed tree trunks and branches from the storms we've been having, and a half-collapsed plastic hoop house used by the neighboring farmers. As you would expect, Pie was great. I was nervous but managed. Nothing bad happened, so there's one small good experience to build on as I try to regain my confidence. Riding in the arena doesn't worry me too much; riding on the trail worries me a lot.
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Today I've been remembering Noble - we lost him a year ago today at the age of 30. Here's
his memorial post, which has some links to a couple of birthday posts with more stories and pictures about the grand old guy, who is still very much missed. Here's my favorite photo of him - I think it was taken when he was about 27 years old or so:
Kate, my wife Betty had a really bad horse accident in 2007 - broken leg, burst vertebra and fractured sacrum. She never gave up on the idea of riding again, but it did take a long time. Even when we were riding regularly again she acknowledged the fear was there. But over time it has subsided. Give yourself time and don't push yourself too far beyond wherever the fear is at any given time.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Dan
I think at one time or another we all have to work through our fear of riding again. After I had a horrendous fall going over a huge jump, I got back on immediately and did it again. Then had to take a few weeks off to heal. I think that not being able to ride but being able to relive the accident did more harm than good to my confidence. Piece by piece you'll build your confidence up one step at a time. You had your first step today and I'm sure from here you'll just keep building until you were back where you were, confidence wise. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteNoble seems like a great guy. We never stop missing our friends who are gone.
I really love that picture of Noble, he was a grand fellow.
ReplyDeleteAt least you're back on sweet Pie--I still haven't gotten up the gumption to climb back on Maddie after my unscheduled dismount--and I wasn't even hurt! The rides with Kate (the horse) have helped bunches, and Maddie seems to be seeking me out, as if to say "I'm sorry--Can we go for a ride?" So maybe soon...
ReplyDeleteHas it been a year since Noble's passing? It doesn't seem that long. Your memories of the old guy remain. Here's to Noble!
You are doing very well Kate. It has not been that long since your accident. As for Noble, he was such a handsome boy...and he aged beautifully (thanks to your good care).
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a nice and pleasant ride on Pie. Your confidence will return; it takes baby steps sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAww, Noble. I remember his memorial post. I can't believe a year has gone by. He was so pretty.
Pie has been an excellent horse for you. I am so moved by him. Maybe it is the way you write about him, or maybe it is just the sweetness of a name like Pie but I feel so affectionate toward him. isn't that funny--for a horse I have never met! Sorry I have not been commenting lately--but I am reading!
ReplyDeleteThe best medicine for fear is a good horse- I think Pie will be good medicine for you. Nice photo of Noble, he looks like he was well named.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on another milestone! I hope you share how you work through your fear - it's always interesting to hear how other people do it.
ReplyDeleteYou will get there, Kate. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteNoble looks like a true noble horse.
Every little step forward is a victory.
ReplyDeleteNoble was such a handsome boy.
Proof positive for us all that getting back up on the horse is not always as easy as we'd like. You are doing fine, a little at a time. I think Pie will build your confidence back faster than anything.
ReplyDeleteI think to that Pie is a worthy successor to Noble. Different in good ways, but with the same kind of wise old soul inside. Horses like that are a treasure.
So glad that you made it out on a trail ride. No matter how short it was it's the good experience that counts! Keep positive and give it time :)
ReplyDeleteNot many people would have had the self-discipline to work as hard as you have to get back into shape this quickly, Kate. You're lucky to have Pie--and he's lucky to have you, too.
ReplyDeleteThe timing of you getting Pie just amazes me. It seems so perfect that he's your horse to come back to after your accident. I imagine it was scary for him as well. I lost a stirrup the other day and it really threw Cowboy off, and that was just a silly stirrup. I believe he's a noble spirit...much like your sweet Noble.
ReplyDelete