Just breathe… May 4, 2008
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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So, I’m not sure how many weeks ago it was when I came off of Tigger, but I feel as if I’m still recovering from it. I’ve had a few episodes of him running off and getting VERY agitated when I get on. Just enough so that now I have this huge adreneline rush before I ride. Seriously, while standing on the mounting block next to him, my heart is pounding, my blood is racing, and I feel as if I’m taking my life into my own hands. At least I know I’m not the only one.
I have taken steps to determine why he takes off when I get on. It does appear to be a sore back issue, more than likely caused by a saddle fit issue. I took some preventative measures (had a chiropractor and an equine massage therapist out to see him just to make sure nothing else was wrong), and found a different saddle that fits better than my old one.
Today was the first ride in the new saddle. He was totally mellow when I gromed him, he was perfect when I lunged him, and checking for his sore spots yielded a yawning horse. I played it safe and had Sherene hold him while I got on. She even walked a few steps with him. Toootally mellow horse. Cool. We ended up having a great ride. He kind of just plodded along and I was able to play with my stirrup length and get organized in the new saddle. It was a gorgeous day and he was a really good boy.
So tomorrow will be the true test. If his back is sore tomorrow then I still have a saddle fit or some other issue. We’ll have to see.
I would really like to know when the blood-pounding heart-racing pre-ride anxiety will end. I’m really not a chicken, and this hasn’t prevented me from riding, but it is getting highly annoying. Logically I know that I’ve taken all the precautions I can, and 90% of the time I can ride through his antics. Yet that remaining 10% that I can’t ride through has me quaking in my boots. It sucks. The only thing that seems to make it tolerable is that he is so darn cute. 
So tomorrow, we see how the new saddle worked out. Keep your fingers crossed!
