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Hi everyone. I’m new to this thread but I could use some support and advice.

I’ve worked in the horse business for years, I was the breeding manager for two top U.S. stallions, Guarantor (Han.) and Puritano (West.), Puritano was my favorite horse ever, but you don’t want to ride that boy. Sadly, he died last year.

I was always a decent rider, never an excellent rider and I gave away my last horse. (PSG, but I never rode him above 2nd level.) I’ve trained a lot of horses, but barely to training level. I can collect semen, pack it and ship it around the world. That’s pretty much my legacy around here, I can (or could) handle almost every stallion.

Now, here’s my problem. My ex-boss (Jayne Ayers, the former owner of my boys) has given me permission to ride any of her school horses.

I want to but I’m scared to death, I’m 56 and haven’t been on the back of a horse in 5 years but I so want to ride. The barn manager is a good friend and I know she;ll put me on the right horse but I’m still afraid to mount a horse after all these years.

I didn’t mean to brag about my experience, I mentioned it because I used to get on anything and now I’ve got this fear about even getting on any horse.

I have never been afraid of riding any horse, now I’m wary of getting on a even a pony. I hate being such a wuss.

Hi Jean, and welcome to the thread! I’m glad to hear that you’re taking the plunge and trying to get started back riding. That takes a lot of guts when you’re really scared deep down. My advice would be to trust your trainer to pick the right horse for you, and then to get a riding buddy that you trust and ride with them. I don’t show or dressage or anything, just trail ride, but having a nice calm buddy to lead the way, who will stop when you need them to, is really helpful. Just take it slow until you get your “horse legs” back and I’ll bet you’ll be fine. It may take you a year or two to fully get your confidence back, but don’t rush it. It’ll come. I look forward to hearing of your progress!