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Lost my confidence??

2K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  my2geldings 
#1 ·
I've been looking into starting college equine classes. I'm not 100% what exactly I want to do, but I'm going to start with a 1year assistant management certificate and I'll go from there. Unfortunately I think I've lost my confidence with horses.

I worked for a year at Orlando's Dixie Stampede. The job was actually kind of a fluke. While attending the show I put in an application as one of those.."why not?" things. I never expected to actually get the job especially with NO horse experience! While at Dixie i learned so much and I gained so much confidence. We had older horses, younger horses, ponies and drafts. I learned so much about the care for horses, handling, and medical procedures.
While there I fell in love with a neglected haflinger named Samson. I took over his care when no one else would and I even started training him with the held of those who worked there. I purchased him when Dixie closed because no one else wanted him and the company didn't know what to do with him. I owned him for a year but then I had to sell him due to lack of hours at my new job.
I havnt been near a horse since and not by choice. Theres no horses nearby and almost all of the riding stables are over an hours drive.

ANYWAY, where I was headed with this..I've been trying to get another job as a barn hand. I loved that job to no end and I want to make a career out of it. Unfortunately, since I havnt been around horses in over a year, I cant remember most of what I learned, I honestly feel like I've lost my confidence with horses. When I try to search for jobs its so horribly difficult, everyone applying has over 15years experience and knows thousands more than I do(ie. lunging, clipping, riding). I was actually turned away at 2 jobs I applied for because I was too skinny and they didnt think I could do the job! How rediculous is that?! :evil:

Has anyone else felt like they've lost their confidence? What did you do to get it back? Has anyone else run into problems while trying to get a job at a barn?

I am excited though. I finally found a lady who is willing to give me riding lessons for $60 an hour. Its kind of expensive but shes only 20min away and shes willing to teach me anything I want to know! I'm going out tomorrow to check out the place.
I'm really excited, I've always wanted lessons but I've never been able to now!
 
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#2 ·
I felt the same way as you last year. I had to sell my gleding that I had for 10 years when I married my husband. A horse just wasn't in our budget as newlyweds. So last year we moved back to Texas ( he is in the marine Corps) bought a couple of acres and 2 horses. At first I was pretty nervous just being around them. It all came back pretty quick. You will be suprised at how much you remember. Its great that you are doing lessons! I know sometimes I still have to look things up when I am not sure about something. You will do great!
 
#3 ·
Thanks! I've actually gone out and purchased 2 medical books. I finished one and I've started the other. As I read through them I start to remember certain injuries happening to horses at Dixie and how we treated them. Doing and reading are 2 different things though. I really think these lessons will help boost my confidence a bit. =D
 
#4 ·
The key with this tho is that you do have some experience with horses. This type of thing will not go away. If you were new and had never been around them it would be a different story but you have been regardless of how long ago it has been. All that will come right back as soon as you start being around them again :D
As for competition, unless there are only a few stables in your area, you shouldn't have any problems. Here all barns are always looking for more help so don't let that take you down. I suggest driving out to different barns and talking directly with the BO or managers there. Help wanted is not always out in the open and posted.

Good Luck
 
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