Getting a little nervous! Starting him soon

Oh goodness...it's almost that time to start Thunder under saddle. We've done a year of groundwork, his teeth are floated, doc says his plates look good, and he's pretty much done growing, worked a bit in the saddle. I am getting so nervous/anxious/excited to work with him. I guess it kind of feels like how parents say "I just hope I can be the best parent I can be"...that's how I feel about this situation..."I just hope I can be the best rider for him". I've been watching videos of starting a horse and they usually turn out ok, some freak out, but I don't think Thunder will do that, plus we are going to be ponying for a while first. I just don't know if I can let my guard down and relax and trust him. It's so hard for me to get those bad thoughts of what ifs out of there! I'm up to the challenge, know what I have to do, but my nerves are getting the best of me. Just thought I would let out my anxieties a little. After all, it is my first horse I've trained...How can I not be a little nervous about getting on? I just have to clear my head and do it I suppose. Oh yes, and wear my helmet ;)

Thanks for letting me chat it up!

~Lacy

Aww Lacy! (hugs)

I can't believe you're starting him! Seems like just yesterday I was reading about you getting him!

Is there a young horse you can get on (one that's been started) and kind of get your nerves out that way?

I would also suggest that you let someone know what you're going to be doing and when you'll be back (just God forbid something happens) or if you can have someone right there with you, to either just observe and help in a dangerous situation or someone to give you pointers.

I'm sure things are going to go fine though. Good luck!

Thanks! Ya I can ride my bfs cousin's 3 year old and get some practice ;)

I do have a sort of training plan, I wont get on by myself until he's broke, and until he knows walk and whoa by himself, I don't think I will have him off of the lead or lunge line. I will definitely always have someone there until he's really broke. Thanks for the advice!! I know it's been over a year since I've had him and he's almost 3 now (well 2 3/4 lol) it's been such a long road and I can't believe we've come so far. Thanks girly!

You can do it, trust in yourself. You are very level headed and trust me that will pass on to your boy. Do you have a big arena to ride in? I find that is the safest place to starte riding the young ones, the sand makes for a pretty safe landing and usually if they bolt there is nothing they can hurt themselves or you on. I wish I was there to help you, the frist rides are always so exciting.

Riding him while lunging is a very good idea, get it so he knows all his voice commands on the ground and it will go 20x faster once you are in the saddle. And it's actually really easy to teach them from the ground.

Good luck and please keep us updated!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I really need to hear that :). I'll take a video :) yes we have a nice size arena, not too big, but definitely not small. He's doing really well with his voice commands from the ground, he's just got a mind of his own and can be very stubborn, but he's not spooky, and is level headed. Seriously, Hearing these things from you guys makes me feel like I can do this :)

Oh and ps, I wish you were here to help too!! I can't find anyone that will work with me not AT me. Been through 3 trainers and had no luck, so I had to do research myself and we have gotten so far!

You can do it! I know you can! You've come such a long way with him already. Think back to when you first got him! The first rides are going to be easy because of all the things you've done already.

And remember if you do fall of get up dust yourself off and smile, because a good cowgirl is allowed to hit the dust once in while!

:*) you make a me so happy!

Good luck with your training. If you have any issues or questions feel free to ask here! I'm sure theres plenty of people willing to help in any way they can. :)

You will do just fine. It sounds like you know what you're doing so I have no doubt in mind you will do just fine :)