[Alpinerider]

Hi all,

*apologies in advance for the novel*

I've been taking lessons on and off since I was six years old, but never quite settled at one barn or into one discipline. About a year and a half ago I found a barn I loved and started working on dressage. A month ago I bought the mare I had been leasing since April 2012.

Now that barn is up for sale (I came along right as the managers were splitting) and I recently moved to a new barn. I've never showed (I don't do well under pressure) but decided I really want to start working towards it and kick my fear of showing right in the behind. This new barn is fairly competitive, and I feel really out of place as a new horse owner.

Even though I've been around horses for a long time, I never created a solid base of experience around them (if that makes sense.) And horse ownership is a whole new world to me. I make myself nervous now whenever other people are around because I am worried I'll look or sound ignorant, and then I am just a wreck.

The community is nice but again, I feel very inexperienced and looked down upon for it.

Any advice on how to settle in? Any suggestions or tips are welcome too . Thanks!

 

[Alpinerider]

There's a big difference between riding and owning. You'll probly be best to be honest about your knowledge, and I'd like to think, that you'll find someone who help you.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks Phly,
I am very open about my experience, I have a good trainer, and I take lessons twice a week

 

[Alpinerider]

Hi everyone, sorry this is such a delayed response, but thank you all so much! Your words really helped. So far we're settling in nicely, and the community is just great