Am i a fast learner? Or am i just run of the mill?!?

Question

I started horse back riding when i was 11 (late i know) and have been riding seriously 1-3 times a week for a little over 2 years now.

I can walk, trot, cantar, & gallop. I am jumping 2' 6" including oxers, cavaleties, and fans. I have been on three paces and placed 2nd, 1st, and 2nd. I went to one small (but RATED) show this summer and placed Reserve Champion overral.

But my friends STILL seem better. Am i learning quickly or what?!!!

Answer 1

lol. same here

started when i was 12.

switched barns a a couple of times, and everytime i did they would say how i was a complete natural. & when they were told that i had only been riding for a few months they were in complete shock.

i was able to walk, trot, canter, gallop, ext.  & was in a jumping class of 3'6 once every week with people who had been riding since they were 4 . & every show that i had been in i got a 1st or 2nd place.   until i was 13 ... my mom had really bad anxiety.. & didn't like when i was jumping cause she thought it was too dangerous..& that i would kill myself.. even though I've only actually fell like a few times. without any injuries to me or the horse. just silly mistakes.

I'm 14 now. & i don't horseback ride anymore :(

i was told not until I'm 18. BullSh*t :( :( :(

Answer 2

Don't think about who is better than you but who you are better than!

I'm only in my 4th year of riding and for the first 2 or 3 years I constantly felt like everyone was infinitely better than me.  I started jumping last year and I went to a show this summer and jumped crossrails and there was a girl on my team doing ground poles!  That was the first time that I realized "gee, I'm actually better than someone!"...  that was a special thing for me.  It was even more special when I won champion of crossrails.

so look at it that way.  now when i'm in lessons, i look around and see that i'm one of the better riders.  of course there's people who are better than me and you and there always will be (at least I'll never be an olympic rider...  maybe you will... i dunno)...  but instead of thinking of all of those people who are better than you, think of the growing number of people who wish that they were as good as you!

I think riding for 2 years and jumping 2'6" and winning Reserve Champ is excellent!  I wish I had started jumping sooner...  it's weird riding in cross rails against little kids ;o)

Answer 3

idk, i'm a fast learner, and starting cantering 6 months into my training, and didn't jump until 2 yrs into it. so ur doing pretty good!!

by the way, i started late too, trust me that feeling will go away.

Answer 4

well you started late so that might be the reason that your friends seem better they probably started before you so naturally they would be better