How to recover from a setback at equestrian camp?

Question

Last year was my first time going to a camp that was serious about horseback riding.I was 12, and I was the youngest to go to that camp.It totally destroyed my confidence ain my ability to ride.I had always been told by my instructors at home that I was an excellent rider.All the other girls were older,more experienced,and had been riding longer,and no matter what we were doing it seemed that I couldn't do anything right.I was always being corrected or the horse that I was riding ran off with me.I was so embarassed because I actually had to switch horses in the middle of a cross country session because the horse I was riding went crazy and jumped a 3 foot treetrunk at a standstill when I tried to pull him up!I am going back there in August and I don't know how I will show my face there.All of the instructors WILL remember me and I don't want them to underestimate me because of he year before.I was so inexperienced back then and had not done many of the things we did before at the camp.

Answer 1

The best thing you can do is just go to camp this year and show them what you can do now. After that, try and worry less about what people think and keep concentrating on what you need to do, although that's easier said than done.

Believe it or not, the instructors might not think you are a bad rider. They probably think you just had some things to work on. And this year you will show them that you have.

Finally, just try and learn everything that you can at camp. You're there to learn, not show off.

Answer 2

do it right this time. If you can, which you say you can, i think that should be enough for them to realise not to underestimate you. Unless they're kinda mean...

Answer 3

Try not to worry about it too much - I think a lot of riders have to face this situation eventually!  When I started taking lessons, I did walk-trot-canter for years (and NOTHING else!)  So naturally, my instructor could tell me that I was "one of her best riders", seeing as how I had been working on the same three gaits and nothing else for 6 years!  But once  I went to a new barn, I learned that there were TONS of things I had no idea even existed, and the whole "I'm my trainer's best student" thing went right out the window.

So, take it for the learning experience it is, and be thankful that you have the opportunity to learn so much and from different sources.  That is always a GOOD thing!  Good luck - remember, no one knows EVERYTHING and we all have to start somewhere!

Answer 4

Keep your focus on the task at hand and worry less about what everyone thinks...no doubt most of them have been there and have experienced the same problem you did.  No doubt your skill set has improved significantly since last year!!  Capture that  confidence in yourself and keep it with you!!  Be particular about the horse that they give you...you are a paying customer (and no doubt paying the instructor's wages);  I really doubt most of the instructors will remember exactly what you did or didn't do...they'll remember your face, that's ok.  

You'll do better this year!!  Keep the faith!!!

Answer 5

Go back there and show them what you can do!  By the way, who cares what they think anyway???

Answer 6

Im sure it will be ok. Because I'm sure they wont remember your face that much if you were there on your 1st year. If you stay confident in yourself, maybe they wont underestimate you. It takes time for them to see that you are a really good rider and I know you are. Try your best! :D

Answer 7

hey just go and be yourself! you know more now then you did back then... just beconfident and dont care about what other riders think. you best keep your focus on the instructors and not on camp mates...

go and have fun thats what the camp are all about in the first place!

Answer 8

Prove to them that your better now. Just practice practice practice! Then you'll get better!

Answer 9

aw. Don't worry about it. i went on one of those and i thought I was quite a good rider before I realised everyone there had been riding since they could crawl. Don't worry about it. Even if the instructors remember you so what? you have probablly improved a lot since then and they should be encouraging you to improve ect. Just go and have a great time don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Good luck hun (: x

Answer 10

Hey I know how you fill I would be SOOO embarrassed to but think of that as a lesson some poor young girl will probably go through the same thing as you show off strut your stuff try to show the people that you have gotten better.And if there is a girl that happens to go through the same thing you went through try to be friends with her or him.

Answer 11

Forget about them, and enjoy the rides. its sort off hard, but try horsriding is usually for yourself AND your horse not the people.

But try to practise in front off or with friends or family so that you get used to people watching you, and ask the people for a better horse if it looks too wild