The Nervous Novice

Introducing The Nervous Novice!

Krista Fabregas (aka The Nervous Novice) began riding, again, about three years ago. Her earlier equine exploits were sadly derailed; the first by her mother who vastly preferred ballet to the barn, and the second by motherhood itself which produced a child who vastly preferred ballet to the barn. She's hoping the third time's the charm. Krista managed to ride Adult Hunters and Low Jumpers with some competence in the past, and is gearing up for her first Beginner Novice Eventing year with her IDSH, Buddy. She hopes to compete at Novice before age 50, which is not far off. When not riding, Krista produces the Horse Junkie apparel collection and avoids the ballet at all costs. Check out all of her great products at http://horsejunkiegear.com!

The Nervous Novice Blog Post # 3

Dear Nervous Novice,

I’ve loved horses all my life and am finally learning to ride! It took a while to get here, but I’m in my 30’s and decided it was now or never. I’m a total beginner but am learning all I can in my weekly lessons. I plan to add another riding day a week soon and maybe show before the end of the year. My problem is this – I tagged along to a show last weekend and felt like a third wheel. I wanted to be helpful, but it seemed like I was in the way the whole time. There’s so much to learn! I want to be a part of it all, but don’t want to be a pain. Any advice?

- Stumbling Block in Tomball, Tx.

Dear Stumbles... (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)

The Nervous Novice Blog Post # 2

The Nervous Novice Solves Beginner Riders' Greatest Dilemmas... #2 – Going With the Flow

Dear Nervous Novice,

I’ve been riding for close to two years, usually twice a week, one lesson and one practice ride by myself. I’m still fighting falling forward or back, mainly at the posting trot, and it really doesn’t matter which of the barn’s horses I’m riding. Everyone I ride with says this will improve with practice, and my instructor just tells me to keep at it. I get around OK for my flatwork and am even cantering little jump courses, but it bothers me that I still feel unsteady at the trot. How many more years will it take?

- Tipping Like a Metronome in Kalispell

Dear Tipsy... (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)

The Nervous Novice Blog Post # 1

The Nervous Novice Solves Beginner Riders' Greatest Dilemmas... #1 – How Much Leg is “More Leg”

Dear Nervous Novice,

Yesterday my instructor chased me around the arena shouting “more leg, more leg,” and finally threw a water bottle at my horse’s butt. But the harder I squeezed, the slower he went until we finally meandered to the center of the arena. That’s when I burst into tears and my instructor headed to get a lunge whip. Why is it every time I try to add lots of leg to go faster, the opposite happens?

- All Whipped Up in San Antonio (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)

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