To get the ball rolling I will begin by revealing to the world that it is 20 years since I last jumped a horse and my riding has become less and less over time too. It's easy to remember what you were capable of once and what you did, but a lot harder to put into practise when there has been a lengthy gap.
Add to that weight gain, getting older (in my case positively ancient) and the self confidence begins to wane. Being worried about falling off and breaking instead of bouncing...these are my main concerns because I worry who would look after my horses and dogs if anything happened to me, as I live alone.
However, I am determined to get back into a saddle and by next year compete in a BE80 class.
Very tall order but I will do it... and hopefully raise some money with sponsorship along the way.
Some would say I am spoiled for choice in terms of having 3/4 horses to choose from to ride. Until I tell you these boys are all exracers and altho' one or two have amazing jumping ability I have yet to retrain any of them in terms of doing xc, sj or dressage, as opposed to sailing over hurdles or steeplechase fences at 30mph!
So...you can see my predicament .. and challenge!!
But faint heart never won anything right?