Wednesday, May 25, 2016

FOMTD

Every equestrian knows FOMTD...fear of missing the distance.  It's that crippling anxiety as you canter up to a jump and can't see anything and internally pray for Jesus to take the reins.  Or there might be some external expletives in the form of "Oh shit" or "We're gonna die". Or maybe it's all just me.

Happy even cantering baby fences

In my past two lessons I've had major FOMTD.  I either can't see a distance and circle, or lock my elbows, raise my hands, and make my saint of horse wait till forever to get to the jump. The plus side is my horse IS a saint, and will happily wait to jump the fence until we are on top of it. And, when I do decide that we can do a forward stride and go for the extra, extra long spot he happily says "You crazy lady" and adds the short one so we don't take off a mile from the fence. Thanks Peebs, you're the best!

Hover mode activated!
It just so happens that a semi-local barn is having a clinic with Katie Frank, a h/j trainer, judge, and sports psychologist who specializes in helping riders overcome their fears this week and we managed to snag a spot Friday and Saturday.   Can you say awesome timing or what?!? We'll have a private lesson both days and I'm really hoping to get some good help and tips out of it.


6 comments:

  1. Sounds like an interesting clinic, looking forward to your recap!

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  2. Sounds like a great clinic. I can totally sympathize on the FOMTD. I can actually see the line, but my mule won't listen to me regarding that so I have to just let her do her thing and hope we don't crash too hard. Thankfully, she hates touching jumps and will usually clear things. It's just not always pretty.

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  3. Oh, that sounds like a great opportunity! I can't wait to hear how it goes!
    I think I have less fomtd, and more control issues, but I love to lock up those elbows and try and create my own distance. Wanna know a secret? Horses HATE that!

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  4. i'll definitely be interested in hearing what the clinician has to say! i've never had the best eye for a distance... and lately my horse won't even jump if we don't get there so... yea haha #strugglebus

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  5. Wow - I'd love to do a clinic like that!

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