A S K dr.
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carrie
Every month readers and clients ask me for advice about returning to the saddle after an injury. This month my answer comes through reflections on my personal experience of recovering from a broken hand. Twenty weeks ago, I broke my hand while making a silly mistake competing on my horse. It was not a traumatic event and I didn’t even know it happened in that very moment. But it did, and I had to follow my detoured path, until now, as I am about to re-enter the show ring on my beloved and trusty horse, Wonder. I am excited and nervous. As I sit here on a Sunday afternoon in the midst of fire season and high winds, I have to settle my jitters and anticipatory emotions each time I think about the upcoming two weeks of horse showing. Yesterday I had my final lesson before the show. This typically consists of a more challenging than usual course set by my trainer so that he can give me a taste of what I will experience when I get to the show. When it came time to jump, I felt activated but not exactly nervous. My trainer was pushing me to pay attention to what matters and relax with the rest. I am a focused and conscientious student, meaning I put everything I have into my lessons. I had moments of seemingly baseless fear and adrenaline surges, but I continued anyway. No stones were being left unturned! Although I wondered if my fear, inspired by lack of confidence, made me want to stop, I pushed through and had an excellent lesson. My plan is to stay committed to my practice, so I can ride the waves of excitement, nerves, adrenaline, self-doubt, and bravery. I will observe each state and only engage with it with curiosity and question-thinking. If I find myself grabbing onto a state and spinning, I will
