Confessions of a Timid Rider

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Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough?

Confessions of a Timid Rider is the award-winning memoir detailing Heather Wallace’s insights about being an anxiety-ridden but passionate equestrian. After returning to riding as a mother, she is determined to follow her dreams in spite of the fear that she is somehow lacking in talent or ability. An in-depth look into the heart and head of a returning adult equestrian, this memoir is not limited to those people with horse experience. In fact, Confessions of a Timid Rider is the perfect book to read for anyone who questions their value and worth in their designated profession or life choice. Motivational and inspirational, this book will make you determined to pursue your dreams despite the inner voice that says you aren’t good enough.

Winner of the 2018 Equus Film Festival WINNIE award for Best Non-Fiction English, and #1 Hot New Release on Amazon. A bestseller in three Amazon categories.

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About the Book

Reader's Favorite 5 Star — Girl Forward and Confessions of a Timid Rider

EXCERPT

As I plunge toward the ground, I see the face of my horse above me blocking the sun. For that split second before I hit the rain-packed ground I close my eyes I think to myself, “Avoid the hooves”.

This moment was one I dreaded since I became a mother. The thought of falling off and hurting myself in front of my children was something that plagued my nightmares and caused anxiety.

A few months ago, I had a near miss. Delight and I were in our weekly lesson at the barn. We came in a little too slow to the cross rail. Delight lost his balance, tripping over the rail, and we both started to fall.

In slow motion, I can still see Delight’s nose touch the ground. I slipped slowly down his neck, clinging for dear life. All I thought in that moment was if I topple over his head, he might become more unbalanced and land on me. So I slowly picked myself up and scooted back, lifting Delight’s large thoroughbred head up to help him regain his balance.

We were okay. That time. But I was shaken. I did not fall. Delight did not fall. We regained our balance, no one was hurt, and nothing bad happened. But I kept replaying the scene in my mind. The WHAT IF factor. The image became stuck in my head for the rest of our lesson and I could not let it go.

“GET OVER IT”.

I hear it frequently during lessons. My trainer sees that I am no longer connected to my horse. I am absent. Now too much in my own head.

It’s a chronic problem. My entire life I have been very cerebral, balancing ideas and considering outcomes. Horse riding has been a way for me to escape my own brain, or try to at least. Warring between self-doubt and my passion for horses.

I’ve been called many things, but “timid” never in my memory. Perhaps in a way this will show you just how important horses are to me in my life. Because this matters. Horses matter. And as a result, I want to be the best I can be. Sadly, this results in self doubt and delayed progress. I am my own worst enemy.

These are the confessions of a timid rider.

Details

Author: Heather Wallace
Series: Confessions of a Timid Rider, Book 1
Genres: Inspirational, Memoir
Tag: Recommended Books
Publisher: Water Horse Press
Publication Year: 2018
Format: Paperback
Length: Novella
ASIN: B07D3FXGJX
ISBN: 9781387812899
Rating:

List Price: 9.95
eBook Price: 2.99
Audiobook Price: 6.95

Endorsements

I have a confession to make myself - I, too, am a timid rider, so I was especially interested to see Heather Wallace's take on coming back to horses as an adult. Heather is very candid about her fears, but her ability to challenge herself and not quit is so inspiring and something to be admired. Her writing is clear and concise, and sometimes laugh out loud funny! We've ALL been there/done that...but Heather is just brave enough to write about it for all to see. Highly recommend this fun read - can't wait for more!

Sometimes in the equestrian world it seems like everyone else has their act together except for me (am I the only one whose car has arena grit on the floor and sports alfalfa bits in my purse?). Thanks to Heather's authenticity in storytelling I feel less alone juggling the work/life/barn life situation. The chapter about her daughter as her hero is really special, and as tender as her voice can be, in other parts her fun, snarky side comes out (but not too snarky). What I really enjoyed as I read this book is that I felt like she was having a conversation with me. Her voice is very strong and she is not shy about delving into her personal joys and struggles. Timid rider or not, if you are a grown up horse girl who likes a good story, you'll feel like you made a new friend by reading Heather Wallace's memoir.

The book was short but good. It was easy to identify with Heather Wallace. I was ran away with many years ago. I had a horrible, horrible cold. The barn manager's wife and I were riding with the owner of the estate, trying to keep him out of trouble and the horse out of harm. We had stopped to let the horses breathe. I looped the reins around my wrist so I could blow my nose. Mid-blow, the old gentleman took off and the heavy hunter I was riding bolted towards a low chain link fence. Never have the pointy bits on top of a chain link fence looked so pointy. On the other side of the fence was a cornfield. Running into the cornfield that stopped the horse. I have never felt truly comfortable galloping a strange horse cross country since. And that makes me a timid rider who has learned to ride through any fears I may have.

This is the perfect book for a summer afternoon. It's a quick and easy read, with wonderful insights that easily translate into experiences everyone can relate to - not just riders. When I read Heather's story, it was surprising to me how similar her character was to my own, and how often I recognized myself in her pages. I loved the way she tied the theme of each chapter to a life lesson. While of course she does refer everything back to her experiences on horseback, her subtitled 'confessions' under each chapter heading in part two are easily extrapolated into every day living. If there is one criticism, it is that I would have enjoyed seeing more photos of the animals and people she talks about! The final paragraph says it all and sums it up quite nicely, "face your fears and push through them however you can to follow your passion!"

"Heather P Wallace’s nonfiction memoir, Confessions of a Timid Rider, is a marvelous and inspirational work written by an author who has repeatedly faced her fears and accepted the inevitable setbacks as they occur, and still has managed to live her dreams. I loved reading about her experiences with her horses, especially Earthly Delights. Her frank and honest discussions about anxiety and the “what-ifs” that can work to deprive one of their self-confidence are quite helpful, and I’m sure anyone who reads this remarkable book will see themselves in at least some of Wallace’s work. Readers are fortunate indeed in Wallace’s other love being writing, which she does well. Her memoir is a joy to read. I finished it having learned a lot about horse and equine behavior, but I also was a witness to her triumph over that timid aspect of herself on almost every page. Wallace’s courage and resilience is something to cheer about, and her memoir records it brilliantly. Confessions of a Timid Rider is most highly recommended. "

"You might actually know Heather from reading her horse and dog blog! She recently rebranded Bridle and Bone to The Timid Rider (www.timidrider.com). Heather lives on the East Coast, is a mom of three, and when she’s not writing about returning to riding as an adult, she’s probably working on one of her animal massage clients. And when she’s not massaging a furry friend, she’s probably riding her adorable roan pony Ferrous. I haven’t read this book yet, but I’m a fan of memoir and a fan of Heather, so I’m sure it will be snarky and fun. (And at the time of this writing the book is ranked #1 in Amazon’s “Equestrian Sports” category!)"

"A personal account of overcoming fears which stretches beyond riding horses and more facing what fears you the most in life and, no pun intended, taking life by the reins."

"I was very impressed with Wallace’s honesty and candor as she shares her personal struggles. Frankly, I think she underestimates herself. I found her to be like the Cowardly Lion – anxious, yes, but actually very brave. Confessions of a Timid Rider will appeal to horse lovers, but also to people who are looking to overcome their own anxieties to accomplish their dreams. It is helpful to know a little about horses, but you don’t have to know much to enjoy Confessions of a Timid Rider. I found the book to be conversational and relaxing to read. Make yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy the heartfelt writings of Heather P. Wallace."

I think many people—especially women—will appreciate her struggles with confidence and will delight with her as she reveals how she worked her way through.

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Other Products in "Confessions of a Timid Rider"

Adulting with Horses (Book Two of the Confessions Series)

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