>> Thanks for telling me that, Bob ..... I don't feel so foolish now
 >> .....I'll just keep plodding on.
 > Jean, I've gotten on CJ at times so totally
 > intimidated that I was supprised she didn't blow up at
 > my tension... CJ's hurt me pretty good over the
 > years..  and I just worked through the worst parts by
 > forcing myself to function..
 > Even if it meant taking CJ into the round pen where I
 > know she wouldn't act up and just getting on for a few
 > moments..  then getting off and putting her up..
    I know the feeling ..... I'm finally to the point that I can mount and 
dismount without having someone hold X.  At least I feel I've made some 
progress there.
 > The single best thing is to find someone with a
 > babysitter and rebuild your confindence on it.. like I
 > did with Budda down in OC years ago.
    That's why I've been riding Shammie ..... she's "safe" and I don't feel 
intimidated by her.  Buddy will hitch X to the carriage and I'll ride Sham.  
I'm just taking it a little at a time.
    I am riding X now more and more.....I'm trying to stay calm.  If I get 
really  nervous I just walk him around in the round pen - have him do a few 
of his tricks and then quit......there's always another day ;-)
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