I'm not sure if this is the right place but I'm taking a chance. I'm looking for your best tips, tricks and mental boosts to relax in the saddle! I've got some persistent mind ghosts still haunting my riding due to an unpredictable Fjord horse years and years ago. It usually shows itself in me tensing up because I feel (wrongly so if you ask those watching) that I'm losing control or the horse speeds up. So, anyone getting back from bad experiences with horses that run away without warning, how have you dealt with exorcising or learning to handle your ghosts?

Rider Question

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Power_hors3

Equestrian PRO

I'd say that knowing the horse and spend time with him is gonna help you, if you are always riding the same horse you should get more confidence with him than if you are riding a different horse each time.

1 like

07/21/24-16:18

equiisabell

Equestrian PRO

I have been battling with riding anxiety ever since my first lesson due to an accident happening to someone I know before my first lesson and unfortunately quite a few bolts during my lunge lesson - I don’t ride at that stable anymore. What helped me was gaining confidence on a calm horse and really learning to trust that particular horse. Once I felt confident on her, I felt confident on other horses. I don’t try to think of What if this or that happens? anymore but instead switched my mindset to EVEN if this happens, I can handle it! Also; weirdly, watching lots of videos of YouTube of other people riding horses has helped me for some reason. I guess seeing others riding without fear and having fun helped establish lots of positive associations with riding. But most of all, be patient with yourself! It took me so long to get to where I am now mentally but it will happen 💜 also, having a supportive trainer is a game changer!

3 likes

07/20/24-13:23

Keep exploring the community!