How To Overcome Fear in Horse Riding

Today I am discussing fear in horse riding. If you are currently struggling with this you are not alone. Many riders experience this. If you recently had a fall or a traumatic experience I know it is not as simple as "saddle up" and begin riding again. It takes time to find the confidence, but it's a rewarding experience when you gain it.

Here I provide a few tips and techniques that worked for me and students of mine learning to overcome horse riding fears. I hope that this provides some inspiration in your journey of building confidence😊

Disclaimer: Whenever riding a horse, I reccomend having an equestrian professional present.

0:00 Discussing Fear
0:40 Creating A Good Mindset
1:18 Counting Strides
1:47 Breathing Technique
2:24 Knowledge & Experience
2:43 Practicing The Basics
3:20 Riding A Calm Horse
3:48 Final Thoughts

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[JSHorsemanship]

Feel free to leave questions or if you have a future video idea :)

[HathsinFlames-hhnb]

I wanna thank you for this video. Recently I was at a horseback riding place where I loved the trainer but she wasn't teaching. I am 15 years old and I started riding about 10-11 months ago and I still can't lope. I started on an older horse who couldn't really trot for longer than a few minutes let alone lope. Once we switched horses the next one I was on was a rescue and spooked at a loud noise and I fell off as she sprinted away. I rode her again and fell off. This destroyed me. But I got on and never felt nervous during the trot, just the lope. We switched horses again and as I went to lope I must've pulled on the reins a little too hard because he started bucking. I don't remember much from the fall or even the drive home. Now we switched trainers and this new girl treats her horse extremely well and he is beautiful. I have a lesson tomorrow morning and quite frankly, I am terrified to even trot. I used to love trotting, but even thinking about it makes me feel cold and nervous. I just hope that someday I will lope like it is nothing and I won't get anxious the entire week before the lesson/ride 😭 I really appreciate this video.

[krykfbf]

I just started riding a month and a half ago after 30 years. I take lessons once a week and work in the stables once a week. I now am going to start leasing the horse I ride once a week just to practice. I ask questions and work on my basics. I am in no rush and I love feeling confident riding my horse with no pressure. Thank you for this. It was very helpful.

[nikhiliyer]

Fear / nervousness is a good sign that an individual isn't overconfident! Being vulnerable is a humbling experience! It makes us human!

[cindyj]

I think that before any student of horsemanship mounts up, as a prelude to riding classes, they should have classes on the philosophy of riding and the relationship of humans and horses. Developing respect for the power of horses and their intelligence is really important. They can be dangerous to us, through their own fears and aggression. Making sure that every riding experience is optimal for both horse and rider goes a long way to helping reactive riders stay in the moment.

[kate-mqfz]

I am definitely a reactive rider! I started 8 yrs ago at 34, hoping that riding (I have always loved horses) would teach me to stay grounded in the present moment. it worked OK until recently when I fell on tough times and my confidence on horses has suffered a lot. Thank you for the supportive advice, reminding us that we are not alone and to be patient with ourselves.

[kimhiner]

Thank you for making these video's, At 58 years old I just purchased my first horse. She's very gentle, but I'm taking my time getting to know her before we start learning to ride.

[coachkrystalkelly]

Love it! Its so common for riders to try to not admit their fears or nervousness because we judge ourselves so much and want to prove our worth by "riding the bucks" or the things that scares us most! But there's no reason to not discuss and share it with others! Because many riders experience this and nearly EVERY rider has felt it at some point or another! Thanks for sharing! <3

[mariammalik]

At the riding school, when following other horses in a line, we never get the chance to independently manoeuvre the horse ourselves, like stopping or starting to walk the horse on our own, speed up the horse & slow it down, move it sideways, move its hips etc. At the school, we don't have the flexibility or independence with the horse because there are so many other students, individual attention is out of question

[aliceapples]

thank you so much for this video! due to fear, i had to get rid of my pony and i still get nervous on other horses!! this really will help!

[vipsuliv]

Thanks for this video! I love horses and riding but i am a big "what if" person and I have fear. This video was so helpful and next time when I'm riding I'm gonna think these tips!

[rachelharris]

Thank you so much for this video! I recently was thrown from a horse and fractured a vertebrae- today, I was finally able to get back on and jog my horse, but I was super anxious. Really appreciate these tips!

[meetandcode]

Good advice, just now i'm a little scared because of a tough fall before christmas (still hurts, yay!)

[Emily_]

Thank you so much! I fell and lost confidence in myself, this video made me have more confidence in myself

[rainershinegoldens]

Thanks so much for this. I’m struggling with fear after a bad fall and I appreciate your tips! 😊

[gwnn]

I love this channel! the videos are so informative and help experienced riders aswell as beginners! 💖

[jonvansiclen]

All your videos are so informative and professionally produced and you talk so gentle and soft the same way you train those horses.

[angiemillar]

I am quite new to your channel and absolutely love all your hints and tips. I don’t have my own horse but I am taking riding lessons. I do have anxiety at times when riding so this video is really helpful. Thanks 😊

[deirdrepratte]

Thank you for all your videos. You have helped me get back into riding after taking time off. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!

[horseclub.official]

You always help me build my riding experience ❤️ thank you