Confidence? nerves?

Question

how do you get confidence with your horse... I am a person who over-reacts A LOT!!! and I get really nervous before I ride... how do i stop the nurves!!!!

Answer 1

I get the same way before I ride (even though ive been doing it for 3 years). Just tack up slow and take your time. Then take a deep breath, mount, and then just walk for a few minutes, then once you feel comfortable with that, trot for a few minutes, and once your comfortable with that you can ask for a canter and enjoy your ride!

Answer 2

I wouldn't be getting on until that feeling has gone away. Take things one step at a time. when you start to get that nervous feeling, go back a step. If you're putting your foot in the stirrup and then feel nervous, take it out and do some things on the ground with your horse. When the feeling goes way, try again. Don't push yourself past your own limits, it won't do anything but make you more nervous and anxious about riding. Everyone has a "comfort zone". You need to find a place where you're at the edge of your comfort zone and stay there until you don't feel nervous anymore, whether that be when you tack up, or after you've already got on.

Answer 3

when you get in the saddle let everything resolve away. Dont even think of your horses name. Bring him through his paces slow and easy not even thinking OMG! I might fall off, get stepped on if I do, he might bolt etc. If you breath in through your nose and out through your mouth it will help you balance well in the saddle and also will calm your horses nerves and he will do the same and he will slowly lower his head into his I am comfortorable with you stage.  Or if that doesnt help talk to your horse and do his paces. Will calm both you and your horse. Goodluck!

Answer 4

Nerves are good for you, they help you be aware and perform better.

I have evented for years, and I still get nerves...man before my Dressage I am an absolute wreck, as soon as I go into the ring they go away and I get the job done.

If you want help, try "Rescue Remedy". It is great. It's a natural product with great calming affects, you can give it to animals too, so you can give it to your horse!! I use it before every Dressage Test!

Good luck!!

Answer 5

get drunk...........loosen up

Answer 6

just keep thinking of all teh fun ull have whiel riding.