How can i feel less nervous around horses?

Question

Whenever i try to ride my horse or do something with her, i get really nervous and practically start shaking!! I don't even know why...i mean i have never been bucked off or hurt by a horse before!! Is anybody else like this? If you are, how did/do you deal with it?

Answer 1

To start with if you are anxious your horse will pick up on that. You have to be confident with yourself, in everything you do with horses.

Horses are naturally a herd animal so they can read other's body language VERY quickly. Your horse probably knows you are anxious even before you get to him.

Start small and work up. Start with grooming, walk in and take control of the situation. Put his halter on and lead him out to the tie rail and tie him up. Start grooming him, he'll be fine, and enjoy you spending the time on him.

Once you are FULLY confident and relaxed doing that push it a little further, maybe stick a training surcingle on him and go lunge him for ten minutes. When you are happy with this maybe start riding, in an arena and only in a walk.

If you have somebody at hand who is comfortable with horses and would help you through the first couple of weeks that would be great. It will only be a couple of weeks, once you get this confidence thing sorted you'll be on your way in no time!!!

Good luck!

Answer 2

The closest I've come to that feeling was about 30 years ago.  I had a 9 year old AQHA gelding that I'd sold the year prior and that the new owners wanted rid of.  I couldn't figure out WHY, he was a gentlemen to be around normally (I'd gotten mad at him at a horse show after riding him in the warmup arena in side reins (DUMB thing to do) and a pony trotted by, rang it's tail and nailed him right in the nose.  Of course he took his head and brought it UP then hit the end of those side reins and BACK into my face!).  Anyway, that was my fault, I knew it but to make a long story short, was an excuse to sell him and spend more time with my fiance.

A year later, fiance long gone, they called me and told me my old horse was forsale.  I had this 3 year old AQHA colt that I'd been working but I STILL missed my old horse.  So, they came out to see the colt and watch him ride and decided that they'd do the trade (My old gelding and $1,000.00 for the colt.).

I brought the gelding home, saddled him up and for about two hours rode him at a walk and trot, trying to figure out WHAT had scared them so badly to just want rid of this horse.

After the two hours, the gelding walking/trotting on eggshells wondering WHAT in the world was wrong with me,  I FINALLY put him into a lope, relaxed and went loping back to the barn screaming "It's THEM, NOT him!"

The more hours and miles you put on your horse, the more you'll relax and understand she's your buddy.

Answer 3

Yes, I used to do that too. I have really never seriously gotten hurt by  a horse before, (well I have, but nothing serious). Get used to your horse, gain trust! Oh, and don't watch shows like the saddle club, it just gets you more frightend!!!

Answer 4

i used to be like that. My horse is wild and crazy and it won't let me near her unless i have food in my hand. I always used to be so scared to feed her, let alone ride her or even brush her down! But then I went to the rodeo cand i saw this guy do a really cool trick. He said to buy some carrots or an apple (horses really like apples) and first go up to her and let her see the apple. then slowly walk away while holding the apple where ur horse can see it. Then she should follow you and then after a while u give it to her. Then as u r feeding it to her talk to her and gently pet her. (this will calm the horse down so u don't have to be scared of anything. I think the only reason ur scared is because u thing ur horse is going to hurt u. If she trusts u enough she won't) Do this everyday and eventually u will earn her trust and there will be nothing to be afraid of. But make sure u talk to her every second u r with her(if it even is a girl. Sorry if its a boy) because the more u talk to her the more she will recognize u and once again, the more she will trust u.

I hope I've helped and remember, if ur horse trusts u there is no reason to be afraid!

Answer 5

the way to feel less nervous is to spend more time and get to know your horse.Before u go in take a deep breath.

Answer 6

Its a mind over matter thing really it is, horses can be intimadating you have 1200lbs of animal there under you, that you have to trust is not going to harm you.. try some breathing excersizes. But you shouldnt ride untill you start to conquer that fear.. it can cause the horse to react and feel there is something to be afraid of himself which could be disastrous for both of you!! Good luck , once you can conquer it riding will be on a whole new level for you!! and the horse :)

Answer 7

Get to know the horse, and let the horse get to know you.

Answer 8

feed them carrots

Answer 9

I have/had the same problem with my mare, I find the only way I can actually get on her is when I'm determined to do something. If she doesn't want to stand still when i try to get on her, it's almost like my mind clicks and I totally forget about my fear of being on her and work with a problem. Next thing I know I'm in the saddle and riding down the road.

Answer 10

Oh, I was like this back then when I got my first horse. But not as bad off as you seem to be.

This is what I did.

[Remember - Your horse can sense your fear. Some act on that, some don't.]

Do a bit of training for your nerves.

Like just spending time with your horse - brushing, bathing [if you can handle that], letting the horse eat from your hand. Just hanging out in the paddock, round pen, or field.

If the horse won't go crazy with just a halter and shank, just sit on your horse's back, no saddle or anything. In the field, while he/she grazes is very relaxing and allows you to spend time with the horse while being able to experience bareback also.

If it's just with your horse, you can get past it. Horses, just like people, have vices and some enjoy riding while other's have to be lured into liking it.

BUT if it's with every horse, no matter how gentle or whatever, you may end up getting yourself hurt if you don't take it slow.

Give it time.

You'll find it in you to take control.

Good luck!

Answer 11

Sorry for how long it is. Humor me at least and read some or most of it!

I am big on natural horsemanship and things like that, so I am a big believer in forming a special bond between each individual horse and rider. If you go about this in the correct way, with patience, kindness, praise, and love, the connection that develops will never be broken. Horses are incredibly sensitive and alert animals, and they can feel your fear and nervousness around them. It makes them just as uncomfortable as you, which could lead to them acting up, especially if they are in an eclosed area. Remember, horses are flight animals, and if they are made uneasy by your presense and are unable to flee, they will become uneasy. Before you ever get out of your car, or even leave the house!, try to just close your eyes, breathe deeply, and tell yourself "i am going to be okay. [Insert horse name here] would never hurt me. She never has, and I have never given her anyreasn to." Tell yourself how calm you will be, and you will find you will visibly be more confident.

I was once given the opportunity to exercise a few horses for the stables where my mother's friend rode. The first offer i got was to ride this massive 17.2hh Thoroughbred gelding. At 27 yrs. old, he was in less than great shape. he also had one blind eye and a severe case of the spooks. No matter, I was in love. I rode him every single day, and when i couldn't, I brushed him and bathed him and lunged him all day. One day, in one of the occasional lessons I had on Junior [yes, the irony of his name was not lost on me] I finally got it: I was flying around the arena, his tail flying out behind us. At each of my slightest movements, Junior he followed each of my commands immediately. After ending this lesson on a great note, i decided to try and repeat this on the next lesson, but Junior was having an off day. As we came around one corner, he spooked at the wall of hay stacked outside and the next thing I remember, I was laying in the dirt and he was across the arena. Every time I tried to canter on him after that, I would suddent pull back, afraid of falling. i didn't know why; I would start to do it, but then panic and stop. After a while, i finally just started not letting myself think about my lesson at all. I would just take every command as it came, and oh, yeah, when the command came to 'canter', my heart leapt up into my throat, but i refused to let myself think about it. just though about the physical action of the moment, not what could or would happen. Jus kept telling myself I could do it.

And I did it.

Go at your own pace, and start out slow. Make your horse want to see you; spoil her totten for a little while :] She'll begin to be excited when it comes time for you to visit, and seeing her happy will most likely make you happier to be there.

Answer 12

Maybe you should'nt have a horse?? If you feel nervous on a horse, you shouldn't have one. Horses can sense when your nervous, and in turn it makes them nervous, and they can become very spooky and fidgetdy. I remember i was nervous before a show and i was riding a 20 yr old gelding off the show circut and i got super nervous like you and he started circles and cantering off. I got on him during the next show, un-nervous and he performed immaculently. I used to be nervous alot in my first 6months of riding but now i am never nervous, i guess it just wore off. I have been riding for about 1 2/3 of a year, and i canter without fear, and jump without fear.

Answer 13

Spend time on the ground with her.  Over 1000 pounds of live animal can be intimidating.  Brush her, talk to her, give her treats, clean her feet out, walk her around, just spend as much time as you can with her.  If you start to get nervous, try some breathing exercises to calm yourself down, and remind yourself that she will not hurt you.  Google "meditation breathing exercises" or "calming breathing exercises".  When you are in the saddle, keep taking deep breaths and go slowly.  Be practical.  Think to yourself "what is the worst she has ever done/is likely to do to me?"  I am assuming you have a relatively calm, "been there, done that" type of horse.  If not, work with someone else's until you do feel comfortable.  And remember- You can always outsmart your horse.  Horses are smart, but they are not complex.  And you will get over your nervousness, once you are more familier with horses, and how incredibly wonderful they can be.  Good luck!

Answer 14

I would say just spend more time around her. You don't rven have to ride her, just practice leading her around without overreacting to things that she does. Think "The worst thing that can happen is she spooks and I have to let go of the lead rope." Don't let her crowd you either. Have her keep her distance so she understands to follow you, then you won't have to worry about her running over you.

Once you gain some confidence on the ground, you can start to ride again. If you have an arena, just ride in there. If she has a "spooky corner" just avoid it all together. The calmer you can make yourself, the less likely she is to spook. If you really want to ride, this is going to have to be something that you have to work really hard at. If you can make the conscious decision to not be scared and that nothing bad will happen, you are on your way.