My nerves are taking the joy out of riding

Question

due to my now retired horse being very spooky to the point of running in front of cars because a leaf blew by her i'm now a bundle of nerves i have a new horse whos quite but can play on my nerves a little i get so scared of how he'll react to new things i just cant enjoy myself any more help i want my confidence back

Answer 1

Take it slow and easy.  Ride where it's safe, until you're sure you know how he'll react.  

Your nerves may spark his nerves a bit - if he senses you're scared, he'll be looking for the reason, and more apt to be scared himself.  So it's important to stay calm.

Use positive self talk - tell yourself "He's calm and quiet, he's easy to handle.  He'll take care of me."  and "I'm okay, I'm riding my very own horse, he's a really good guy.  I'm a good rider and I'm having fun."   Keep your mind positive; don't allow negative thoughts in.

When you feel yourself start to jitter, immediately start telling yourself it's okay.  Give yourself time to accept the situation and handle it, but if it's too scary do something easier!

It sounds like you had a major bad experience.  Just give yourself time to get over it and learn to trust yourself and your new horse.  It won't happen overnight, but it will happen if you help it.

Good Luck!  

Answer 2

I think instead of owning one you should start by taking lessons ,,

Do Not worry about the horses, They are smarter then you,and are reacting to what your doing ,

The biggest problem is people think they are just simple horse's They are not ,, If You do not know what your doing , Neither will they

They have a mind of a Five yr old Child ,

  

There is a Big problem between you and the horses you own ,,

I think you should start from the begining ,,

I think from what you are telling us is that, you do not even know how to ride and UNDERSTAND WHAT the horses need, as in Your Confidence,,

You have None there fore they will have NONE,



I know thsi is tough to understand ,, But Your heart is not in theirs .You need more connection , and the only way to get it is

Do not think by owning one ,makes you a hot shot , It has Not worked so far,!

so get rid of them ,

Start over fresh , Get lessons on Good lesson horses,

then in a 3 yr span, You might be ready to find a friend, That likes You and You them,



They are friends Not Machines , they have feelings also,