Overcome Fear Of Riding Horse.............?

Question

For some reason I just don't like riding anymore. I wish I did. I seriously think I'm scared because my horse took off on me last time. I am always scared that I am going to get hurt. My little sister also doesn't help because she always thinks she knows everything and then she goes and tells her friends that I can't ride. Grrrr Please help me. Thank You =]

Answer 1

This happens to me around once or twice a year, where I wonder why I still ride. What helps me is thinking about what I love doing while riding...so jumping for me. Then I go to the barn the next day, and don't ride. I just hang around the horses, and graze them or whatever, and I watch people ride. After that I just hack around [just walk, trot, canter] on an old horse/pony that I know for a fact will never do anything. After riding like that for a while, I can easily jump back to where I was before I got scared.

And don't listen to your sister, because most likely she is jealous of your riding skills, and wants to make you believe that she is better. Don't let it get to you, because we have a ton of people at my barn who are always putting you down. It doesn't really matter what she thinks anyways, just tell her to cut it out and that she doesn't really know anything.

Answer 2

Oh the age-old expression, when you fall off the horse, you get back on. It's a part of riding. It is a very risky sport/hobby, but if you love it, you'll do it anyway. The way to conquer your fear is to get back on that horse and prove to yourself (no one else matters) that you can do it. take baby steps--walking, and other easy things before going on to more complicating tasks. If you can't bring yourself to ride that horse right away, maybe ride a horse that you trust more.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Start on a Lesson Pony, they are usually well behaved. By using a pony that won't take off or do anything severe, it will show you that all horses are different. Then you can slowly work your way up to a more experienced horse.

Answer 4

Start riding an older horse or pony to get your confidence back up and then maybe a small horse show to prove to yourself that you can do it. Dont let your sister keep you down just remeber she is probly just jelous ether that or shes just doing it to annoy you DON'T respond to her taunting or shell just taunt more. Always remeber believe in yourself and your horse.