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5 Steps for Overcoming Horse Riding Fear The time it takes for someone to overcome their fear varies. You will also be able to communicate more effectively with your horse. I’ve had little experience with horses except for the occasional nose-to-tail trail ride, maybe 6 of these rides in my life time. Is a small horse or a big horse better for a 12-year-old? The horse that you are riding has a major influence on your confidence and fear level. For a first, do an older horse or pony who's level-headed and knows their job. Watch the horse from a distance, but don’t go any closer than you feel comfortable with. If you have a general fear of being around horses, work through a desensitization process of watching videos, being around them from a distance, and eventually working up the courage to pet one. I have completed 32 of your lessons in 8 days. However, if you’re still struggling with your fear, consider talking to a therapist. "This article helped me a lot! It’s happened so many times. I enjoy them from a distance but am quite fearful up close. Simply just being around the horse for as long as you need may help immensely. I had the same fear but I have fallen and it's not a big deal. While you are observing the horse you will hopefully feel yourself beginning to relax. Overcoming Your Fear of Horses . You could look through books with photos of horses, watch videos of horses online, or pick a movie with horses featured in it. – Everyone has a bad day now and then. Ask any group of equestrians what they fear most, and the consensus will be “falling off.” Then again, if you ask the same group of horsey folks how many times they’ve fallen off, they’re probably not going to have a concrete number for you. The anxiety aroused by these often gentle animals is so common, in fact, that the term equinophobia which means a fear of heights is actually derived from the Greek words "equus" or horse and "phobos" or fear. Fear Expands Your Creativity. Trust your horse. That is a good a start as I could recommend. I am no longer scared of them, and this article is the reason. At this point in my answer it is appropriate to remind you that selecting the right horse to be around is a critical issue. Riders who are physically fit are less likely to injure themselves if they fall. Many people have a fear of horses, either due to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size of these gentle giants. 3-Day "Kick Your Fear" Clinic Student Registration A sure way to know if you need to gain the trust of the horse is if it tries to bite you or something similar. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. As long as you are wearing boots, it shouldn't hurt too bad when they step on you. My husband will be the main caregiver, but I’d like to be able to help and support him. The Hughes-Jones Centre, 775 Highland Park Road, Nine Mile Creek, PE, C0A 1H2, Canada 902-894-5452 info@thehughesjonescentre.ca. Your Fear of Horses is a guide to help those who are plagued with horse fear get back in the saddle and ride with confidence. Making sure you feel safe and comfortable with your horse is vital. I think the same thing could be said for learning to ride a motorcycle or even a bicycle. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike. If there is a specific type of horse that you feel afraid of, try to gear the desensitization towards this type. When a human is training a horse not to spook, the constant exposure is what eventually makes the horse realize that there's nothing to fear. For example, you may be scared of small ponies if you were bitten by one as a child or you may feel fearful of larger horses if you have had a particularly traumatic fall. How do I get over my fear of riding fast on a horse? Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Try calling a local stable and asking if you can tour the facility and watch people ride horses during the stable's business hours. However, it is possible to overcome your fear of horses with enough dedication and patience! Don’t be scared to trade your horse for one that makes you feel calmer and safer. A horse that is a little taller might be better. Three ways that you can do this are: Spend more time around horses; watch horse movies and shows (a.k.a. Most likely the horse does not hate you -- it just does not like the situation it is in or does not trust you for some reason that can be easily healed through some love and attention and bonding techniques such as 'join-up'. Spend some time just watching the horse first to see how it behaves. If you or someone you know has had a bad experience with horses, or if their big size and strength scares you, you may become afraid of horses. Please do not for one minute hold the thought that I am discouraging you from dealing with horses. Horses are large and impressive creatures; many people find that they love the power and majesty of the animals right up to the time they come into actual contact with a horse. You will find the same thing can calm your fear too. Please remain in touch and do not hesitate to continue to ask questions of experienced, trustworthy people as to how you might acquire the appropriate education that I have discussed with you in answering your question. It is common for people to love horses but be afraid to ride them. There are many different ways to begin the desensitization process. Please understand that I believe every word of it was well founded and deserves congratulations to you as your comments were exactly as I would want them to be if you were my daughter or my best friend. Too hard in that the fear started overtaking me, this included like Kate’s post fear on the ground with horses and when my daughters ride I can feel the fear all over again. If a horse is on your foot, push it's shoulder gently and make clucking noises or say "over". K.I.C.K. We live in Wisconsin, but I’m mulling over trying to attend your H101 course. Overcoming THE Fear of Your Horse Clinton Anderson from Downunder Horsemanship has a truly inspiring partnership with horses. It depends on the kid's riding level. Just trust that your horse will take care of you. Raising your speed in increments can help ease you into faster riding and help you become more comfortable with it. In the final analysis, learning to be at one with your horse, confident in your ability to be in the right place at the right time is absolutely essential to the ultimate success of overcoming theses natural fears that are healthy for us to have until we are satisfied that we are in control of virtually all of the potential pit falls that can challenge us on any given day. You could draw pictures of horses, look at stuffed animal horses, or view horse-themed art. Ask Monty: Are you teaching your horse to buck. I read your book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” and have signed up for the Equus Online University. In the interim, they are boarded where my husband’s friend has had them boarded the past several years and where they receive good care. Ask Monty: Are you a positive influence on your horse? Although such days may make it feel like you’re not … My husband adopted a 15 y/o paint gelding (El Nino) and a 17 y/o quarter horse mare (Sugar) from a friend with cancer, who could no longer keep her horses. Changing negative self-talk to positive self-talk can take a while. You're not the only one struggling with horse riding anxiety. Tags: horses, equine, fear of horses, horse ranch, Faithful Homesteader, North Texas, When I was a little girl, I was so terrified of horses. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. In my seminars on fear of riding at horse fairs, the room is always jam packed with people, all of whom are greatly relieved to see everyone else there; people of all ages, genders, abilities and experience. Your helmet is there to protect your noggin, and a jump vest can protect your vital organs and some of your bones—including your spine. The first step to overcoming horse riding fear is to ... recognize and admit that you are scared. My fear is expectation. Don't betray that trust, and you will most likely have a horse that likes you. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,522 times. [BONUS TIP: Obstacle work that benefits you AND your horse.] Not only does breathing calmly and relaxing your body in the saddle help to reduce your anxiety, but it will also make you a better rider. California. Please consider that my activities have been as a “Stunt Kid” from the age of 4 and right through to my 60s. After specifying their fearful situations, most riders realize that the majority of their riding actually is within their comfort zone, and that helps to increase confidence. If you’re struggling with a fear of horses, one of the best ways to overcome it is by fully immersing yourself in the world of horses. Gradually you can begin to get closer to the horse as you feel more confident. While there are millions of people who love horses, a surprisingly large percentage of those people are actually afraid of them. This means riding a horse you feel comfortable on, in an environment you are comfortable in. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To keep steadily progressing in overcoming fear, you sometimes need workarounds. If you’re afraid of horses, it might take a lot of patience to overcome your fear, but you can do it if you’re persistent. Spend the time just watching the horse’s behavior, taking in the environment, and noticing how you feel. Horses will sometimes lay back their ears to show fear or anger, and sometimes they might show the whites of their eyes or start bucking and stomping their feet. It sounds like just the thing, but time and distance are a factor. My husband is not fearful, just has the healthy respect for horses. This site uses cookies. The last thing they need is an untrained horse. Instead of worrying about it, plan for it! Live your dream, don’t let fear stop you. So, to make a long story longer, I have started back at the beginning with my daughter’s 15.2hh QH. I used to be that crazy 12 year old who would climb on any horse and ‘give it a go’. Another effective therapy for overcoming the fear of horses is gradual/systematic desensitization. Thank you so much!". Go back to a point in the desensitization process where you felt comfortable and work up from there again. Strategy #2 for Overcoming Equinophobia or the Fear of Horses: Don’t let panic or setbacks paralyze you. Start by trotting around with your horse, ideally with an experienced rider present. But the horse won’t judge you. If you feel very anxious or uncomfortable at any point, simply step away. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. To me, horses are beautiful, but large and frightening. I promise that you're not alone. Then, start to get closer when you feel ready. The book is based on the authors personal experience as well as the journey of three women who also went from fear into confident horsemanship. See my fear is not of falling, nor is it of a horse not doing what I ask. As for falling off, once you fall off, you will realize it is not too bad. Heartland) Follow horse riders on social media Look at pictures or videos of horses to begin desensitizing yourself. My book From My Hands to Yours is a huge part of the education I would recommend. Solvang Keep your heels down and gently squeeze your knees into the saddle if you get too unbalanced. While you are visualizing yourself riding in the way that you want to, try to relax your posture and be mindful. It’s taken me years to realise this is, and has always been my downfall. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It could be weeks, months, or years! Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! This article was co-authored by Kate Jutagir. Overcoming fear is a never ending battle for me. I am relatively free of any injuries significantly enough to list as major. Overcoming a Fear of Horses Reader Contribution By Faithful Homesteader | 11/3/2016 11:59:00 AM. Many people have a fear of horses, either due to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size of these gentle giants. Do things, like take him/ her on a walk, or brush him/ her. Even if they manage to dominate the horse using a chain lead shank or other artificial means, they may still have a queasy feeling because they know they are not really in charge of the situation. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike. Thank you also for considering the course Horsemanship 101 because that would, in a very significant way, increase your educational needs. Also consider that i competed professionally in rodeos, cuttings and working cow horse competitions well into my 50s. 3. Once you've mastered the canter, just continue gradually increasing your speed until you're at a full gallop. Although it may take time, you can overcome your fear. https://www.anxietycanada.com/adults/exposure-therapy-specific-phobia, https://www.businessinsider.com.au/eric-berry-overcomes-fear-of-horses-2013-9?r=US&IR=T, https://www.bayequest.com/horsetalk/fear.htm, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phobias/treatment/, https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/english/hunter-jumper/love-your-horse-riding-scared, http://www.meredithmanor.edu/features/articles/faith/fears.asp, https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2014/10/01/regaining-confidence-riding-accident/, https://www.equisearch.com/discoverhorses/five-fear-busters-for-riders, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This is a healthy position for anyone to express and what would concern me is the amateur who expresses no fear or concern for potential dangers. Monty’s Answer: Thank you very much for your question. A fear of horses is more common than one might think. Continuing your regular routine (especially if you are returning after a fall off your current horse) may not be the best way to overcome your fear. You can get help and you can ride again, all it takes is time, commitment and that special person to help you. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The best way to go about this process is to find an experienced trainer that can help you through the process. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Last Updated: August 18, 2020 This article was co-authored by Kate Jutagir. Look where you want to go. You can do this both in and out of the saddle. References. For example, say the fear you’ve bumped up … Fear around horses is not limited to riding. Flag Is Up Farms Horses and riding have always been a passion of mine and I know there are people out there that have the same passion for horses as I do that are being stopped in their tracks by fear. For example, spend a month or two building up the confidence to canter rather than launching straight into it. You will learn to enjoy riding again with the right horse and the right coach. That is simply not the case. And on Saturday at the barn during a lesson, Sugar spooked at some very loud outdoor noises while an experienced rider was on her. You can return to the horse at a later stage when you feel ready. Your communication addresses that very issue with the horse that was otherwise quiet and trustworthy but on a given moment decided to cause trouble for the other rider. Ok so I got my horse a little over a year ago when he was 8months and he now is 22 months. The riding coach will find a horse for you that is reliable, safe, and experienced. How can I lose my fear of falling off a horse? Is it full-proof or can there be unique exceptions where horses are concerned. This consists of slowly acclimatizing oneself to horses by looking at their pictures, thinking about them and gradually progressing to touching or riding them. Sugar started running sideways full steam until the experienced rider calmed and settled her. Make sure that you are with the horse’s owner and that the horse is a calm, reliable type. Tuition: $495. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Fear of horses or equinophobia is a very common phobia and the word equino is a delivered of a Greek word equus which means horses, in Latin equine means an incident with an animal in the past and phobia means fear. You will be able to make the most of your ability and skills when you are relaxed. Overcoming fear of horses. Besides, most people have fear of horses themselves. Tip #3 to overcome fear of riding horses: Invest in a Jumping Vest If you ride horses, you are going to fall. When you feel ready, ask someone who handles horses if they can introduce you to a calm, gentle horse. Start desensitizing yourself by looking at pictures or videos of horses. These are a few ways of treating and overcoming Equinophobia once and for all. Your riding coach will also be able to match you with a horse that is suitable for helping you to overcome your fear. Alternatively, practice with trotting poles first if you feel afraid of jumping until you feel fully confident in you and your horse’s ability again. Question: I’m writing because, at age 54, I’ve been given opportunity to get involved with horses. HJC in the Media. I’d be thrilled if I could at least do this. Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! How do I overcome my fear of a horse stepping/falling on me? Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. My question to you is this: I’m 54. Depending on your level of fear, this may mean just taking a few steps closer at a time or it may mean approaching the horse if you feel comfortable. If I’d have been on her, I’d likely have fallen and been injured. Now I’m even more fearful. Having a fear of horses is a real and tangible experience for many people around the world and, for some, can be crippling. Overcoming fear can require small steps, each building on the others to increase your confidence. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, simply return to a stage where you feel more comfortable and work from there again. Sometimes it may not always be a bad experience, it may just be that you have seen someone else being injured by a horse and now you are afraid to go around them. Heidi uses the horse as a tool to help the student to overcome their fears but does not train the horse. Congratulations on your ability to express a healthy concern for your safety and well being while in the process of learning what and who horses are and the potential for danger if significant errors are made. There is absolutely no disgrace in being respectful of the size and the potential danger connected with the power of horses and their athleticism. 901 E Hwy 246 In considering your question I suddenly realize that I have never been hospitalized for an injury caused by a horse. Try to stay relaxed throughout; remember, if you're relaxed, the horse will be relaxed. 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