In my clinics and classes, I've worked with hundreds of people that lack confidence around horses. My father always told us when we were kids, "Ride hard and never fear the spills." Easier said than done... So what actually makes up the confidence within a horse rider?
I see it all the time, some of the bravest riders are usually children, and the most nervous are women, especially mothers. That nurturing instinct means that they are experts in calculating risks and preventing dangerous situations. So how do we work with a horse effectively when we are constantly thinking about everything that could go wrong?
Whether you've had a bad experience, a long period out of the saddle, or you're even just wondering how to gain confidence initially; the answer is mostly the same- and it comes from within.
We are talking about mindset... A few other external factors.
FUN FACT: Studies say that a horse can hear a human's heartbeat up to 1.2m away. When they are in a herd, they synchronise their heart rates so that if one of them changes, they sense danger quicker. That's where the saying comes from- horses can smell your fear.
Being herd animals, they are extremely sensitive to our energies, hence we transmit all of our emotions. When we start thinking about everything that can go wrong, we not only stop thinking in the present, but we can easily trigger a flight response or reaction in our equine companion. For that reason we need to be extremely conscious of our own thoughts, and be able to control them. If we cannot control our own minds, how do we expect to control that of a 500kg animal?
Of course the ability to control your thoughts not only helps with horses, but life in general. As easy as it sounds on paper, anyone who has practiced meditation and how to clear their mind completely, knows how difficult it can be.
Depending on the person, I usually try to get them to do one of two things- focus on the present moment or 'go to their happy place.' Cliche I know.
You can bring yourself into the present moment by putting your focus on what's around you, on your horse and on yourself. For example, what can you see, hear, feel and smell? This prevents you thinking too much into the future and prevents things from falling apart. Alternatively, changing your thought to a good memory or beautiful place, or just thinking positively, can also make a difference.
Practicing mindfulness is like flexing a muscle, the more you do it, the stronger it gets.
Other important factors include:
1. Riding the correct horse for your riding level, that you can trust and give you confidence. The horse you learn on must be quiet, experienced, have the right temperament and be an easy size for you to manage.
2. Understanding your horse. Horse psychology in general is obviously quite complex as one rule doesn't fit all. If you have the opportunity to work with a coach/trainer (the right one), with your horse, it will result in better understanding, preparation and techniques- instantly boosting confidence. Which brings me to my next point and probably the most important:
3. Have an experienced person to help you. If you are struggling with confidence, you will most likely need that extra support. Instead of reading about how to gain confidence riding and handling a horse, your best option is to find an experience horse riding instructor in your area who can help you.
4. Groundwork. I have seen it a lot, people arrive to a class or the equine centre and usually just jump on and go. It is important to understand that confidence is won on the ground first. If a client comes to me as a bundle nerves, I usually spend a large amount of time doing groundwork exercises, as well as getting the student to groom, saddle and wash their horse. This improves their confidence by preparing them mentally and giving them reassurance that they can trust their horse. After all, trust is a two way street: you need to trust your horse, so he can trust you in return.
A good instructor will teach you riding skills... A great instructor will teach you to understand your horse, yourself and how to work together as a team.
At the end of the day, persistence is key- so don't give up! That great relationship between you and your horse could be just around the corner.
What do you do to gain confidence with your horse?
What triggers your nervousness around your horse?
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I have worked with hundreds of people in my clinics and classes, all over the world, conquer their fears and learn to enjoy the process again. I am currently based in the 'Hindle Horsemanship Centre' in Highfields, QLD, Aus. I am available for riding and horsemanship classes (for all ages and levels), in person and online (in Spanish or English). For more information, contact me on 0431985438 or WhatsApp +52 4811237509 for international enquires.
Happy training!
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