At 20:25:29 on 02.06.11, hopefulbeginning wrote:
I've been riding since I was 9 years old, and never had any fear. When I was 15, my very-green mare fell down on her knees while cantering around a corner. Mind you, I had a very bad coach at the time, but the incident really scared me, and it still affects me sometimes. Mostly, when I'm going forward while jumping because she used to run at the jumps. I guess the big issue is feeling out of control at times. And although she has changed drastically, I get anxious when I feel her trying to rush again.

At 21:21:43 on 02.06.11, JustGottaRide wrote:
I know exactly how you feel minus the jumping part... I am slowly getting over my fear due to an incident with too much forward movement. I find the best thing to do is go back to the basics a bit, and really refine them until you feel in total control of the simple things. Even though this sounds really dumb and pointless, it really helps. Hang out with people who are considerate and patient with your anxiety--the last thing you want is to feel down for having this problem!

At 21:59:16 on 02.06.11, GalwayGirl wrote:
yes if you keep to the basics then you should build up your confidence in no time :) its very annoying i know . it takes time to build the confidence in the first place but only a second to knock it all . with jumping just stay jumping small verticles or slightly bigger crosspoles . no higher untill you feel totally secure again . also you could try maybe riding a good straightforward pony to get you feeling very confident with your riding . sometimes that helps too . but really just start with the basics and hopefully in no time youl be fine :) good luck :)

At 20:34:25 on 14.06.11, NoraPieterse wrote:
I know exactly how you feel. Having a fall or a scare can really knock your confidence. Try to trust your horse more. Think how she must be feeling when you pass your doubt and anxiety on to her. It must knock her confidence too. Try to overcome your fear together and renew your bond and trust in some way. I know it's so dificult and I often have problems like this. it takes me so long to get over it and get my confidence back.

At 09:51:16 on 10.10.11, wtfxalicia wrote:
Try cantering slowly in a figure of eight if you can (: and just doing various cantering exercises to improve your confidence. Or trotting some cavaletti, which are jumps by appearance but require her to collect herself. Maybe if she still rushes a little, just trot in a 20m circle a few strides from the jump to calm her down and get her under control? It's a change from routine so she won't be expecting it and is less inclined to, and able to, rush upon completing the circle. :)

At 21:57:49 on 12.10.11, benjy blue wrote:
my horse did he exact same and can be scary but with practise and luck he should grow out of it!!