At 23:29:05 on 11.10.11, I3 horses wrote:
Hi i started riding 3 years ago and had my first fall on a horse approaching a jump it wasnt that bad of a fall although i did break my arm ..... which left me 6 week without riding every since ive been slightle nervous and anxios before each lesson but know i have moved to an advace group wear we are jumping high and doing courses but i am soo terrifed before each lesson thinking about my fall i sometimes cry im sooo scared i ws just wondering is there anyone else with this probem ..????

At 12:24:33 on 13.10.11, nicolajayne1992 wrote:
heyy i also have this problem been riding for over 7 years and had two awful accidents that really knocked my confidence now im terrified to do anything it's gotten that bad iv stopped riding for a while i dont know how to bring my confidence back at all

At 03:59:56 on 20.10.11, Sasha Sanvido wrote:
Hey, I've had this problem on & off, ive had quite a few bad accidents ( my horse enjoys bolting ) and I find the best way to get past it is just to force yourself through it, it's hard at first but it does get better, it takes time. maybe if its not just one horse try vaulting, its great for confidence and builds crazy muscels for better control of the horse. Maybe for a while I would suggest jumping lower or even just doing flatwork to regain you confidence, riding is meant to be fun, not terrifying. Hope this helps guys!

At 02:26:23 on 24.10.11, PawPaw2010 wrote:
Hi guys, I cant say I suffered from a total lack of confidence however I was quite anxious when I got back on after breaking my back in a riding accident. I think what probably helped me most was to go back and ride at the grounds where it happened with some supportive and been there done that mates. I spent about two hours on the ground walking around with my trusty gelding(not the horse I fell off)trying to swallow my heart and make it return to my chest!!! I almost didnt get back on and was in tears, but then it hit me that riding and spending time with my horses is (besides from watching my children grow) the high light of every day of my life, they had picked me up when I was sad and taught me many lessons that have made me the person I am today and that I owed them after years of amazing experiences, the courage to get back on!! I rode for only an hour that day but by the following week I felt confident enough to get back on the mare I fell off and ride her in the exact location I was hurt. This little mare is now slowing becoming one of my favorite horses, after all it is not just the highlights that we share with our best mates but the disappointments, tragedies and confidence busters too!!!

At 03:52:46 on 17.11.11, nutie1 wrote:
If it's not too late to reply.... I used to shake terribly before riding, and fake being sick because I was so scared, or because I didn't want to ride a certain horse. But eventually, I realized that horses are my life. So maybe it depends on how much you're missing being around your horse, or taking lessons (if you do). Also, another thing I though was really helpful, was having and experienced trainer or friend that could just help talk you through, whether it was working on a lunge line, or jumping over small cross rails until you feel more confortable. And I know this might sound weird....But if you go to jump, try doing math in your head, or singing a song. It'll take your mind off of falling and will relax you. I really hope this helped, and good luck!

At 02:07:22 on 02.01.12, shadypony wrote:
I was a little uneasy to start riding again after a big fiasco that id rather not discuss right here, but basically, think about why it happened. did the horse overjump and you flew off? did he refuse? did he run out? If he refused maybe you didnt have enough leg on. then keep your leg on when you jump! if he ran out, maybe you gave him too much rein. So shorten your reins and keep him centered next time you jump! You see? Whatever caused it, DONT DO IT! thats kinda my motto "NEVER smack a horse on the butt." and if your really uneasy, ask your trainer if you can ride a horse that will take you over the jump no matter what with all good distances and such. Even though Im sure your not a little beginner, riding an easy horse or pony can really help get your confidence back :)

At 12:53:26 on 04.01.12, OffTheTrack wrote:
This is a really horrible situation to be in- you really want to ride but the fear is too much! A good way to help overcome this is to think back on the times that it went RIGHT! Think about how it felt to fly over those jumps and the way the canter felt strong and fast and fluid. Think about how hard the horse tried for you all those other times. Next time you go riding, before you get on the horse, look into his eye. Is there any expression of hate or evil there? No. Is there any look in his eye that tells you he wants to hurt his rider? No. Look at the way all the horses around you are trying to please, working for their riders. Talk to yourself when you ride, talk to the horse, tell him you trust him, tell him you're brave and a good enough rider. Pretend to be happy and brave, even if you don't feel it inside- your horse needs to know that you're a strong leader! :) If you have friends or parents watching your lesson, smile at them as you go past, wave at them or give them a thumbs up. Ask them to stay and watch so you can do these things. The more you pretend you're brave and happy, the more real it becomes... until you really are brave and happy! Don't let people talk to you about their riding accidents if you don't want to hear things like that, instead ask them how good jumping feels for them and what they think about the trust and willingness in the mind of every horse. You'll be able to do it, I'm absolutely positive :) x

At 12:09:59 on 10.05.12, Shishkabob wrote:
Hi! I had a bad fall off a five year old horse... And totally lost my confidence. I'm now loaning a 14 hand, very sweet mare who is absolutely perfect out on trail rides but since I'm not 100% confident, she acts up in the arena and I am afraid to stop her... So it just ends up with me sitting there and her doing whatever she wants. This was getting really bad, so I've started riding differently. When we're in the arena, we just walk, and we won't do any trotting for like the next month or so, until I can get her to do anything in walk. I just started this yesterday, and were like a totally different horse and rider. Since I'm not anxious, she is relaxed and focusing on me, and I'm focused on her and nothing else. It does take a while, but it works! Good luck :) x