You used to enjoy riding your horse, but now you’re struggling. Whether you're afraid of getting hurt, worried about ‘messing up’ your horse, or feeling that your horse doesn't listen to you...  you feel stuck, frustrated, and alone.  

And right now you're wondering if it's time for you to quit horse riding... hang up your riding boots for good. But that breaks your heart.

Is It Time To Quit Riding? Or Is Something Else Going On?

You love your horse. But something has changed.

You’re making more and more excuses not to ride. Is it lack of motivation?

You feel a knot in your stomach when you think about riding. Is it fear?

You hear the “what-if” thoughts telling you “you’re not good enough”. Is it self-doubt?

Riding has been such an important part of your life. Not just something you do, but part of your identity. Of who you are.

And the thought of not riding, breaks your heart.

You don’t feel like you anymore.

Maybe you’re afraid of falling off - of getting hurt again.

Maybe you’re scared of “messing up” your horse.

Maybe you feel like you’re just not connecting with your horse - is he even listening to you?.

You’re not riding as much - or at all.

And now a thought you never expected you’d have keeps showing up…

“Should I just quit riding?”

When You Love Horses, But Fear Steals the Joy

A few years ago, I stood exactly where you might be right now.

I was a riding coach and horse trainer. But I was so afraid to get back in the saddle that my hands would shake. I felt nauseous just thinking about putting my foot in the stirrup.

It felt like a tug of war between what I wanted to do and what my mind was stopping me from doing.

But I knew in my soul that I couldn’t give up. Because horses - and riding - weren’t just hobbies. They were my heart and soul.

And if I let fear win, I’d lose a part of myself. I’d lose what truly lit me up.

So I got to work.

Not by “cowgirling up” or “white knuckling it” or “pushing through” the fear in any way. But by learning how to understand and work with my fear.

I studied mindset coaching, nervous system regulation, NLP, and tools for calming both the mind and the body. Slowly, I started to ride again.

And, even more importantly - I began to enjoy riding again.

That lonely journey became the foundation for the work I do now - and for my book, Confident Rider Confident Horse.

Is It Really Time to Quit Riding? Or Are You Riding for the Wrong Reasons?

Sometimes fear isn’t the whole story. Sometimes it’s trying to tell you something.

Maybe your goals have changed - but no one told your inner critic.

Maybe you’re chasing someone else’s dream.

Or maybe you just haven’t given yourself permission to do things differently.

Here are a few real-life stories from my clients:

• One woman started riding dressage to connect with her teenage daughter. But once her daughter left home, she found herself riding a younger, greener gelding - and dreading it. It wasn’t her dream. What lit her up? Trail riding on her older, quiet, reliable mare.
• Another woman rode because her daughter seemed to enjoy it… until one day, the daughter confessed she’d always preferred dance but didn’t want to disappoint her mum.
• A riding coach friend of mine kept riding even after a traumatic fall left her dreading every ride. She felt guilty even thinking about quitting. But her real passion? Groundwork and equine assisted personal development. And became her full-time focus - with zero guilt and 100% joy.
• One of my clients stopped riding when her mare developed behavioural issues under saddle due to a chronic condition. Rather than sell her, they started hiking together - building their connection in a new way while spending time together in a way they both enjoyed.

In every one of these stories, the woman thought about quitting. But what they really needed was a way to reconnect with their reason for riding. What's your big Why?

Ask Yourself: What Do You Really Want?

This might be the most important question you ever ask yourself as a rider.

Why do I really want to ride?

What first brought me to horses?

What would I miss most if I gave it up?Am I riding for me - or for someone else?

Is there another way to enjoy horses that fits who I am now?

If your answer is “I still want to ride, but I just don’t know how to get past this fear,” then let’s explore what’s possible - together.

You’re Not Broken. And You’re Not Alone.

If your confidence feels fragile or completely gone, I want you to know this:

It can come back.

You can ride without fear stealing the joy.

You can feel calm, capable, and connected in the saddle again.

But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My 1:1 Horse Riding Confidence Breakthrough Program is for women just like you - midlife riders who love their horse but are held back by fear. In just a few weeks, we gently uncover what’s causing your nerves and give you practical, personalised tools to feel more confident in and out of the saddle.

Helpful Resources to Get You Started

📘 Read the book: Confident Rider, Confident Horse teaches you how to calm your mind and body, understand your horse’s behaviour, and build a trusting partnership from the ground up.

🎥 Take the mini-course: Want quick, practical tools to manage your nerves? My Stop Riding Scared mini-course gives you simple steps you can start using today - whether you’re just thinking about riding or already back in the saddle.

👉 Click here to get the mini-course now

So... is it time to quit horse riding?

Only you can answer that. But you need to be asking yourself the right questions - and answering them honestly.

But if you're still reading, and your heart is whispering “don’t give up” - then let’s find a way forward for you.

Because there’s more waiting for you in the saddle.

And you don’t have to get there alone.

Ready to Talk About What’s Next For You?

If you’re tired of struggling alone - and you want help getting clarity - I invite you to book a free Confidence Call.

This is a relaxed, friendly conversation where we’ll talk through what’s holding you back, and what your next steps could be. If one of my coaching programs is a good fit, we can talk about that, too - BUT only if you’re interested.

No pressure. Just clarity. And a friendly ear.

👉 Click here to book your free Confidence Call now.