The Secret to Building Your Horse Riding Confidence

When I tell people that I lost my horse riding confidence a few years ago they usually have 2 reactions. 

First, they’re surprised to find out how scared I was (shaking in my riding boots scared). 

Second, they want to know…

“If you were so scared, how did you get to be so confident now?”

I won’t lie – it took a lot of work and it didn’t happen overnight.  But, here’s the secret …

the main reason I was able to regain my horse riding confidence was because my ‘why’ was stronger than my fear.  

If I didn’t regain my confidence, I would have to give up doing what I love best – riding and coaching – and find another way to make a living. 

I love teaching other horse lovers how to get the best out of themselves and out of their horses.

I love seeing them develop confidence, improve their skills and build better partnerships with their horses.

I love seeing the positive transformation of the human and the horse – together.

It takes desire, dedication and determination to regain your confidence.

It takes courage to take even baby steps forward when you are ‘shaking in your riding boots scared’.

The more clear you are about WHY you want to be with or ride horses the more motivated you will be to do the work.

What’s your why?

It’s that one specific reason you want to be with or ride horses (or a particular horse).

Your ‘why’ might be so that you can enjoy spending time supporting your horse-loving child or partner without feeling stressed or anxious.

It might be that you want to be able to enjoy a trail ride with your friends.  Or maybe it’s because you want to be able to do your best in the show ring.

Whatever your why is bring it to life.

Write about it in your journal, create a collage about it or visualize it.

Be as detailed as you can possibly be using all five senses.  What do you feel?  What do you smell?  What do you hear? What do you see?  What will you gain?  How will your life be better?

At least once a day read what you’ve written, look at your collage, or run through your visualisation like you’re watching a movie.

Keeping your ‘why’ in the forefront of your mind will give you the courage to push through the difficult times.

Those times when you just want to quit because it seems too overwhelming.  Those times when you don’t feel like you’re making any progress.

And, remember to recognise and congratulate yourself for the baby steps you make.  Any forward movement is good – it’s movement in the right direction.

You’ll get there – one (baby) step at a time.  I know you can.  Because I’ve been where you are and I did it.