overcoming fear of horses

They will learn to trust you. Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! In my quest to provide good advice to my readers, one of my most often incurred questions is how to overcome your fear of riding. It is an extremely prevalent issue amongst horse enthusiast but sadly it is seldom discussed. If there is a specific type of horse that you feel afraid of, try to gear the desensitization towards this type. In the interim, they are boarded where my husband’s friend has had them boarded the past several years and where they receive good care. You will also be able to communicate more effectively with your horse. Women and Leadership. And on Saturday at the barn during a lesson, Sugar spooked at some very loud outdoor noises while an experienced rider was on her. Overcoming Your Fear of Horses . Horses are large and impressive creatures; many people find that they love the power and majesty of the animals right up to the time they come into actual contact with a horse. You will learn to enjoy riding again with the right horse and the right coach. For example, you may be scared of small ponies if you were bitten by one as a child or you may feel fearful of larger horses if you have had a particularly traumatic fall. Finding them can boost your creative problem solving. Gradually you can begin to get closer to the horse as you feel more confident. Fear around horses is not limited to riding. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. In considering your question I suddenly realize that I have never been hospitalized for an injury caused by a horse. Many people have a fear of horses, either due to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size of these gentle giants. It’s always safer to go back to the basics, where you are comfortable, and build up to where you left off. This article has been viewed 78,522 times. That is a good a start as I could recommend. Also consider that i competed professionally in rodeos, cuttings and working cow horse competitions well into my 50s. Having a fear of horses is a real and tangible experience for many people around the world and, for some, can be crippling. There are many different ways to begin the desensitization process. 5 Steps for Overcoming Horse Riding Fear For example, spend a month or two building up the confidence to canter rather than launching straight into it. I read your book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” and have signed up for the Equus Online University. 901 E Hwy 246 It’s taken me years to realise this is, and has always been my downfall. To keep steadily progressing in overcoming fear, you sometimes need workarounds. Riders who are physically fit are less likely to injure themselves if they fall. Overcoming your fear of horses can be a long process. Live your dream, don’t let fear stop you. Why is fear a good or bad thing, and how do we live with it? Expert Interview. I am no longer scared of them, and this article is the reason. Changing negative self-talk to positive self-talk can take a while. Three ways that you can do this are: Spend more time around horses; watch horse movies and shows (a.k.a. Sometimes it’s all in the energy you get and feel, which in this case comes from your horse. Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Flag Is Up Farms Simply just being around the horse for as long as you need may help immensely. Fear Expands Your Creativity. You can do this both in and out of the saddle. Your horse will sense your tension, making a spook more likely. I had the same fear but I have fallen and it's not a big deal. These are a few ways of treating and overcoming Equinophobia once and for all. In my seminars on fear of riding at horse fairs, the room is always jam packed with people, all of whom are greatly relieved to see everyone else there; people of all ages, genders, abilities and experience. I think its fair to even suggest that it is not unlike learning to roller skate or even negotiating the streets, on foot, of any given city we might traverse. It’s happened so many times. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Heidi uses the horse as a tool to help the student to overcome their fears but does not train the horse. Thank you so much!". Thank you also for considering the course Horsemanship 101 because that would, in a very significant way, increase your educational needs. Overcoming a Fear of Horses Reader Contribution By Faithful Homesteader | 11/3/2016 11:59:00 AM. You can return to the horse at a later stage when you feel ready. It is common for people to love horses but be afraid to ride them. When you feel ready, ask someone who handles horses if they can introduce you to a calm, gentle horse. Virtually very segment required by you is covered on those pages. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, if you’re still struggling with your fear, consider talking to a therapist. A horse that is a little taller might be better. 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