The better the balance, the higher the confidence! Imagine feeling solid standing on the ground. You feel invincible standing there with your feet slightly apart, maybe one in front of the other. How can I improve my balance while riding using that feeling from standing on the ground?
I love Alicia Dickenson when she talks about the 80/20 rule. 80% of your weight in your stirrups, feeling like you are standing on the ground and 20% throughout the rest of your legs. When I tried this, I was shocked at how solid I felt. I add in the additional putting one foot slightly ahead of the other foot which adds to my feeling of balance on the horse. By keeping weight in the feet, and feeling like you are standing on the ground, your horse can move and even play under you and it doesn't throw you off balance like it does with the weight in your seat. A friend once said it is like sitting on a loaf of bread without smashing it.
The second area of focus for me, especially if I have not been riding for a while is to "ride" an exercise ball. I love playing with my feet, my weight, moving and movements while on the ball. I can feel a posting trot or a canter motion and if I fall off, I only have a couple feet to go! Bonus!
The next area that I love to play with is my balance on one foot or the other foot. I will stand on one foot, bending that knee and straightening while swinging my other leg all around until I feel really confident standing on one foot. I love doing this while doing dishes or folding laundry or even while grooming my horse. There are so many times I can really play standing on one leg. If you want an extra challenge, do this one with your eyes closed. Make sure you are safe and have something to hold on to though, it takes some getting used to.
I feel so much more confident in the saddle by implementing the above! If you resonated with the above and would really like to take it to the next level, here is my guide, 5 ways to feel like a kid again!
My accident happened when I didn't check anything before getting on. I groomed the horse and didn't notice that he was in pain. I tacked up the horse, not noticing that he was tense. I got on the horse and when my butt hit the saddle, I knew I was in trouble. In seconds, the horse flipped over backwards on top of me. This was one hundred percent my fault. At any point in the process getting on, I could have recognized that something was drastically wrong. I was enjoying the campground, the great weather, the late afternoon sunshine. I was enjoying the sounds of the woodpeckers in the trees. I was completely absorbed in my surroundings and just didn't connect with and pay attention to my partner, the horse I was getting on. It was almost like it was a couch was going to hang out on instead of a partner.
Let's rewind and see what could have been done different.
1. The horse had been bit by a black widow on the neck. As I was grooming, if I had been paying attention to how the horse felt as I groomed, I would have noticed any and all issues. Sore areas, bumps, bruises, ets. The horse had just stepped off the trailer after hauling to the camp ground and he had been bit in the trailer. He was in pain. Significant pain. Even subtle pain if I had been paying attention would have come to my attention before I put my butt in the saddle. (To hear a little about my story and what could have prevented, watch my video on this #1 key to prevention: Watch Here
2. As I was tacking up, I could have been observing the horses movements, his flexibility. I walk them when I am doing up the cinch. I do a little, walk, do a little more, walk. At any point, I could have seen that he was short strided, that he wasn't relaxed and loose, that he was tense, in his whole body and especially his neck.
3. A pre-ride checklist, that I have now would have given me a checklist to run through for me and for the horse. It would have made sure I saw the signs that the horse was in pain. I created it from this moment in time where I didn't pay attention to me or to the horse and it almost cost me my life.
Once I was on the horse, it was too late. I had 30 minutes to prevent the 30 seconds that crushed me. I learned a lot. I also learned how to get over my fear.
If you would like to learn my process for healing my fear, and getting my courage back, grab a copy of my best selling book, Rise from Fear to Courage!
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, anticipation builds for riding! Before saddling up for spring riding, it's essential to ensure both horse and rider are properly prepared for the journey ahead. Here are my favorite 4 tips to prepare:
1. Fitness and Flexibility:
Spring riding often follows a period of reduced activity during the winter months. I love working on my core strength and flexibility through targeting these in everyday life. Dancing, pulling my foot to my torso to put on socks and shoes instead of bending over, balancing on one foot while I fold laundry and then the other foot while I do dishes. Play with fitness and flexibility. Building physical fitness enhances balance and stability in the saddle, reducing the risk of fatigue or injury. It also improves your confidence.
2. Equipment Check:
Before heading out to ride, give all your tack a thorough cleaning and inspection. Also check proper fit for horse and rider. Knowing your equipment is safe and ready helps relieve stress. If you wear a helmet, make sure it is ready to protect you as well. Add in any safety equipment you have been thinking about.
3. Horse Health:
Make sure your horse is ready for spring. Develop a comprehensive health care plan for your horse. Regular grooming and hoof care are also essential for maintaining her horse's overall well-being and knowing if any issues need to be addressed.
4. Mental Preparation:
Lastly, prepare yourself mentally for spring riding. This may involve setting intentions, practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present in the moment, and visualizing successful outings. Cultivating a positive mindset and embracing the joy of riding helps create anticipation for the coming adventures with confidence and enthusiasm. If you would like an example of mental prep, check out my video here!
With careful preparation and attention to detail, we can make the most of our spring riding adventures, create cherished memories and strengthening our bond with her equine companion.
If you have resonated with these tips, check out the Pre-Ride Checklists for horse and rider! Get the Checklists here!
Riding around in the Junior Hunters Under Saddle as a kid, I remember all the people placed all around the rail just whispering to me "Breathe" as I rode by. They already had put Vaseline on my front teeth so my smile would be there but the breathing they had to keep telling me, over and over. I would hold my breath. I would continue to hold my breath. I would almost pass out holding my breath. Why? I was so afraid. When fear creeps in, we hold our breath or the other extreme of hyperventilating (which I used to do when I have to have blood drawn).
The great thing about learning breathing techniques is that they work for just about everything. They can be practiced sitting on your couch or front porch. You can gradually introduce them to areas in your life that bring you anxiety (or even just visualize those things and use breathing to calm down). Here are my favorites:
1. Ferris Wheel Breathing - so many people talk about box breathing but I like to picture a Ferris wheel with breathing in, going up and then exhaling while going down and just picturing that circle as even as possible. The reason I like this better is it gives me more things to focus on. I can visualize the Ferris wheel as I am breathing. When I am visualizing and breathing circular, a feeling of calm comes over me. If you don't like Ferris wheels, you can use a Carousel. These are both great for really slowing and calming the breathing.
2. Hum, Talk, or Sing. Sing a song. Hum a song. Whatever is your favorite for vocalizing. You can't hold your breath and do any of these things. Singing a song is my favorite since I also have to think about the words. The brain can't be focused on fear and focused on the words to a song at the same time. Even something like 99 bottles of beer on the wall is good because you have to think of the numbers while singing and breathing.
3. Play a game like "I'm taking a trip and I pack...." or "I Spy". Play games that you have to talk with your horse. I even like the “I am taking a trip” and I pack something and then something my horse would pack, like carrots, back and forth. So much fun and you can't hold your breath while talking and playing a game out loud. The "I Spy" has the added benefit of having you keep your eyes up and your focus on where you are going. Here is a video I did sharing how I play the games: Check out the video!
Play with your breathing and see what works best for you. You can do this sitting at home and play with it until it feels natural and then start introducing it when you feel your anxiety coming up.
If you liked the ideas, here are some ideas for other games to play with your horses! Get Energy Games Here!
Riding through life's challenges can be as daunting as riding horses. I lost my joy riding when fear took over after an accident. I was still riding but I wasn't riding with confidence and at the smallest blip, I got off. I had lost the joy of riding and was focused on not being afraid.
Here are 6 ways to start to regain your confidence:
1. Acknowledge Your Fears:
The first step is acknowledging your fears. Like many riders, we have faced moments of doubt or anxiety. Recognizing these fears is not a sign of weakness but a courageous acknowledgment that helps us heal. It honors the fear and let's it know we hear it. Feel the fear but know it is just trying to keep you safe, even if you aren't in danger.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
Start small and set achievable goals. Whether it's mastering a certain riding technique, conquering a specific fear trigger, or simply spending more quality time with your horse, setting realistic goals helps build confidence incrementally. Soak up that confidence every chance you get, it builds a strong foundation of courage.
3. Embrace Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for overcoming fear. Practice being present in the moment, tuning into the rhythm of her horse's movement, and cultivating a sense of calm. Mindfulness not only enhances the riding experience but also nurtures confidence from within. By staying connected and mindful, you will be able to notice little changes in your horse and take action before it is too late and they blow up. I put together a short video on how I use mindfulness while riding if you would like to check it out here: Watch Video
4. Seek Expert Guidance:
Even top competitors seek guidance from other riders or professionals. Engaging in lessons or clinics provides a structured environment for learning and gaining valuable insights. A supportive mentor can offer tailored advice, boosting both skill and confidence. Tell them about your fears and let them know how they can support you and help you. For me, "just go do it" didn't work and letting them know that I wanted them to give me time really helped them help me.
5. Create a Support System:
Building a supportive community can make a significant difference. We can connect with fellow riders who understand our journey, share experiences, and offer encouragement. A strong support system provides a safety net as we gradually regain our confidence. (Here is the link to my support group!)
6. Reflect and Celebrate Progress:
It's essential to reflect on our progress regularly, riding or anytime we are overcoming anxiety. Celebrate small victories, whether it's a successful mounting or a calm canter. Acknowledging progress reinforces a positive mindset and bolsters confidence for the next challenge.
Regaining confidence in riding is a process of self-discovery and the unwavering belief that we can reclaim our joy in the saddle.
If you enjoyed these, you will enjoy my complimentary ebook, The Ultimate Guide to Courage Pennies, which helps you build confidence every day and fill up your courage so you are ready for anything, riding or just in life.
