How to get over horse riding fear!
I had no idea the weight of the fear I was carrying around, until one day when I had found my courage I felt light as a feather.  It was a while after I was riding again, and it just filled me with joy.  Like many of you, we carry the weight of fear without even realizing it.  I believe we can all find our courage again, when we choose to!

The weight of the fear takes a toll on our health.  We were not designed to stay in freeze, fight, or flight mode.  That stress wreaks havoc on our systems.  It manifested for me in migraines and horrible "female" issues.  It also takes a toll on our emotions and mental health.  For me, I felt fear in a lot of areas of my life.  Dentist, riding in a car as a passenger, and definitely with the horses.  Removing the weight freed up all those things!  Confidence filled me in all areas of my life.  I was surprised.

Here are the steps that really helped me:
1. Changing my memories of my accident.  Nobody said I had to remember it as it happened, I could choose to remember all the great things about that day.
2. Reframing negative thoughts.  Become a master and taking those negative thoughts running around and switch them to wonderful thoughts.  You get to choose your thoughts.
3. Gradual exposure to horses and riding.  Find a process for courage that works for you.  I look at this as a video game.  You do a little bit and then go back to the start and then do a little bit more and then go back to the start.  Each time, you are getting better and better and the fear won't have room inside of you anymore.
4. Building a support system.  You are not alone!  I remember how alone I felt in my fear.  Even the trainers didn't understand my fear.  I created a support group for all of us searching for courage.  (Join free group here!)
5. Focusing on personal growth and resilience.  Keep going.  If you want the joy of riding again, you can make it happen.  We are all cheering you on and I am here to support you.

To hear about overcoming triggers, my Blue car/Red car theory, you can hear it on my latest podcast:  Listen now!




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Hey there! I’m Elise Hittinger—Fear Slayer, Confidence Creator, and your go-to Courage Coach.

 
Once upon a time, I was that fearless kid riding deep into Angeles National Forest without a second thought. Then bam—life threw me a plot twist. A horse flipped on me, pinning me beneath it, and fear crept in like an uninvited guest who wouldn’t leave.

That moment tested everything. But here’s the wild part—I walked away with only bruises and a divine reminder that I wasn’t done yet. Fear may have stolen my joy for a while, but it did not get the final say.

Fast forward to a move to Kentucky, where the trails were calling my name. I had two choices: let fear keep the reins or take them back. Spoiler alert—I took them back. Now, I help other riders (and, honestly, anyone sick of fear running their life) do the same.

I make fear pack its little bags and GTFO. Whether it’s through hypnotherapy, NLP, or a little well-placed humor, I help people trade anxiety for confidence, doubt for courage, and overthinking for action.

So, if you’re ready to kick fear to the curb and rediscover the joy you deserve—I’m here for it. Let’s do this.

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