I was 12 or so years old out riding my pony with friends and we were having so much fun on the trails. We saw a man a hundred yards away or so and what happened next terrified us. He sent his dogs to "GET US". They were four Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and they came full speed right at us on our ponies as if they were going to tear us apart. We turned and ran as fast as our ponies would run and managed to all make it to safety. There are times when riding, like this one, where fear is so important. We don't want to ride completely without fear. We just want to get rid of imaginary or perceived fear.
Here are three things that have helped me ride without fear:
1. Being mindful is probably the most important. There is so much in this. Paying attention before getting on to how you are feeling, how your horse is feeling and is it a good day for a ride for both of you. Once riding, pay attention as you ride to how you are feeling, how your horse is feeling, and what is going on around you but keeping focus on where you are heading. Even in an arena, keep the focus on the direction just like driving a car. Stay mindful of where you are heading and what you are doing.
2. Have a conversation with your horse. Ask your horse for responses and really listen to the responses you get. Watching their ears is a great way to start to see their responses. Stay in tune with your horse while you are riding. It is more like having a conversation with a great friend then what so many people think of master and horse. Play with the conversation and see how light you can ask for things and see how tiny of a response can you feel while listening to your horse.
3. Have an exit plan. If you know some of the things that trigger your fear, put together an exit plan. This could be breathing exercises, singing, something with your voice which keeps you from holding your breath. It can be refocusing on where you are heading, circles, figure eights, or something movement wise. Know if "A" happens, I will do "X". Whatever this is for you, look at the things riding that scare you and put a plan together on how you will handle it and then practice that. Also, don't be ashamed to have someone lead you or to get off. These are both viable and safe options.
If you have enjoyed these tips, you could get my free Pre-Ride Checklists for horse and rider to help you make sure you and your horse are ready for the ride. Pre-Ride Checklists!
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