How Can I Ride Without Fear?
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!

0 Comments

Leave a Comment


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.

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Elise Hittinger.