Finding myself making excuses to avoid riding, I confronted a formidable adversary: fear. Deep down, I grappled with conflicting emotions – a burning passion for riding clashed with the daunting fear of getting hurt.
Like many of you, I found myself in the relentless tug-of-war with fear. Whether it was the apprehension of mounting a horse, facing a daunting challenge, or battling with general anxiety, the internal struggle threatened to overpower me. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, I made a conscious decision – to let my passion triumph over fear, and I urge you to do the same.
For me, the journey towards conquering fear began when we moved to Kentucky and have 75 beautiful acres to ride. Jazz Napravnik, at Mindset Matters, helped me see the power in breathing techniques. Embracing various breathing techniques became my anchor amidst the storm of fear. It became the eye of the storm and I place I can always return. In the inaugural episode of my Turn Riding Fear Around Podcast, I delve into my two cherished breathing methods, accessible on popular podcasting platforms or directly on my website.
Why do these techniques work wonders? Firstly, they counteract our natural tendency to hold our breath when fear grips us, ushering in a wave of relaxation. Secondly, they provide a focal point for the mind, be it through counting or visualization, diverting attention away from fear's paralyzing grip.
Yet, preparation extends beyond mastering breathing techniques. It encompasses a deliberate shift in mindset. As we head out to spend time with the horses, we can all adhere to a golden rule: leave the chatter of the mind at home. Amidst the chaos of daily life, it's easy to be consumed by thoughts of tasks and to-do lists. However, when we step into the presence of our equine companions, we can choose to bring only heart and undivided attention. Leaving our baggage behind; it will patiently await our return.
In essence, the path to overcoming fear begins with a choice – a choice to confront it head-on, armed with the tools of breath and presence. So, take a deep breath, harness your courage, and let your passion guide you towards fearlessness in the saddle and beyond.
You can check out my new podcast where you listen or on any of my platforms:
on my website "HERE",
As riders, our relationship with fear evolves over time, particularly as we enter new stages of life. For those of us riding after 50, fear can take on a different dimension, influenced by both our accumulated experiences and the physical realities of aging. The accidents or the anticipation of accidents becomes more accute. There is hope! We can navigate fear and continue to enjoy the beauty and freedom of horseback riding well into our later years. I had a friend that had never ridden and bought her first horse when she was mid 50's and went on to be a great jumper rider. It gave me a lot of courage to know if she can do it, so can I!
One key aspect to riding after 50 is acknowledging and honoring our fears. It's natural to feel apprehensive about riding as we age, especially if we've experienced accidents or injuries in the past. Instead of dismissing or suppressing these fears, we can choose to embrace them with compassion and curiosity. By embracing our fears without judgment, we create space courage and growth.
Another essential component of riding after 50 is prioritizing self-care and physical well-being. As we age, our bodies may require more care and attention to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Incorporating healthy eating habits, exercise (remember when you were a kid?), can help support our physical health and enhance our riding performance. The better we feel before we get on the horse, the more energy we will have and the better we will feel when we get off the horse!
Furthermore, fostering a supportive community can be invaluable for riders navigating fear after 50. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who understand and empathize with our experiences can provide a sense of belonging and encouragement. There is a small community for support that I host and if you would like to check it out, here is the link: Join the support group!
Summing it all up, navigating fear and riding after 50 requires a mindful approach that encompasses self-awareness, self-care, and community support. By embracing our fears with compassion, prioritizing our physical well-being, and fostering connections with others, we can continue to enjoy the joys and challenges of horseback riding well into our later years. With a mindful approach, riding after 50 can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that brings us closer to ourselves and our equine companions.
If this sounds like you, grab my 5 Keys to Feeling Like a Kid Again!
The sun on my face, the breeze in the mane, feeling the horse beneath me, partnering with me on adventures, whether it is in the arena jumping or out on the trails, the feelings of connection with the horse are precious and unique. Horseback riding provides a wealth of psychological benefits that contribute to overall well-being and mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting confidence and self-esteem, the psychological advantages of horseback riding are both profound and diverse.
Here are 4 ways horseback riding boots mental health:
1. A key psychological benefit of horseback riding is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. I know, for those of us with fear, it doesn't seem like it, but remember back to your first rides and how good you felt after you dismounted. Spending time with horses and engaging in the rhythmic motion of riding can have a calming effect on the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and inducing a state of relaxation. The peacefulness of nature and the bond formed between rider and horse further enhance this sense of tranquility, providing a welcome escape from the pressures of daily life.
2. Riding is a great way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The physical activity involved in riding stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters known as the body's natural mood elevators, your feel good stuff. Riding makes you feel better.
3. The sense of accomplishment and mastery that comes with mastering new riding skills can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem, helping riders feel more empowered and in control of their lives. I know for me, the more I have worked on my courage riding, the more confident and the better I feel in all areas of my life.
4. Horseback riding fosters a sense of connection and companionship, both with the horse and with fellow riders. The bond formed between rider and horse is based on trust, mutual respect, and nonverbal communication, providing a unique form of emotional support and companionship. Riding in a group setting also fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging, allowing riders to connect with others who share their passion for horses and the outdoors. My communication with my husband has improved with my improved communications with my horses. I understand so much more about two way communication and more important, listening!
Overall, the psychological benefits of horseback riding are numerous and far-reaching. Whether it's reducing stress and anxiety, boosting confidence and self-esteem, or fostering connections with others, horseback riding offers a holistic approach to mental well-being that enriches the lives of riders of all ages and abilities.
If you are looking for a great support community, join our group on fear and courage riding. We can help you with your fear or you can cheer us on as we gain our courage! Join Here!
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!
