Fear Factor

I got dumped the other day. :(
During a clinic my horse spooked at the infamous invisible boogie man. He did this a year ago almost to the day! Yes I was slightly injured but got back on and we finished our session.
Now, my confidence is shaken again. He seems to do these little antics when he is asked to work hard and like the other day I had no inclination that he was up to something.

Any suggestions?

Tags: anxiety, equestrian lifestyle, overcoming fear, rider fitness

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Permalink Reply by Anni on November 13, 2009 at 12:17am

Hi Kathi, I just wanted to share with you what has really helped me out. I had a bad fall where I broke my tail bone coming off of a spooky pony when I was 11. So although misbehavior and little tantrums don't bother me, spooks really tense me up. All the sitting deep, breathing, and visualizing in the world wasn't actually relaxing me enough, so I declared a saddle moratorium for awhile and just rode bareback. Not only does it allow you to be more in tune with your horse without that extra leather, but it also whips your seat into shape. Muscle memory is helpful, so if you can train away some of your bad habits just by practicing bareback, you'll find you're much more secure in the saddle, too!

Since I'm a bit of a wuss and don't post bareback anymore, I got a little bored trotting circles, and my trainer set up a little "course" for me of barrels and cavelletti. Let me tell you, as a English girl all my life, I never realized how fun barrels can be! And great for making sure that your seat is independent. :)

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Permalink Reply by Becky on November 29, 2009 at 6:48pm

I have used "Rescue Remedy" occasionally for my shaken confidence. It is all natural, no side effects, and can be found in most drug stores. I find it takes the 'edge' off and I am not 'looking for the spooky thing'.
Becky