Horse Riding With Confidence

For those riders out there who, at some stage, have lost confidence in riding, there’s help to be had. It may be something minor, or a major knee trembling sick feeling - and this is what happened to a group of horse lovers I know. Recently they formed a social media group to support and encourage each other, and together have decided they want to conquer – and overcome - their fears.

As a former riding instructor, I have taught many people who have lost their confidence to some degree, and have learnt that the only way to deal with the fear is to recognise it, accept it and then give it a good kick in the bum! This may take longer for some than others, and it depends how deep rooted the problem is - and, of course, on the rider’s personality. Everyone has different views, but confidence issues need to be addressed as soon as possible. You and your horse need help and support, and if you battle on with no improvement, it will only make matters worse. Start slowly, accept there will be times when you go backwards, but most of all find the fun again – “petit à petit”.

Helping some of the group is Helen Green, who has a fantastic ability to put people at ease and doesn’t bombard you with technical terms which leave you guessing what she actually means. An initial confidence clinic was organised, and on the day the group was put into pairs, the 6 participants then going into the arena with their horses. Helen told them all about the horses, and rode each one bareback with just a head collar. The group looked on, seeing the personality and responsiveness of each animal - and before they knew it, they’d mounted and were being led around the arena while they practised transitions and exercises – all bareback! They relaxed and enjoyed the feeling of the warmth of the horse under their seat, and smiles were everywhere as their confidence increased with each stride.

Come the afternoon, we ventured out into the woods. Still in the previous teams, people were communicating, listening to their horses - and the fact they were outside the arena seemed to worry them less. After exercises in slowing, moving, stopping and generally working through the regime Helen had set, we moved onto crossing ditches. There were a few pale faces, but within a short time the challenge was negotiated with aplomb. The final task of the day was to work away from the group and then come back to it, giving the participants the confidence to be on their own. And with Helen’s guidance, the group were so buoyed up with enthusiasm that they thought nothing about changing horses, team members and even riding like jockeys.

The day ended with the group wandering back to the yard through the gorgeous Paulhiac woods, everyone smiling and feeling a real sense of achievement at their progress. They’d done things they would never otherwise have tried, putting all worries aside and their faith in other people. It was a joy to see the group working so well - they had a fantastic day and are now more than ready for the next one!