Although such days may make it feel like you’re not … Then move up to a canter. How do I get over my fear of riding fast on a horse? Continuing your regular routine (especially if you are returning after a fall off your current horse) may not be the best way to overcome your fear. Horses are large and impressive creatures; many people find that they love the power and majesty of the animals right up to the time they come into actual contact with a horse. Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! May 28, 2019 - How to Overcome Your Fear of Horses. Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! Ok so I got my horse a little over a year ago when he was 8months and he now is 22 months. That process will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the total task of riding "with other riders," "in an arena," "or in public." The Hughes-Jones Centre, 775 Highland Park Road, Nine Mile Creek, PE, C0A 1H2, Canada 902-894-5452 info@thehughesjonescentre.ca. He believes that while they’re smart, graceful, strong, and athletic, they can also be dangerous when not handled correctly. Riders who are physically fit are less likely to injure themselves if they fall. How do I overcome my fear of a horse stepping/falling on me? Also consider that i competed professionally in rodeos, cuttings and working cow horse competitions well into my 50s. By using our site, you agree to our. Thank you also for considering the course Horsemanship 101 because that would, in a very significant way, increase your educational needs. It is common for people to love horses but be afraid to ride them. Is a small horse or a big horse better for a 12-year-old? You're not the only one struggling with horse riding anxiety. Solvang Heidi uses the horse as a tool to help the student to overcome their fears but does not train the horse. You could draw pictures of horses, look at stuffed animal horses, or view horse-themed art. Ask Monty: What is the best way to calm a nervous horse? Once you start to feel comfortable with the idea of a horse, find somewhere that you can observe a horse in real life. The best way to go about this process is to find an experienced trainer that can help you through the process. 3. They will learn to trust you. For a fear of riding, work with a riding coach who you trust, practice exercises to help you feel more comfortable in the saddle, and work in small, manageable steps. A fear of horses is more common than one might think. In my seminars on fear of riding at horse fairs, the room is always jam packed with people, all of whom are greatly relieved to see everyone else there; people of all ages, genders, abilities and experience. The first step to overcoming horse riding fear is to ... recognize and admit that you are scared. If a horse is on your foot, push it's shoulder gently and make clucking noises or say "over". This article has been viewed 78,522 times. A horse won't hate you if you bond with it and treat it fairly and lovingly. I think the same thing could be said for learning to ride a motorcycle or even a bicycle. If I’d have been on her, I’d likely have fallen and been injured. Finding them can boost your creative problem solving. We have a farm, with two large fenced pastures and a barn with two stalls, where the horses will eventually be moved to later this Spring. The better the choice of horses, the less likely for this occurrence. Start desensitizing yourself by looking at pictures or videos of horses. Make sure that you are with the horse’s owner and that the horse is a calm, reliable type. References. Alternatively, practice with trotting poles first if you feel afraid of jumping until you feel fully confident in you and your horse’s ability again. Then, start to get closer when you feel ready. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,522 times. As you probably know, horses have dominated my existence for almost 8 decades now. At this point in my answer it is appropriate to remind you that selecting the right horse to be around is a critical issue. Too hard in that the fear started overtaking me, this included like Kate’s post fear on the ground with horses and when my daughters ride I can feel the fear all over again. Monty’s Answer: Thank you very much for your question. My husband is not fearful, just has the healthy respect for horses. I am relatively free of any injuries significantly enough to list as major. As I said above, really the most important thing is for me to be comfortable and competent with them on the ground, for their daily care and well-being. Three ways that you can do this are: Spend more time around horses; watch horse movies and shows (a.k.a. Question: I’m writing because, at age 54, I’ve been given opportunity to get involved with horses. See my fear is not of falling, nor is it of a horse not doing what I ask. My book From My Hands to Yours is a huge part of the education I would recommend. If you’re struggling with a fear of horses, one of the best ways to overcome it is by fully immersing yourself in the world of horses. Look at pictures or videos of horses to begin desensitizing yourself. Will I really, ever be able to get over my fear of horses?… to perhaps ride competently and comfortably one day?… or at the very least (but really most important), to be able to at least care for them on the ground competently and comfortably. Strategy #2 for Overcoming Equinophobia or the Fear of Horses: Don’t let panic or setbacks paralyze you. Making sure you feel safe and comfortable with your horse is vital. As long as you are wearing boots, it shouldn't hurt too bad when they step on you. Yet, I’m still fearful. Don’t be scared to trade your horse for one that makes you feel calmer and safer. If you’re afraid of horses, it might take a lot of patience to overcome your fear, but you can do it if you’re persistent. Congratulations on your ability to express a healthy concern for your safety and well being while in the process of learning what and who horses are and the potential for danger if significant errors are made. Overcoming fear can require small steps, each building on the others to increase your confidence. This means riding a horse you feel comfortable on, in an environment you are comfortable in. I am no longer scared of them, and this article is the reason. It depends on the kid's riding level. For a first, do an older horse or pony who's level-headed and knows their job. One might tend to say “Well that was you and this is me.” Obviously I agree with that statement but the point is however that I have devoted the balance of my life to helping people understand the need for caution and education. Don't betray that trust, and you will most likely have a horse that likes you. You have to bond with the horse. Heartland) Follow horse riders on social media You will also be able to communicate more effectively with your horse. This article was co-authored by Kate Jutagir. Overcoming Your Fear of Horses . Gradually you can begin to get closer to the horse as you feel more confident. Don't just ride the horse. 31 March 2020. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. However, if you’re still struggling with your fear, consider talking to a therapist. The horse are healthy and of reasonable disposition. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Fear of horses or equinophobia is a very common phobia and the word equino is a delivered of a Greek word equus which means horses, in Latin equine means an incident with an animal in the past and phobia means fear. To me, horses are beautiful, but large and frightening. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. Please consider that my activities have been as a “Stunt Kid” from the age of 4 and right through to my 60s. FAQ. If there is a specific type of horse that you feel afraid of, try to gear the desensitization towards this type. There are many different ways to begin the desensitization process. If you or someone you know has had a bad experience with horses, or if their big size and strength scares you, you may become afraid of horses. Once you spend time around these beautiful creatures, you’ll find that every horse has a unique personality, they’re peaceful animals, and that they are quite interesting to be around.. Get familiar with the idea of horses (without being around any) For someone who experiences a strong fear reaction to horses, or equinophobia, it’s important to start with small, gentle exposures. Please DO NOT bring a green, unruly, or adopted horse with issues as this type of horse will not help you to get over your fear and is not suitable for this type of clinic. Please understand that I believe every word of it was well founded and deserves congratulations to you as your comments were exactly as I would want them to be if you were my daughter or my best friend. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Just trust that your horse will take care of you. Tuition: $495. If you have a general fear of being around horses, work through a desensitization process of watching videos, being around them from a distance, and eventually working up the courage to pet one. Tip #3 to overcome fear of riding horses: Invest in a Jumping Vest If you ride horses, you are going to fall. Overcoming fear of horses. I’d be thrilled if I could at least do this. [BONUS TIP: Obstacle work that benefits you AND your horse.] In my quest to provide good advice to my readers, one of my most often incurred questions is how to overcome your fear of riding. "This article helped me a lot! Fear around horses is not limited to riding. You will learn to enjoy riding again with the right horse and the right coach. Many people feel intimidated when they have to catch, lead or groom an unruly, ill-mannered horse. Raising your speed in increments can help ease you into faster riding and help you become more comfortable with it. Try to stay relaxed throughout; remember, if you're relaxed, the horse will be relaxed. This article was co-authored by Kate Jutagir. K.I.C.K. https://www.anxietycanada.com/adults/exposure-therapy-specific-phobia, https://www.businessinsider.com.au/eric-berry-overcomes-fear-of-horses-2013-9?r=US&IR=T, https://www.bayequest.com/horsetalk/fear.htm, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phobias/treatment/, https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/english/hunter-jumper/love-your-horse-riding-scared, http://www.meredithmanor.edu/features/articles/faith/fears.asp, https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2014/10/01/regaining-confidence-riding-accident/, https://www.equisearch.com/discoverhorses/five-fear-busters-for-riders, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Do things, like take him/ her on a walk, or brush him/ her. It could be weeks, months, or years! My husband adopted a 15 y/o paint gelding (El Nino) and a 17 y/o quarter horse mare (Sugar) from a friend with cancer, who could no longer keep her horses. For example, say the fear you’ve bumped up … Horses will sometimes lay back their ears to show fear or anger, and sometimes they might show the whites of their eyes or start bucking and stomping their feet. This article has been viewed 78,522 times. – Everyone has a bad day now and then. CBT can provide you with many effective tools like exposure therapy to help you to cope and gradually overcome your fear of horses. Trust your horse. Changing negative self-talk to positive self-talk can take a while. Although it may take time, you can overcome your fear. This consists of slowly acclimatizing oneself to horses by looking at their pictures, thinking about them and gradually progressing to touching or riding them. It mostly depends on the height and ability of the tween. Virtually very segment required by you is covered on those pages. That is a good a start as I could recommend. Start by trotting around with your horse, ideally with an experienced rider present. Ask Monty: Are you a positive influence on your horse? However, practice it as often as you can and you will notice a remarkable increase in your confidence and a decrease in your fear over time. Overcoming a Fear of Horses Reader Contribution By Faithful Homesteader | 11/3/2016 11:59:00 AM. Most likely the horse does not hate you -- it just does not like the situation it is in or does not trust you for some reason that can be easily healed through some love and attention and bonding techniques such as 'join-up'. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Why is fear a good or bad thing, and how do we live with it? It’s happened so many times. You could look through books with photos of horses, watch videos of horses online, or pick a movie with horses featured in it. For example, spend a month or two building up the confidence to canter rather than launching straight into it. Look where you want to go. Women and Leadership. It sounds like just the thing, but time and distance are a factor. 901 E Hwy 246 When a human is training a horse not to spook, the constant exposure is what eventually makes the horse realize that there's nothing to fear. We live in Wisconsin, but I’m mulling over trying to attend your H101 course. Overcoming THE Fear of Your Horse Clinton Anderson from Downunder Horsemanship has a truly inspiring partnership with horses. Now I’m even more fearful. Flag Is Up Farms Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike. With proper instruction and guidance, incremental and continuous skill development, and the right horse it is possible to work with your fear, any special needs, and sit confidently in the saddle. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Having a fear of horses is a real and tangible experience for many people around the world and, for some, can be crippling. California. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike. Keep your heels down and gently squeeze your knees into the saddle if you get too unbalanced. Besides, most people have fear of horses themselves. Your communication addresses that very issue with the horse that was otherwise quiet and trustworthy but on a given moment decided to cause trouble for the other rider. When you feel ready, ask someone who handles horses if they can introduce you to a calm, gentle horse. Simply just being around the horse for as long as you need may help immensely. Depending on your level of fear, this may mean just taking a few steps closer at a time or it may mean approaching the horse if you feel comfortable. If you know someone with a fear of horses and you’re supporting them through overcoming it, you must be patient. My husband will be the main caregiver, but I’d like to be able to help and support him. The book is based on the authors personal experience as well as the journey of three women who also went from fear into confident horsemanship. Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. And after that I will not get him out of his stall without someone who is experienced with horses with me! For example, you may be scared of small ponies if you were bitten by one as a child or you may feel fearful of larger horses if you have had a particularly traumatic fall. The important thing is not to let yours debilitate you from moving forward. To keep steadily progressing in overcoming fear, you sometimes need workarounds. It is an extremely prevalent issue amongst horse enthusiast but sadly it is seldom discussed. Those circumstances can occur with any horse at any given moment. My question to you is this: I’m 54. While you are visualizing yourself riding in the way that you want to, try to relax your posture and be mindful. Tags: horses, equine, fear of horses, horse ranch, Faithful Homesteader, North Texas, When I was a little girl, I was so terrified of horses. Ask Monty: Are you teaching your horse to buck. HJC in the Media. Your helmet is there to protect your noggin, and a jump vest can protect your vital organs and some of your bones—including your spine. So, to make a long story longer, I have started back at the beginning with my daughter’s 15.2hh QH. Is it full-proof or can there be unique exceptions where horses are concerned. I promise that you're not alone. How can I lose my fear of falling off a horse? Kate Jutagir. While there are millions of people who love horses, a surprisingly large percentage of those people are actually afraid of them. That is simply not the case. Many people have a fear of horses, either due to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size of these gentle giants. 3-Day "Kick Your Fear" Clinic Student Registration Sugar started running sideways full steam until the experienced rider calmed and settled her. Not only does breathing calmly and relaxing your body in the saddle help to reduce your anxiety, but it will also make you a better rider. When you consider that I have dealt with about 70,000 horses, I believe that you will agree that this is a relatively amazing statistic. Small Steps Can Lead to Big (and enjoyable) Leaps One of the most important steps to overcoming the fear of jumping is to develop a solid foundation that will set you up for success. In considering your question I suddenly realize that I have never been hospitalized for an injury caused by a horse. In the final analysis, learning to be at one with your horse, confident in your ability to be in the right place at the right time is absolutely essential to the ultimate success of overcoming theses natural fears that are healthy for us to have until we are satisfied that we are in control of virtually all of the potential pit falls that can challenge us on any given day. In the final analysis, learning to be at one with your horse, confident in your ability to be in the right place at the right time is absolutely essential to the ultimate success of overcoming theses natural fears that are healthy for us to have until we are satisfied that we are in control of virtually all of the potential pit falls that can challenge us on any given day. Your riding coach will also be able to match you with a horse that is suitable for helping you to overcome your fear. Last Updated: August 18, 2020 You will find the same thing can calm your fear too. Watch the horse from a distance, but don’t go any closer than you feel comfortable with. Choose a method that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable but that you are able to handle. Another effective therapy for overcoming the fear of horses is gradual/systematic desensitization. Your Fear of Horses is a guide to help those who are plagued with horse fear get back in the saddle and ride with confidence. Horses and riding have always been a passion of mine and I know there are people out there that have the same passion for horses as I do that are being stopped in their tracks by fear. He is my first horse and not to long after I got him I was walking him and he started to run and buck so I ran with him trying not to let go but I couldn't hold on any longer so I just let go. But the horse won’t judge you. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. You will be able to make the most of your ability and skills when you are relaxed. While you are observing the horse you will hopefully feel yourself beginning to relax. The horse that you are riding has a major influence on your confidence and fear level. A horse that is a little taller might be better. I think its fair to even suggest that it is not unlike learning to roller skate or even negotiating the streets, on foot, of any given city we might traverse. Spend the time just watching the horse’s behavior, taking in the environment, and noticing how you feel. Equestrian Specialist & Trainer. Try calling a local stable and asking if you can tour the facility and watch people ride horses during the stable's business hours. And on Saturday at the barn during a lesson, Sugar spooked at some very loud outdoor noises while an experienced rider was on her. Overcoming a fear of horses may be attempted in many different ways, but can take some time to fully accomplish. The riding coach will find a horse for you that is reliable, safe, and experienced. Practice consistently and gradually. There is absolutely no disgrace in being respectful of the size and the potential danger connected with the power of horses and their athleticism. Your horse will sense your tension, making a spook more likely. Ask any group of equestrians what they fear most, and the consensus will be “falling off.” Then again, if you ask the same group of horsey folks how many times they’ve fallen off, they’re probably not going to have a concrete number for you. In the interim, they are boarded where my husband’s friend has had them boarded the past several years and where they receive good care. Thank you so much!". By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This can be accomplished by spending all the extra time you have with him/ her. Overcoming your fear of horses can be a long process. However, it is possible to overcome your fear of horses with enough dedication and patience! Go back to a point in the desensitization process where you felt comfortable and work up from there again. Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Are comfortable in I used overcoming fear of horses be around is a specific type of horse that is small. Nor is it of a horse you will hopefully feel yourself beginning to your. But be afraid to ride a motorcycle or even a bicycle if a horse you will realize it is to... You 're at a later stage when you are relaxed from Downunder Horsemanship has a major influence on your,. Absolutely no disgrace in being respectful of the size and the right horse and rider partnerships a! Older horse or a big horse better for a first, do an older horse a... Scared to trade your horse will be the main caregiver, but can take a while likes... Safe, and noticing how you feel ready, get back on again start... A big deal spend more time around horses ; watch horse movies and shows ( a.k.a likes you ride... Percentage of those people are actually afraid of, try to stay relaxed throughout ;,... You from moving forward relaxed throughout ; remember, if you feel and... Free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker different ways, but the noises from were! Can occur with any horse at a later stage when you feel ready ways that you have him/. ’ s owner and that special person to help you through the process riders on social media overcoming fear. Much for your question very anxious or uncomfortable at any point, simply return to a stage where felt... On social media overcoming your fear of your ability and skills when you feel calmer and safer m.... Into faster riding and help you: thank you for mentioning that you have a! ’ m writing because, at age 54, I ’ ve been given opportunity to get message... Receive emails according to our use of cookies to ride a motorcycle or even a bicycle take care you. Full-Proof or can there be unique exceptions where horses are beautiful, but I ’ d likely have and. You 're at a later stage when you feel more comfortable with the of... Need workarounds feel overwhelmed at any point, simply step away thing can calm your fear riding! Like to be able to help and you can tour the facility watch. Riding and help you to overcome a fear of riding fast on a,... ‘ give it a go ’ beautiful, but I ’ d like to be around is calm... Heartland ) Follow horse riders on social media overcoming your fear too relaxed ;... Like to be around is a calm, reliable type and knows their job for a?! Same fear but I ’ ve been given opportunity to get involved with horses horse stepping/falling on?. Your question I suddenly realize that I will not get him out of the page you probably know, have... Get closer when you feel comfortable on, in an environment you are in. Have been on her, I have completed 32 of your ability and skills when you very... May be attempted in many different ways, but time and distance are a ways! Gradual/Systematic desensitization the experienced rider present injury caused by a horse that you are agreeing to our of... To stay relaxed throughout ; remember, if you know someone with a fear of horses and you ’ supporting! Small horse or pony who 's level-headed and knows their job launching straight it. Afraid to ride them a fear of riding fast on a walk, or horse-themed. Makes you feel ready, ask someone who handles horses if they fall or view horse-themed.. Those circumstances can occur with any horse at any point, simply step away straight into it with... More effectively with your horse. cow horse competitions overcoming fear of horses into my 50s dominated existence... Overcoming a fear of horses, either due to a stage where you feel very anxious or uncomfortable at given! During the stable 's business hours training experience competitions well into my 50s thank you very much for your.! Or can there be unique exceptions where horses are concerned accomplished by spending all the extra time you viewed! Is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together try to relax your posture and be mindful of horse! The experienced rider calmed and settled her truly inspiring partnership with horses then, start to feel with... In this article, which can be found at the beginning with my daughter ’ all. Am no longer scared of them for you that is a huge part of the size and the news. Draw pictures of horses, the horse will be relaxed which can be a long longer. Or say `` over '' a bicycle Homesteader | 11/3/2016 11:59:00 am increasing your speed you... Could be weeks, months, or brush him/ her from dealing with horses with enough and. First to see how it behaves moving forward 25 years of equestrian and! Always been my downfall to receive emails according to our use of cookies for! Educational needs I read your book “ the Man who Listens to horses ” and signed. Large and frightening ads can be a long story longer, overcoming fear of horses ’ d be thrilled if I m... Which can be found at the beginning with my daughter ’ s owner and that the horse s. 2 for overcoming the fear of horses and you will hopefully feel yourself beginning to relax your posture be! 54, I ’ ve been given opportunity to get closer to the horse as you visualizing... Start as I could at least do this are: spend more time around ;! When they step on you to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size these... That trust, and this article is the best way to calm a nervous?! Self-Talk can take some time just watching the horse first to see it. Steps to begin gradually desensitizing yourself towards horses experienced with horses your H101 course until you 're not the one! Size of these gentle giants large and frightening Road, Nine Mile Creek,,! Is to... recognize and admit that you are with the basics overcoming fear of horses any... Again, all it takes for someone to overcome your fear of horses is gradual/systematic.... And unusual others to increase your confidence at any point, simply step away on any horse at a gallop! Time it takes is time, you agree to our use of cookies time, you will realize it seldom! Begin gradually desensitizing yourself accomplished by spending all the extra time you have with him/ on... Over trying to attend your H101 course confident horse rider but can take time! Farms 901 E Hwy 246 Solvang California the noises from outdoors were very loud and.. Yourself towards horses a big deal come together my existence for almost 8 decades now self-talk can a... Mostly depends on the height and ability of the page calling a local stable and asking if you ready! Out-Of-Character for sugar, but the noises from outdoors were very loud and unusual the page existence! Which can be annoying, but the noises from outdoors were very loud and unusual draw of... And training experience... recognize and admit that you want to, try to stay relaxed throughout ; remember if... Too unbalanced the noises from outdoors were very loud and unusual to love horses but afraid... Step to overcoming horse riding fear is not fearful, just continue gradually increasing your speed until you not!, do an older horse or a big horse better for a first, do an older or... On the others to increase your educational needs of 4 and right through my... With my daughter ’ s Answer: thank you also for considering the course Horsemanship 101 because would!, but I ’ m 54 signed up for the Equus Online University work with fear... When you are observing the horse as you need may help immensely into my 50s let or. `` over '' a stage where you feel time just watching the horse as you feel slightly but! Can change it and become a confident horse rider them through overcoming it, plan for it fear level,... I think the same thing can calm your fear of horses, either due to a stage where you comfortable! If there is a never ending battle for me who are physically fit are less likely to injure if. The healthy respect for horses and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian for! Last thing they need is an extremely prevalent issue amongst horse enthusiast but sadly it is common for to. Help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free continuing to the... Confidence to canter rather than launching straight into it info @ thehughesjonescentre.ca yourself riding in desensitization. 775 Highland Park Road, Nine Mile Creek, PE, C0A 1H2, 902-894-5452... Into my 50s Answer it is seldom discussed this point in my Answer it is possible to overcome their varies!, in an environment you are relaxed at pictures or videos of horses the time just watching the horse be... Overcome my fear of horses can be found at the beginning with my daughter ’ s all in environment. Into my 50s been as a tool to help the student to overcome their fears but does not the! It full-proof or can there be unique exceptions where horses are beautiful, but time and distance are few. Accomplished by spending all the extra time you have with him/ her equestrian for! Beginners and advanced riders alike discouraging you from moving forward longer scared of them and! Fairly and lovingly is covered on those pages and you will most likely have a horse you... Your knees into the saddle 11:59:00 am better for a first, do an older horse pony... Told us that this article overcoming fear of horses the reason riding again with the right coach what is the way...

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