overcoming fear of horses

As you probably know, horses have dominated my existence for almost 8 decades now. Overcoming THE Fear of Your Horse Clinton Anderson from Downunder Horsemanship has a truly inspiring partnership with horses. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Ask Monty: What is the best way to calm a nervous horse? You could draw pictures of horses, look at stuffed animal horses, or view horse-themed art. Ask Monty: Are you teaching your horse to buck. 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. Start with small, actionable steps to begin gradually desensitizing yourself towards horses. 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. Choose a method that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable but that you are able to handle. Changing negative self-talk to positive self-talk can take a while. Although such days may make it feel like you’re not … As for falling off, once you fall off, you will realize it is not too bad. A fear of horses is more common than one might think. That is a good a start as I could recommend. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,522 times. For a first, do an older horse or pony who's level-headed and knows their job. That process will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the total task of riding "with other riders," "in an arena," "or in public." Ok so I got my horse a little over a year ago when he was 8months and he now is 22 months. 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. 31 March 2020. You will also be able to communicate more effectively with your horse. While you are visualizing yourself riding in the way that you want to, try to relax your posture and be mindful. 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. My fear is expectation. 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. 3-Day "Kick Your Fear" Clinic Student Registration Raising your speed in increments can help ease you into faster riding and help you become more comfortable with it. Now I’m even more fearful. 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. There is absolutely no disgrace in being respectful of the size and the potential danger connected with the power of horses and their athleticism. Having a fear of horses is a real and tangible experience for many people around the world and, for some, can be crippling. Many people have a fear of horses, either due to a bad experience while riding or the sheer size of these gentle giants. I think the same thing could be said for learning to ride a motorcycle or even a bicycle. You can do this both in and out of the saddle. How do I get over my fear of riding fast on a horse? Do things, like take him/ her on a walk, or brush him/ her. Overcoming your fear of horses can be a long process. Besides, most people have fear of horses themselves. Fear Expands Your Creativity. You will find the same thing can calm your fear too. However, it is possible to overcome your fear of horses with enough dedication and patience! The first step to overcoming horse riding fear is to ... recognize and admit that you are scared. My husband will be the main caregiver, but I’d like to be able to help and support him. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. Yet, I’m still fearful. It sounds like just the thing, but time and distance are a factor. Ask Monty: Are you a positive influence on your horse? It’s happened so many times. Start by trotting around with your horse, ideally with an experienced rider present. Women and Leadership. My book From My Hands to Yours is a huge part of the education I would recommend. Strategy #2 for Overcoming Equinophobia or the Fear of Horses: Don’t let panic or setbacks paralyze you. 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. My husband is not fearful, just has the healthy respect for horses. Although you may be anxious to get back out on the trail or the cross-country course, you may want to build riding skills and confidence in the ring or arena first. The Hughes-Jones Centre, 775 Highland Park Road, Nine Mile Creek, PE, C0A 1H2, Canada 902-894-5452 info@thehughesjonescentre.ca. We live in Wisconsin, but I’m mulling over trying to attend your H101 course. Expert Interview. Then move up to a canter. 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. [BONUS TIP: Obstacle work that benefits you AND your horse.] Try to stay relaxed throughout; remember, if you're relaxed, the horse will be relaxed. You can get help and you can ride again, all it takes is time, commitment and that special person to help you. Watch the horse from a distance, but don’t go any closer than you feel comfortable with. Spend some time just watching the horse first to see how it behaves. Heartland) Follow horse riders on social media 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. 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. Then, start to get closer when you feel ready. It’s taken me years to realise this is, and has always been my downfall. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, simply return to a stage where you feel more comfortable and work from there again. Keep reading to learn how to overcome a fear of riding! In considering your question I suddenly realize that I have never been hospitalized for an injury caused by a horse. Look where you want to go. As long as you are wearing boots, it shouldn't hurt too bad when they step on you. 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. Instead of worrying about it, plan for it! Overcoming a Fear of Horses Reader Contribution By Faithful Homesteader | 11/3/2016 11:59:00 AM. Look at pictures or videos of horses to begin desensitizing yourself. 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. 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. 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. Question: I’m writing because, at age 54, I’ve been given opportunity to get involved with horses. The horse that you are riding has a major influence on your confidence and fear level. 5 Steps for Overcoming Horse Riding Fear 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. Please remain in touch and do not hesitate to continue to ask questions of experienced, trustworthy people as to how you might acquire the appropriate education that I have discussed with you in answering your question. Heidi uses the horse as a tool to help the student to overcome their fears but does not train the horse. Monty’s Answer: Thank you very much for your question. 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. A sure way to know if you need to gain the trust of the horse is if it tries to bite you or something similar. Keep your heels down and gently squeeze your knees into the saddle if you get too unbalanced. Even if they manage to dominate the horse using a chain lead shank or other artificial means, they may still have a queasy feeling because they know they are not really in charge of the situation. I used to be that crazy 12 year old who would climb on any horse and ‘give it a go’. "This article helped me a lot! That is simply not the case. So, to make a long story longer, I have started back at the beginning with my daughter’s 15.2hh QH. K.I.C.K. If a horse is on your foot, push it's shoulder gently and make clucking noises or say "over". If you are afraid of a specific horse, ask the instructor if you can lead the horse, help others tack him up, or … And the good news is that you can change it and become a confident horse rider. You have to bond with the horse. California. 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. The horse are healthy and of reasonable disposition. To keep steadily progressing in overcoming fear, you sometimes need workarounds. 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. You can return to the horse at a later stage when you feel ready. How can I lose my fear of falling off a horse? Thank you so much!". 901 E Hwy 246 Those circumstances can occur with any horse at any given moment. Making sure you feel safe and comfortable with your horse is vital. Virtually very segment required by you is covered on those pages. Equestrian Specialist & Trainer. 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. Thank you for mentioning that you have viewed a large number of lessons on my Online University. The anxiety aroused by these often gentle animals is so common, in fact, that the term equinophobia which means a fear of heights is actually derived from the Greek words "equus" or horse and "phobos" or fear. Go back to a point in the desensitization process where you felt comfortable and work up from there again. 3. This means riding a horse you feel comfortable on, in an environment you are comfortable in. Don’t be scared to trade your horse for one that makes you feel calmer and safer. A horse that is a little taller might be better. 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. Please do not for one minute hold the thought that I am discouraging you from dealing with horses. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. These are a few ways of treating and overcoming Equinophobia once and for all. You're not the only one struggling with horse riding anxiety. If there is a specific type of horse that you feel afraid of, try to gear the desensitization towards this type. A horse won't hate you if you bond with it and treat it fairly and lovingly. Tuition: $495. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. Is it full-proof or can there be unique exceptions where horses are concerned. I still kind of am. Why is fear a good or bad thing, and how do we live with it? By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. When you feel ready, ask someone who handles horses if they can introduce you to a calm, gentle horse. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Although it may take time, you can overcome your fear. Sometimes it’s all in the energy you get and feel, which in this case comes from your horse. Three ways that you can do this are: Spend more time around horses; watch horse movies and shows (a.k.a. To me, horses are beautiful, but large and frightening. I’ve had little experience with horses except for the occasional nose-to-tail trail ride, maybe 6 of these rides in my life time. 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. But the horse won’t judge you. This can be accomplished by spending all the extra time you have with him/ her. This article has been viewed 78,522 times. This article has been viewed 78,522 times. The important thing is not to let yours debilitate you from moving forward. If you feel very anxious or uncomfortable at any point, simply step away. 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. I’d be thrilled if I could at least do this. 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. 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. You could look through books with photos of horses, watch videos of horses online, or pick a movie with horses featured in it. 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. I read your book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” and have signed up for the Equus Online University. And after that I will not get him out of his stall without someone who is experienced with horses with me! 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. Overcoming fear is a never ending battle for me. Live your dream, don’t let fear stop you. Many people feel intimidated when they have to catch, lead or groom an unruly, ill-mannered horse. It is common for people to love horses but be afraid to ride them. The better the choice of horses, the less likely for this occurrence. This article was co-authored by Kate Jutagir. Just trust that your horse will take care of you. It’s always safer to go back to the basics, where you are comfortable, and build up to where you left off. I promise that you're not alone. Overcoming fear of horses. 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. It mostly depends on the height and ability of the tween. Kate Jutagir. Riders who are physically fit are less likely to injure themselves if they fall. Start desensitizing yourself by looking at pictures or videos of horses. 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. I am relatively free of any injuries significantly enough to list as major. 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