Riding with fear- how to regain confidence

Fear touches every rider at some point. Learning to face it changes your riding and your relationship with your horse. Here are straightforward strategies you can use to help rebuild your confidence.

Don’t hide the fear

• Acknowledge it. Pretending you’re fine only amplifies anxiety. After a bad fall off Gio resulting in a broken pelvis I denied how nervous I was, then panicked when I actually returned to the saddle. Admitting your fear allows you to manage it.

Identify the source

• Ask where the fear comes from. For me it came from previous falls and a lack of confidence in handling unexpected moments. Understanding the root helps you target the work you need to do. I wasn't afraid of my horse, I doubted my ability to be able to handle sticky moments, realising this was a huge breakthrough in how I was able to navigate forward.

Help yourself — actively

• You’re responsible for your progress. Seek resources: coaches, books, videos, or a supportive community. Be honest about how you feel and upskill your coping strategies.

Manage your inner voice

• Don’t accept your own harshness. When negative thoughts arise, replace them with constructive alternatives. Make your inner voice your cheerleader, not your critic.

Use breathing as a tool

• Take ten deep breaths before mounting or when you feel panic rising. Deep breathing lowers anxiety and helps you regain control — and your horse will feel calmer too.

Relax your seat

• Tension in your body feeds tension in your horse. Soften your seat and ride with a following hand. If you need security, use a shorter rein but maintain a forward, relaxed connection. Gradually allow more rein as trust grows.

Build gradually

• Educate your horse and yourself step by step. As your horse becomes more reliable, your confidence will grow, and vice versa. Small daily gains compound into lasting change.

Final thought

Practice these simple strategies consistently and you’ll notice the fear loosen its grip. Over time you’ll become a calmer, happier rider, and your horse will thank you for it.

If you want to get out of your own way and break through limiting beliefs, check out my mindset courses, or book a 1 on 1 mindset session!