Scared horses will bite me

Lately I've become scared of horses. I mean, I'm not scared of riding, just of handling them. The second a horse touches me with its muzzle or turns its head towards me I jump and think it's going to bite me. I recently got bitten by a horse on the stomach and it hurt like hell and bled quite a lot :( Please help!

Answers from HayHay's experts

It is not at all strange that this has frightened you, especially after being bitten. Remember that the purpose of fear is to help and protect us, and right now it wants to help you avoid being hurt again. The best approach is to meet the situations that scare you gradually, ideally with calm, steady horses to begin with. It is okay to be afraid, and the fear will ease with time. Take it at your own pace and be kind to yourself! 💫

Elise Lindman

Sports Psychologist