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Frightened of one particular horse
Mental Training

Frightened of one particular horse

Confidence/fear with just one horse? My confidence is really bad with one particular horse. I came off in March and can't let it go. I was meant to ride him today and everything just went wrong, and I don't know how to stop being scared of him. Walk, trot and canter are fine, but it's the jumping that's the problem. I can't get him over the fence, but he's jumped up to 120cm, and it's only me who goes really unsure when I ride him. What should I do?
Answers from HayHay's experts

Fear after a fall is completely normal. It is easy to slip into a vicious circle where you worry, dwell on negative thoughts and lose confidence, which only feeds more fear. First of all, accept the fear. We often believe we have to get rid of fear before we can do things or perform well. Try instead to take an approach where you focus on what you want to do. How do you ride when you feel secure? What does that feel like in your body? Put your attention on those things, keeping it as simple as you can. Concentrate on how you take a contact through your turns, and on remembering to breathe. It may feel counterintuitive, but try accepting that the fear comes along with you, expose yourself gradually to what frightens you, and keep your focus on how you want to ride, on what you mean to do.

Last but not least, give it time and be kind to yourself 🌸

Elise Lindman
Elise Lindman
Sports Psychologist
Last reviewed:
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