Handling fear in the saddle

Thank you for sharing this. Many riders experience fear, and it is completely normal. A common misconception is to believe that we have to get rid of the fear before we can carry on riding. But the more we try to push the feeling away, the stronger it can grow.

Try instead to accept that the fear is there without fighting it. When a "what if" thought arrives, such as "what if I fall off", avoid reassuring yourself that everything will be fine. That can sometimes backfire and make the fear worse. Instead, try not to argue with your thoughts. Accept them, let them simply be there, and focus on what you want to do in the saddle.

Find small tricks that help you stay present while you ride, and put your energy into the experience rather than the fear. Good luck!