Mental Training
Managing riding fear
How do I deal with my fear of hacking out and riding in the school?
I have become frightened of hacking out and sometimes of riding in the school too. After an accident where I came off and had to go in an ambulance, it feels hopeless. I do not want to sell my horse, she means everything to me. Can you see a psychologist for this, or should you just push through the fear?
Answers from HayHay's experts
Thank you for sharing this! Plenty of people in the horse world experience fear, and it is completely natural, especially after an accident. Getting professional help from a psychologist or therapist can absolutely be a way forward, but you can also draw support from family, friends or a trainer.
It is not only about exposing yourself to what frightens you, but about managing the feeling of fear while you ride. The goal is not to get rid of the fear altogether, but to be able to ride even though it is there. By meeting what triggers your fear slowly, it will gradually ease over time.
Be kind to yourself, give it time and be patient. You will get back to where the two of you were! Good luck!
Elise Lindman
Sports Psychologist
