Working through riding worries

Experiencing a confidence blip is natural and happens to the best of us. But while it may be common, finding the cause isn’t always straightforward. From a fall that results in injury to bereavement, traumas can crop up in any corner of life, so it makes sense to adopt a holistic approach to get to the bottom of it. So, how could overcoming these hurdles, some of which may seem completely unrelated to your riding, leave you feeling more positive and confident in and out of the saddle? By taking a methodical approach, the answer is bound to reveal itself.

Top tip

Sometimes, it’s best to address your confidence issues with a therapist. Try to find one with whom you have a supportive rapport, and who will use a range of therapies to help you get back on track.

Where to start

Sometimes the event that’s had an impact on your confidence is clear, for example in the case of a fall or an injury. Other times, it comes as a result of a combination of traumas that have to be carefully untangled in order to recover.

By spending time exploring the elements that make up your personal, professional and riding life to pinpoint the root cause of your anxiety in the saddle, you can fully address the issues and return to riding brimming with confidence – the root cause may not even have anything to do with horses.

All’s well that ends well

So many riders suffer from a loss of confidence, but struggle to connect this with a past trauma. While it’s entirely possible to recover, sometimes we need to accept that helping hand, from the right person, at just the right time. Whether that be a therapist, a close friend or family member, it’s important you work to pinpoint your trauma, define clear goals and create a strategy moving forward.

Find out more about techniques you can use to help tackle your riding worries in October Horse&Rider, on sale 20 August 2020.