by Jo.H

Created on: January 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Everyone who rides horses will eventually have a fall, and it can be a very unnerving experience. The old rule of getting back in the saddle as soon as possible is a sound one. It doesn't give you enough time to worry or build the fall up into something bigger.

Unfortunately this is not always possible. If you suffered an injury you might be forced to postpone riding for a few weeks. In my experience this is when people start to loose their nerve. It is very understandable, but it can also be overcome.

If you have had a bad fall, or just lost your nerve, there are several things you can do.
Firstly, just be around horses without riding one. You'll be amazed how much stress is removed just because you know you are not going to be asked to mount a horse. Try to relax and enjoy the horses. Maybe spend a few hours grooming a quiet horse or clean tack with friends, anything so long as you are in a horsey environment and you are having fun.

When you do come to ride again you can also use a few methods to alleviate tension. Pick a very quiet horse to ride. If you are riding at a school explain to your instructor that you are nervous and they will adjust your lesson to suit your nerves.
If you are riding your own horse, make sure you are in a safe environment and ride out with another quiet horse. Make your first ride short, you certainly don't need to canter yet, just get in the saddle and quietly walk around the arena until you feel yourself relaxing.

SING.
This on may sound silly but it works. The very act of singing forces you to breath properly which in tern relaxes your diaphragm. It also has the added benefit of taking your mind off your fear. I use this method all the time with my pupils and without fail it has always improved their level of relaxation.

If you fell off on a hack, avoid the same route until you have your nerve back. Not only will you have bad memories of the accident scene, but your tension will transmit to your horse and they will remember it as well.

So to sum up, regaining your nerve can be achieved. You just need to take it slowly. Don't make expectations on your self, and try to remember why you rode horses in the first place. Good luck.

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