Confidence

[HOLCHE]

I got my new horse last November. I spent months looking for a suitable horse and had some bad experiences along the way. She seemed ideal - just the type I was after.

Anyway she is only 5 years old and pretty green but hacks alone and in company. But I'm just so nervous when I hack out on her. I don't know why - she hasn't actually done anything wrong. I always have someone walking with me but my nerves just aren't getting any better.

Am I mad - does this happen to anyone else? I think it's just because I'm still unsure of how she'll react to certain things for example passing other horses etc. I've always been a confident rider in the past. How do I get past this?

 

[HollyWoozle]

I think nerves get most people once in a while and on some level, they are good as they remind you to be aware of potential dangers and to prepare for them. However, I know that being overly nervous takes the fun out of the riding! Have you tried getting really into conversation with the person walking with you to distract you a little? You can still be aware of your surroundings but if you're thinking about that and are trying to hold a conversation then there is not much room left for worrying.

Maybe try spending some more time with her out of the saddle too... so that you can get to really bond and trust each other? I wouldn't worry too much as it's still early days.