Feeling nervous as a habit

[soloequestrian]

Over the past few years I've had two horses who in different ways were both projects, and I've spent quite a lot of time being nervous about riding, so not sleeping well, needing to visit the loo a lot before riding, that kind of competition nerves thing but just for 'normal' riding. I don't enjoy the feeling. Now both horses are going well and I enjoy being on them. The trouble is I seem to have got into the habit of feeling nervous and I can't kick it. Sleeping isn't an issue any more but I still have to go to the loo more than usual before riding and I feel tense and don't really look forward to it even though once I'm on it's fine. Any suggestions about how to kick the habit and get back to looking forward to it?!

 

[Kahlua]

Have you tried rescue remedy or listening to something as you’re getting ready such as the Calm app, or a fun playlist? I’ve done both of these when the time has called for it, particularly listening to the app or playlist before a competition when I was feeling nervous. There’s probably also good breathing techniques that could help - or maybe even hypnotherapy!

 

[Frano]

Look at Solution focussed hypnotherapy. It may be helpful.

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Sports psychology - get yourself along to one pronto.

Just been back there post a nasty fall jumping where even trotting over pole bought on an attack of nerves.

I had great success with this years ago when I stacked x-country and they fixed my mind so I could retrain and rebuild confidence and competence. So last November once I had recovered from my fall physically I went back and now am on track slowly rebuilding, without nerves paralysing everything when ever I see a pole.

Interestingly, most of the well meaning advice given by mates is fundamentally wrong and the direct opposite to what you should be doing. Ie: feel the fear and do it anyway”. That will get you killed.

Sports Psychology will give you the tools to rebuild safely.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I've read about self-limiting beliefs and how to turn those around , listening to Karl Greenwood's hypnosis session and waiting for his book to arrive. Managed to walk in the school on Sat without having a panic attack or gripping and shortening the reins (which makes my horse go on edge).
I feel kind of sad that this is how low my goals need to be but I've also accepted it.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I am the same - I had 2 bad accidents on my horse last year which were literally that. Accidents. But it scared the life out of me and the fact I have my 8 year old daughter riding with me. All I could focus on was what might go wrong and not enjoy the present.

It has helped that I've sold that horse - no matter how lovely he was, I wasn't going to trust him again. I've got a new horse now who is totally different and I am already more confident on her. Taking it slowly and not feeling pressurised by anyone else is def. the way forwards. I get properly anxious about horse related things which does take the fun out of it. Which is why I'm not going to be pressured into doing anything before I'm ready with this one.

 

[paddi22]

sports pyschology all the ways! look at someone like Charlie Unwin. there are a few simple ways to 2control your nerves.

 

[soloequestrian]

Thanks everyone. Does sports psychology need to be with a coach or are there useful books out there? I live in the back end of nowhere so it's often difficult to find an actual person to visit....

 

[MuffettMischief]

This is interesting as I get the same before going to a show (which I have done a million times and love) and before hunting. Once we are on the lorry and on route I am absolutely fine. I think mine stems from having a very difficult loader for a good couple of years so we were always in a rush/late/stressed/ before we even got there. Now I think it’s just a habit! Very odd