Head help for leisure riders?

[Sandylou]

Hi,

I have made massive progress following a total loss of confidence at the start of this year but I feel I need a final push to get me completely back on track. I want to progress and do XC, hunting, local shows and fun rides but can't find the courage even though my nag is a real sweetheart and would look after me as best he could

I've tried TFT but didn't find it had the amazing results I was expecting. The cost was £150 which I thought was very reasonable.

I've been looking for a sports psychologist of sorts but most equestrian specialised SPs concentrate on competition riders and those that don't seem to have massive costs (IMO preying on the desperate!).

So what therapies have you used for confidence issues? What were the costs involved? And what were the results?

 

[Sandylou]

Bump

 

[ThePony]

I had hypnotheraphy which was really good (even though I am a massive cynic and wasn't sure if it would work if I didn't belive in it!). Gave me mechanisms to help talk myself down as it were!

The hypnotherapy def worked, but what made the biggest difference was her needing the summer off last year due to having a sarcoid being treated so it took the pressure off 'having' to ride and we just pottered on the ground, I lead her out and we just chilled. Taking the pressure off myself and doing what I want or feel like doing rather than what I 'ought' to be doing has been the biggest change and really helped with my nerves! Helped so much that in a year and a half we have gone from me being in tears on a walking hack while my mare was a saint to (this morning!) jumping her!!! I actually enjoyed it too! Don't rush yourself and do what pleases you.

An understanding instructor is invaluable too - regardless of speed, learning to really apply the horse under you with soft aids and riding him up together helps that confident feeling too I have found.

Best of luck!

 

[be positive]

I dont really know about therapies, but would suggest you try and find someone to do these activities with,most people suffer from nerves to some degree and it can really help to share experiences,worries etc with someone else.
There is bound to be another rider in your area that would love company and it can really drive you on in a positive way.
Maybe go to a local RC for a clinic,they are often very low key and see if that could be a starting point.