If you wanted to build confidence.. How would you do it?

I built it up on the ground first, doing lots of things online etc to help the bond. Then when it came to riding I told myself that I could get off whenever I wanted to, that took the pressure off me when things got stressful, and I knew he would listen when i got off due to the work we had done online! I also got a friend to walk out with me and then my OH came along on his bike for longer rides.

Set really small goals and don't push too far past your limit. Not caring what others think helps too!
Good luck and enjoy your horse.
 
Just remember you have the rest of your life to get it together with your new horse. Now breathe and smile. I agree with both the above posts, i would go with the mind of i might just groom today, if that goes well.. i might just tack up now, if that goes well.. i might just walk him round, if that goes well.. i might just get on you get the drift. There is no need to put yourself under any pressure if it doesnt go well or you feel you have reached your limit for the day, stop and then concentrate on the positives you have acheived that day. Oh and dont give a stuff about what others are doing with their horses.
 
Thankyou.

I ride around 3 times a week and often walk her out in hand. I've got a SJ clinic coming up (only small class) and I'm positively petrified.. Yet, she's not put a hoof wrong so far. It's all in my head :(
 
I can recommend a book that winning feeling by Jane Savoie it's written from the competing point of view but it's good on goal setting positive thinking how to make goals and break them down into bits to attain them.
And of course as other have said a good teacher .
 
Hypnosis and relaxation techniques can help a lot. However why not get in touch with the instructor before your clinic and have a chat or book a private lesson with them beforehand?
 
I have a really good, sensitive instructor already..
I've spoken to the instructor of the clinic and she's also very understanding.

It's pathetic isn't it? I get annoyed with myself.
 
EquestrianFairy said:
Thankyou.

I ride around 3 times a week and often walk her out in hand. I've got a SJ clinic coming up (only small class) and I'm positively petrified.. Yet, she's not put a hoof wrong so far. It's all in my head :(
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Why are we always ruled by our head?

I KNOW my mare is FAB ~ just why can my brain not process that fact? Stupid head damn you.

Apart from that - a good instructor helped me loads.

And also, every time you ride it's a step forward, no matter how small (Thank You Gerry xx - wot my friend said when I was moaning about confidence issues ☺️)

Good Luck, go forth and ENJOY :) (failing that a hip flask and neck strap) :D


DDxx
 
It's pathetic isn't it? I get annoyed with myself.[/QUOTE]

NO it certainly is not. You are ruled by an instinct which tells us if we feel we could be in danger then we need to be aware of it so we may act upon it. Its about re-educating the way our brain interperts a possible danger. You just need a little brain tweaking :)
 
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