Riding down hills

The_snoopster

The_snoopster

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My mare came back into work a few months ago after having a foal, and I just cannot seem to relax when going down hills. I used to have this fear before after an a horse stumbled and went completely over with me, although I was not hurt it did give me a fear of riding down hills, even though the horse stumbled on the flat.
My mare does not trip and is forward going so why do I keep feeling the need to get off at the top of a hill or try and avoid hills completely, this is not easy since I live on a hill and in every direction I go out for a hack its hills. When approaching an downward facing hill I can feel myself going rigid, I try to breath and relax and just keep going.
Being an happy hacker its not much fun at the moment, I am still happy to hack out but find I am planning routes avoiding hills but some of the best rides are the way I am now avoiding and would really like to try and get it sorted before summer disapears. Is it just me ? any ideas or exercises which will help me enjoy my lovely mare whilst going down an hill..
 
These things might be obvious but
- sit back
- look up and out, not down, your horse will take care of her own feet

And don't worry. I had a thing about going over bridges with little edges after a bad car accident (not involving a bridge!). Still don't like it but can do it (over two of the busiest motorways on the country too!). It gets easier.
 
I used to be the same if it involved cantering downhill.
What worked well was starting with "little" hills....a very slight short hill. Then move onto a hill that has still got a gentle slope, but goes on for a bit longer.
Work your way "up" to bigger descents, but do it at a pace you are comfortable at. Keep at the gentle slopes until YOU feel ready to move up a gear.
 
You could also try alternative methods to get over your fear. I had serious confidence issues and went to a Hypnotherapist.
I was so bad that I couldn't get on my horse (who was safe ) plus I have over 20 years riding and competing experience.
It was amazing. Before I went in I felt sick at the thought of riding, but when I came out I couldn't wait to get back on immediately. Changed everything and got ride of my fear + frustration.

You don't need a horsy person, just a hypnotherapist who deals with fear to help you work it out. I got mine out of yellow pages - she is a clinical hypnotherapic and does NLP. Just best to make sure they are registered.:)
 
Instructor told me to push the weight down in my heels, sit up tall and try to let your lower back move from side to side with the movement of the horse. I always remember this when riding down steep hills and it seems to work as I feel comfortable moving with the horse.
 
Im with horserugsnot4u, that's how I do it. But I never canter down more than a very gentle slope as my Haffie will think 'hee hee off we go then!'. Just walk or trot for me! My friend hates going uphill and doesnt mind downhill - that's much odder!
 
I often get off and walk down hills, especially if I think they are slippery.

I am happy doing it and don't care what other people think. When I stay on I always let my boy dictate his walking speed and never hurry him.

If you are really worried about it, as someone else suggested, see a hypnotherapist.

Jane
 
I'm similar to you- ever since rob broke his knees, every time he stumbles, even a little, I have a mini heart attack!!

Nothing I can do about it, in time it'll get better, but in the meantime I've bought us some Westropp knee boots, as then I should stop worrying so much as he has some protection if it happens again!!!

I don't worry on any other horse though :):)

Just try and forget about it and make sure you're balanced and the horse is listening to you down the hills- minimise all risk and you (and horsey) should be fine :)
 
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