Hacking nerves

[sorrow]

After a bad fall off my friends horse a couple weeks ago due to bikes I have since lost all confidence hacking out. My new horse is still only young and although I have the opportunity to hack out along with a friend I still am having doubts about going on the rode in case my nerves get the better of me and so affect my horse. Any suggestions on how I can combat my nerves or make sure I am better prepared for any problems while out and about that might set my mind at rest?

[Emarmite]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your fall, is there anywhere off road to go to build up your confidence. I talk a fall last year and completely lost my confidence.

I have started again on a smaller horse and unfortunately have had to go out on my own or not at all. In many ways it has done me good as I have had to go out.

The days I feel really nervous, I set myself a target, even if it is only 100 yards and back again. Maybe you could try this and gradually build up until your confidence is better.

Good luck

Beverley

[gingerbreadman]

Hello sorry to hear you are having a bad time of it. I too lost all confidence out on hacks especially on roads when we went for a 1 mile canter along a main road no thanks to a dog it totally freaked me out !!

The best thing i found was if you cant go out with company as in another horse, then the next best thing is to get a friend who can go out on foot walking in front of you and your horse, this gives the horse something to concentrate on and lets them relax also you will relax a lot more knowing you have someone else around.

It might also be a good idea to do plenty schooling and lessons until you and your horse feel comfortable, and let your horse see things he is uncomfortable with ie bikes etc.. get your friends to cycle round you!! sounds daft but it helps !

Then build up gradually if you are still nervous dont go out too far just go out for 10-15 mins and back and gradually increase your time out that way you are never too far away from home if you get uptight.

Hope this helps

tina

[WhiteIceGem]

Stay positive! What i would suggest is that seeing as your horse is young, try and set up potentially scary objects, like bikes, cars, rubbish bags, flapping sheets, etc at home in a safe area like a field or school so you can lead and then ride your horse around them. Eventually he will become desensitised to the objects. Then try going out for short hacks, just 5 mins away from home and then back again, gradually increase the time you are out, vary the routes you go to add interest and to let your horse see different scenery.
As for you, remember to breathe when you are riding! Sounds silly but your horse will feel and sense your tension and then get nervous from you. Keep breathing to stay relaxed, and talk to your horse, keep his attention on you.
It may be an idea to teach your horse shoulder in and turn on the forehand. Shoulder in will allow you to turn your horses head away from something scary on the side of the road, to allow you to pass, and turn on the forehand will give you control of his hindquarters and teach him to move away from your leg, so if he does spook you are in a better position to straighten him.
If you're out on the roads then flourescent gear is an essential even in daylight and in summer to make you more visible to motorists. A body protector may be a good investmant, my confidence has increased by loads since i got mine and now wear it all the time.
Good Luck and let us know how you get on!

[sorrow]

thanks guys,

I have already got some things in mind which I can use in the field and aranged to go for a sort walk just to the end of the road and back with a friend leading with her horse tomorrow so I will let you know how things go!

Gingerbreadman - that mad galloping does ring a bell! *ha ha* the crazy things we put ourselves through to ride!

Thanks again all!