Sister scared of horses because...Any TIPS???

[Katie]

Hi,
My sister used to ride alot but one day the horse spooked in the indoor arena,and started galloping toward the rail, and then he'd turn quickly and gallop toward another part of the rail- This went on for about 2 minutes. She managed to stay on, and didnt lose the reins. She tried numerous times to get him to stop but her wouldn't.
* She still rode a few times after that but on a different horse. And Every time she wouldn't go faster than a walk and she was tense the whole time. Since then she has quit ridng, even though I know she still loves horses. I ride all the time, but she never will.
****** IS THERE ANY WAY TO HELP HER NOT BE AFRAID that the horse will spook and run off?
I would appreciate any tips you can offer.
Being horse crazy and I knwo she is aI can't stand to see her not riding anymore!

[cusard]

I, like your sister have had a scare and it's not easy to come to terms with. My love of horses developed when I was very young and has since grown with me. Addmitting that I had lost my confidence was hard. I used to pretend that I hadn't and consequently put myself and others around me in danger. We must not forget that these magnificent creatures can sense our fear and anxiety, which can be potentially dangerious.

As we get older we understand how fragile we are. Your sister has had a bit of a shock and will take some time to gain her confidence back.

I slowly gained my confidence by just being around horses, not riding them, grooming, mucking out etc. When I felt I was ready I asked a friend If I could ride her horse, as I knew it was totally bomb proof and I just walk her round the Paddock. Eventually I plucked up the courage to go out on the roads, it was a little daunting but I made it. It takes determination on the riders part and also a safe horse.

I hope your sister does get back on, but remember, it is her choice and the only thing you can do is offer support.

[Wally]

What nasty thing to do, putting a novice on a horse that was not trust worthy. I know any horse will spook at times but this sounds more than a spook. The only thing you can do is find a very reliable, schoolmaster on whom she can regain her confidence.
We have a horse which anyone who has been frightened rides. He has given folk back their confidence. These horses are like gold dust but if you can find one and convince your sister she's safe up there she will gradually gain confidence.

[Jo]

Hi Katie,

I guess most people who ride have tales of terror to tell but your sister's experience is all too familiar. By the sound of it, she is quite an accomplished rider, or else she wouldn't have stayed on, especially when the horse turned sharply. I think the answer is to get some lessons on a reliable horse - in a school setting at first and then on quiet hacks if the teacher allows it. If the horse is as bombproof as possible (I won't believe any horse is beyond spooking) then she should feel better about it. Working around horses on the ground is good advice. She will have to work through it herself and maybe will need a break. Whatever she decides to do, tell her she should tkae con=mfort from the fact that she controlled the situation by staying on board.

[Maisie]

Well, I don't know if I can help because I don't have any experiences I can relate to...but does she even get involved with horses at all? If she doesn't, try taking her to the stable and letting her interact with the horses from the ground, patting them, etc. If she DOES dare to pat horses but not ride, I would suggest putting her on a lazy horse (but not too weird or really really stubborn) and letting her find out for herself (at a halt even) that riding isn't that dangerous after all! (She's gonna find out she'll have to work really hard to get the horse to move!)

Okay, try asking her to rate her 'scaredness', on a scale of 1 to 10, ten being really petrified and 1 being calm. Ask her this question often because it'll make her look into her fears and be more aware of them.

Duh, that sounds pretty dumb, but...hope it helps! :D

[This message has been edited by Maisie (edited 25 April 2000).]

[intouch]

My daughter had a scare a few years ago and didnt want to ride for nearly a year, but she came back to it in her own time and is fine now. Support but dont push. :eek: