Resolving Fear - Skills for Riders

“Bravery” is highly valued in the equestrian world. "Gutsy" riders who push through a problem - or their own or their horse’s fear - are celebrated , while less confident, or more sensitive, riders often feel inadequate or weak.

The truth is that anyone can have an accident, or even a near miss, and lose confidence. These moments can get etched into our nervous system through our body’s natural trauma response - and once that happens they don’t simply fade away over time even when there is “no reason” to be afraid, or all precautions are taken. Other kinds of fear that get in the way of enjoying riding - eg of success, failure, or being judged - are often also linked to trauma.

Just “pushing through” fear doesn’t work - for us or our horses. Trauma research shows that there are very good reasons for our reactions after an…