Resolving Fear - Skills for Riders

“Bravery” is highly valued in the equestrian world. "Gutsy" riders who push through fear, anxiety or resistance - theirs or their horse's - are held up as examples to follow, and people who want to do things differently can find themselves on the receiving end of criticism, judgement or downright bullying. 

Anyone can have an accident, or even a near miss, and lose confidence. And being criticised, judged or bullied can be just as damaging to our confidence, judgement, and relationship with our horse, as a bad fall or an accident on the ground. These experiences 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.

Fear can affect our riding in a whole range of ways. It can be obvious, like being afraid of cantering or…