How to Overcome Fear of Horseback Riding

Many people enjoy horseback riding, but these large animals can also be intimidating. If you have had a bad experience with a horse, getting back on can be difficult.



Although horseback riding may be a bit scary, you can overcome your fear of riding. All it takes is time, practice and patience.

Instructions

    • 1
      Horseback riding can be enjoyable and fun.

      Horses are seen as majestic and beautiful animals, yet many people fear them. A horse's size and presence can be overwhelming. If you are a new rider, the best place to begin is by familiarizing yourself with horses. Learn as much as you can about their demeanor, how they behave and what they are afraid of. Once you have done this, you'll want to take time to be around horses. Perhaps there is an equestrian farm where you can volunteer. Feeding the horses, brushing them and perhaps exercising them is a great way to become familiar with them and to ease your mind and calm your fears.

    • 2
      Whether your're an adult or a child, you can overcome your fear of riding.

      Become an experienced rider by taking riding lessons. Volunteers at equestrian farms are often allowed to ride for free. This is the perfect way to learn the ins and outs of riding and is one of the only ways you can truly get comfortable with a horse. Riding is about relaxation and comfort. With lessons, you can gradually build up to horseback riding on your own.

    • 3
      You can learn to love horseback riding and be free from fear.

      If you are an experienced rider who has been hurt riding, the fear of getting back on a horse can

      be an obstacle. Remember that this fear is natural, and your lack of confidence can be sensed by the horse. Start slowly by rebuilding your confidence. One way is to use a closed-off area and begin by mounting the horse and sitting on it. You don't have to go anywhere; you are slowly breaking yourself and the horse back into the routine of riding. Once you are comfortable with that level, then begin by slowly trotting the horse. A gradual progression will allow you and the horse to get familiar and comfortable with each other again. Then you can return to your normal riding patterns.

    • 4
      Learning to love your horse is the key to enjoying the ride.

      Ride with a friend. Having someone with you will help ease your fears and calm your nerves. Having someone to ride with will give you a person to lean on for support. That person can motivate you when your fears begin to take over and could mean the difference between getting on the horse or staying off.

    • 5
      Find the horse that is right for you.

      Choose the right horse. Just as people have different personalities and demeanors, so do horses, so be sure to ride the horse in a pen until you decide if it is the horse for you. If it isn't, then don't worry. Many accidents occur when riders get on the wrong horse, and you want to choose a horse that is at your skill level. If you are persistent and patient, you will learn to love riding either for the first time or again.