A lack of confidence when riding your horse is a significant and widespread issue. A fall, an injury, or even riding a spooky horse can quickly shatter what confidence you have, and even aging often results in reduced confidence. If you find that you’re lacking confidence in the saddle, these tips can help you to build it up again.

Work with a Trainer You Trust

One of the most important steps to regaining your confidence in the saddle is to work with a trainer whom you truly trust. It is your trainer’s job to push you a bit past your comfort zone, but a trainer also needs to be able to do this safely and in a way that will result in positive rides, rather than an experience that will only further lower your confidence.

If you suspect that you and your current trainer are not a good match, start looking for a new trainer whose goals and approach to riding will match yours. A bad match with a current trainer will not help to build your confidence, and can actually have the opposite results.

Use Positive Visualization

The power of visualization is enormous. Before you mount up, visualize yourself being relaxed and confident in the saddle. Picture your perfect ride, with your horse behaving well and you being secure in the saddle throughout the ride. Visualization can help to prepare you mentally and emotionally for what you need to do to have a relaxing and enjoyable ride. Practice visualization before mounting up, but also practice it while you’re at home or doing chores around the barn.

Put the Power Pose to Work

Have you heard of the power pose? The power pose is a particular stance that can actually change your body chemistry and give you more confidence. Useful before job interviews, speeches, and a variety of other intimidating situations, the power pose is also perfect for riders.

Before you mount up, put the power pose to work for five minutes. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on your hips, lift your chin up, and push your chest outward. While in the power pose, strike the most powerful stance you can, and hold it. This pose builds your confidence, which will transfer to your rides.

Practice Deep Breathing

When anxiety strikes, it is important to get your breathing and heart rate under control. Deep breaths slow your heart, transmitting confidence and relaxation to your horse. Additionally, deep breathing relaxes your muscles, allowing you to sit more securely on your horse. When you’re feeling nervous while riding, focus on deep breathing and allowing your lungs to expand all the way down with every breath.

Reflect on Your Accomplishments

To further build your confidence, think about your strengths as a rider. Look at what you have accomplished over your riding career – when you first climbed into the saddle you couldn’t trot, canter, or do many other things that you can now do. Think about the spooks, bucks, and other behaviors that you have ridden out successfully. This is evidence of your skill as a rider; don’t forget that you are talented!

Building your confidence when riding is a slow process, but with time, you can ride confidently again.

Original source: 5 Ways To Build Your Confidence in the Saddle