Falling off a horse or the thought of falling off of a horse can forever taint your confidence. Falling while horseback riding can be traumatic, even if you were not harmed. Negative emotions such as fear, embarrassment, and frustration can damage your confidence and your enjoyment with horses. There are some things you can do to help regain and keep your confidence around horses.
Understand that what you are feeling is perfectly normal
Any type of horse incident is traumatic. It is perfectly normal to feel afraid or unsure. Our brain’s are wired to help protect us from danger. It associated your horse or even horseback riding with danger because of the fall. This can mean a rush of negative emotions, an increased heart rate, tensing, and an increase in sweat creation? Practice some deep and focused breathing and enjoy the time spent around your horse.
Learn how to fall safely
Why that may seem impossible, there are ways to better prepare yourself for a rough landing. First, do not put your arms out to break your fall. This is one of the most common injuries because riders automatically use their arms to break their fall. Do the opposite. Tuck everything and picture yourself as a ball. Try to roll when you hit the ground to keep your momentum going slightly so one body part does not absorb the full impact. If you are able, tuck your arms and chin in, and aim to land on a shoulder-blade.
Practice moving dismounts
Moving dismounts can be useful in dangerous situations. These are scenarios in which the rider is AWARE they might be in possible danger. For example, if a horse is extremely upset or spooky, there are moving objects- pets, strollers, vehicles, etc. that could frighten your horse or if your horse is just feeling fresh and is full of energy.
Practicing a moving dismount (aka Emergency Dismount) in case you need to bail can prevent injuries an accidents. If your horse has bolted and you have little to no control, bailing off your horse may be safer. Practice at a walk and ALWAYS with another person close by until you and your horse are comfortable with emergency dismounts.
Recognize that the past is over
Recognize that the past is over – the only place it exists is in your mind. This is a powerful realization once you understand it. The fall happened. It’s over. The only place it now exists is in your mind. The thoughts and emotions you feel about it are because you are thinking them and letting them run a muck. MANY people fall off their horses. In fact, there are some that say that you’re not really a rider until you fall off at least once. It can be scary and intimidating, but tame the thoughts about the fall and you pave the way to success with you and your horse.
Understand that horses have “fight or flight” mentality
Horses are fight or flight creatures. Fleeing seems to be the action of choice for most horses. They are swift and can outrun many predators – including scary mailboxes, flapping tarps, and the occasional plastic bag that blows across an arena. They are wired to do this for their own safety. Their primitive brains are trying to keep THEM alive just as our brains do. A scary jump, rustling bushes, and many other seemingly harmless objects can transform a horse into a running machine. It is part of their makeup and intuition to flee or fight in order to protect themselves.
Realize that your horse was just as freaked out as you were
Unless your horse was feeling really fresh and acting naughty, many accidents occur because the horse got frightened. Understand that your horse was frightened or felt the need to protect itself by fleeing or spooking. Falling off a horse can leave a person shaken – both physically and mentally but understand that your horse (at the time) was just as freaked out as you were.
Start small and work up again
Sometimes we need to start at the beginning in order to regain our confidence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. You can ride a trusted horse such as a lesson horse or a well-trained horse. You can also take some lessons. Trainers can help you rebuild your confidence by teaching or re-teaching you the basics and focusing on what you need or want to learn. Spend time with your horse out of the saddle. Enjoy the grooming process, listen to them munch their hay in a peaceful evening, or simply enjoy being around them.
Remember your “Why”
Remembering “why” you wanted to be around horses in the first place can ignite your passion. What do you enjoy about horses? What have been some of your favorite moments around horses thus far? Focus on the good and conjure positive thoughts and happy emotions will follow.
GET BACK ON
If you are physically able after a fall, the most important thing to do is to get back on. This immediate action after a traumatic fall shows your brain that it is not a danger. It also boosts your confidence because you are persevering. Obstacles in life happen, but do we quit or do we try again? If we quit after the first “no”, the first red light that stopped us, or anything that derailed our progress or path, where would we be? Get back on that horse. A fall is a mental and physical block that we can heal from – if you get back on.
Related Content:
Horse Behavior 101
Back to Basics – Horseback Riding Skills Every Rider Should Know