Anyone who has been riding for any length of time has fallen or been bucked off their horse - more than once.
The standard advice is that you must pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on right away.
But sometimes, that is not possible nor is it necessarily the best thing to do.
No matter how long you have been riding, a fall can cause your confidence to be shaken so much that fear creeps in, takes a hold, and begins to affect your riding.
Some people continue to ride, but are nervous every time.
Others hide their fear behind bravado and become angry or aggressive riders taking the "I'll get him before he gets me" attitude.
Others find reasons to not ride - they have no time, it's too hot or too cold, it's too windy, the footing is bad, etc.
Normal, healthy fear has a purpose.
It is to keep us safe.
This "friendly" fear is a warning mechanism that we are in potential danger.
Fear prevents us from stepping off cliffs, walking down dark, empty streets alone, or going too close to that growling dog.
But, when fear starts to take away your ability to participate in something that used to bring you fulfillment and joy, it is no longer your friend.
Fear becomes your controller.
Fear takes hold when you no longer have confidence in your own riding ability and you have lost trust in your horse.
How do you work through this and regain your confidence? Follow these 10 steps: 1) Make the choice that you want to work through your fear and regain your confidence.
2) Identify the real cause of your fear.
3) Decide why you want to work through the fear.
4) Develop relaxation techniques that work for you.
5) Replace negative self-talk and thoughts with positive ones 6) Evaluate your ability to deal with the situation.
7) Work with a coach and a horse that you trust and respect 8) Go back to basics 9) Be patient with yourself 10) Acknowledge and celebrate your successes no matter how small.
Regaining your confidence is a journey.
Although, fear is something is not often talked about within the horse world, most riders have suffered a loss of confidence and had to work through fear at some stage in their riding careers.
You are not alone.