How To Overcome Horse Riding Fear- 3 Pro Tips

Meryl Lynn Lombardi and Pippa are back to share pro tips about dealing with fear of riding after a fall or other upsetting experience on a horse.
The three tips in this video are:
1. Work on your rider position and fight the human reflex of curling into a fetal position when you face something scary or when you feel danger.
Sitting straight up, hands holding the reins, maintaining contact with the horses mouth and keeping elbows by your side. Do not grip reins. Sitting in this way with your chest open, puts you in the saftey zone on the horse.
2. Be the leader! There are 2 thinking, breathing, living parts to the Rider/Horse partnership. One is going to be making the decisions. Always be the one in charge. Your horse will relax when they know what the bounderies and expectations are. They prefer that you lead!
3. If you have had a fall or other bad riding experience try not to dwell on it. Remember that every ride and day with your horse is brand new. Rider Mindset that focuses on the here and now with your horse will improve your riding, give you more safety and help you focus on your strengths and the knowledge you are gaining as you ride.
My Horse: Pippa
Epiphany ZA (Straight Egyptian Arabian)
Thee Desperado X Fantaasy by Mishaal HP
VIDEO
GoPro Hero 9
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IPhone 8 Plus
SabineTek Smart Mike +
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PHOTOS
Jennifer Beach
JLM Equine Photography
Suzanne Sturgill
Equine Photography by Suzanne, Inc.
(Photo) Photo by Lily Banse on Unsplash
(Photo) by Elisa Pitkänen on Unsplash
(Photo) amir-kh-jnRiKEyMWcw-unsplash.jpg
MUSIC
ElRoFluye by ReuvenBransburg Artlist (1).mp3
MyBunBun by RafiBLevy Artlist.mp3

[@looking4fun98]

I had a bad fall when I was young. Broke my arm and several ribs. It’s been over 30 years now, and I had 20 years off of horses but got back in 5 years ago. I had worked through my fear years ago after I healed but am back to being in fear. I’ve recently started listening to music to help calm my nervousness and it seems to be helping. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

I’m so glad you are back riding and problem solving! Clearly you have a love for riding. Best of luck and feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns! 👏🔥🐴💜

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn i hate riding lessons because i got sick of the horse he wasn't happy with me wanted me to leave so i didnt want to ride anymore i hated it because of bits it sucked the fun of it

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

@@DariaHarruff Is there only one horse at the riding program you can ride?

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn no I don't plan on it soon why do u want to me to ride a horse I don't want to yet I can do what I want not what you guys want me to do

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn I quit my riding lessons last October 2023 it sucks to ride a with a bit I'm done with my riding lessons for good I'm out I'm sorry I don't like riding with a bit the horse made me feel like a failure because I didn't know how to get him to listen to me but I'm out of riding lessons for good im done with it I didn't want to ride a horse but my riding instructor forced me to

[@Jomama220]

The first time I truly started working with horses, I was put in uncomfortable situations where I was thrown and wasn’t ready for what the trainers were pushing me for. Now I’m in a much safer and relaxed environment with horses but I’m still very nervous and overthink a lot and I’m trying to get out of this, I want to be a fearless rider

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

My heart goes out to you! I’ve been with the same trainer for 7 years. I started out very green on an equally green horse so I knew we were in for a challenging journey! I’m still not a super confident rider although I’m much better than I was. Keep at it, give yourself grace, and all the time you need! Talk to your trainer, instructors, about your feelings and see if they have suggestions. Try deep breathing while you’re riding. Another thing that can help is talking out loud to yourself or whoever you’re riding with. Talk about something other than riding. A story, a movie you’ve seen, etc. Believe it or not, this helps take your mind off a nervous script! Let me know how it goes! I’m very glad you’re still riding!

[@DariaHarruff]

I dropped out of my stupid butt riding lessons because of bits and the horse had enough of my bull crap bossy attitude of mine I don't blame him for it at all I'm the problem not him but I'm done with it I told the horse I hated him I wished he would get a better rider than me I didn't want to be his friend anymore in fact i don't want to be forced to ride a horse as long I'm alive

[@fromtheedgee]

1 || Make the choices don’t let the horse do it 2 || Get the right mindset, it means that you shouldn’t be afraid of horses you should be confident instead

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

Thanks for watching and your insights on overcoming fear when riding!

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn ill never take riding lessons again as long im alive

[@DariaHarruff]

@@fromtheedgee I hate that show horse whose boss is the dumbest thing I've ever heard from people who says that crap it's annoying as such

[@katrinatoucke5443]

Mindset is so important for everything. I loved you brought this up. Animals and I loved hearing about horses are so intuitive to our feelings. Awesome tips to overcome fear! Thanks!

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

Yes, mindset is everything in life! So hard to keep it front and center but so crucial!! 😊🔥

[@carollinnan4268]

thank you for this video, i had a fall from my 7yo ottb about a month ago, bruising my tailbone. he is 17h and i'm 5'2", it took about 3 weeks for me to feel better and just be able to sit without pain. not being able to ride for those 3 weeks gave me way too much time to think about what happened and added some unwanted anxiety when thinking about my next rides. will definitely try your 3 tips on my next ride. looking forward to your channel.

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

Hi Carol, I can definitely relate as can anyone who has had an “unplanned dismount”. It can throw your confidence and take time to heal. Give yourself grace and the time you need! Please feel free to drop any questions here. And let me know how things are going as you get back in the saddle! 💜👏🐴

[@colleenpomeroy3024]

Thank you for sharing and being so honest. I’m going to give riding another try.

[@ilsehoutsma602]

How are you doing right now?

[@mproche57]

Getting back on the horse is everything! Good for you and thanks for the great video!

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

Thank you so much! I’m very happy you liked the video...and yes, riders know getting back on is a big deal!

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn i dropped out of my stupid riding lessons i hated it i wasn't having fun with the horse he's too slow or too fast i quit

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

@@DariaHarruff I’m sorry to hear that you hated your riding lessons. If you want to continue, try looking for a different school or riding outfit. Or try trail rides… best of luck. 🐴💜

[@DariaHarruff]

@@alifewithhorses-meryllynn no I quit my riding lessons because of him and me and bits I don't want to be on a horse they're dangerous I don't like riding lessons it seems boring as heck I had to use a bit on a horse I wasn't t happy anymore I'm Sorry I hurt your feelings

[@jimcornely4222]

Getting thrown off of a horse. Now that’s a scary thought! Good to hear the owner of Pippa is ok.

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

It was unexpected! First time she’s thrown me in 3 years! My odds are pretty good though, if it’s only once every 3 years! 😂

[@margaretburckard6684]

It's easy to be bullied by your horse when you don't take leadership. I think this is the biggest challenge of horse riding

[@alifewithhorses-meryllynn]

I agree it is right up there in importance! And it doesn’t mean you have to be a gruff or insensitive rider. It’s a mindset and confidence thing your horse will ultimately appreciate! Thanks so much for watching! 😊🐴💜