Past Article:

Confidence Part II

"Confidence is a very fragile thing. It takes many small steps to achieve but can be destroyed in a few short moments."

How does this rider become more confident?

When you are familiar with a task, and are competent to do it safely, you get a real sense of satisfaction on achieving your goals. It could be anything at all. Whatever your goals are, when you succeed, you feel good.   This rider felt good.  You can be assured there was some adrenalin working here!  However, she did it.

4 Steps to Becoming More Proficient:

1. Familiarity with the horse and the tack
It can take up to a year to really get to know your horse. The more horses you have ridden and the more competent you are the quicker this process will be. However, your horse may be different in the winter months if the weather is cold. Perhaps in the heat of the summer he/she will tire more quickly. What happens when your mare comes into season? How does she re-act with other horses. Does your horse trail out happily on his/her own or is he/she better with company? Is there something that your horse is afraid of? Take your time to become familiar with and understand your horse.

What tack do you ride in? If you normally ride with a snaffle and then use a double bridle you will need time to get used to holding the reins! It’s not that easy to hold four reins. Different saddles will put you into different positions. Try changing from a dressage saddle to a western saddle. The different saddles put you into very different positions.

2. Familiar with (trust) the instructor
You have to trust that your instructor is wanting the best for you and your horse. The instructor has to be someone who has the knowledge and ability to teach you to become a better/safer rider. They have to make a mental connection with you and understand your horse’s physical and mental abilities. The instructor should challenge you, but keep you safe and your horse sound.

3. Familiar with the exercise
It takes time to learn the theory behind a specific exercise and develop a feel for how the horse is reacting and what you should be doing to achieve success. The exercise can be broken down into small components. A large walk-pirouette with a regular rhythm and correct bend can be made smaller in time. If the rhythm is lost both the horse and rider are never going to perform with quality. When learning how to jump a course of fences, it is how the fences are put together rather than how high you can jump a single fence. When competing cross-country, it is better to get the clear rounds consistently before worrying about the speed and time faults.

4. Familiar with the situation
Once you are confident at home or in an enclosed arena, you are ready to go off to a competition or out on the trails if that’s what your goals are. When competing it is best to compete a level below the level you are schooling at home. If you want to trail ride, go with a friend you can trust before heading off in a large group.
 

How Do Riders Handle a Lack of Confidence?

• They don’t do it
  That's fine. Who says you have to do anything? Be sure that you want to do something. If you feel unsure, then don’t do it. It’s about you having fun not being intimidated.

• They are too aggressive
  Often through FEAR. The rider is loud and rough around the horse. The aids are heavy. This rider loses their temper and will be quick to punish the horse either with the stick or by pulling the horse in the mouth. The horse will be tense and resistant.

• They take very small steps
  This works! This is the only way to build a bond of trust and confidence which will lead to success
   

5 Exercises to Help Develop Confidence

• Close your eyes and count the rhythm. Try to maintain that same rhythm as you ride through some school movements.

• Ride with your stirrups a hole shorter than normal. It allows you to drop more weight into the lower leg and heel.

• Ride in a light half seat in the canter until you find your balance.

• Ride a course of poles before jumping a course of fences.

• Compete at a level below the level you are riding at home.
   

Things NOT To Do

• Listen to barn chat about what you should be doing.

• Cantering on the lunge is very stressful for the horse. Riders can easily lose their balance.

• If you feel tired or stressed don't start something new or difficult.