Confidence boost please?

Question

I have recently got given a horse named Justin and i havn't got enough confidence yet to be able to Canter on him, i mean i really want to but no confidence, any tips please, he's 16.1hh and i'm 14 yrs old, everyone says he's completely bomb prufe but i just can't do it, i get a panic attack.

Answer 1

Your first goal with Justin is to build your confidence in each other.
What every one else says, means absolutely nothing, For Justin, spend time grooming him, walking the pasture with him on a lead-line, prove to him that every time he is with you it will be a great experience. Relax around him, watch to see if he looks for you . If he will follow you, what spooks him? what does he enjoy? where does he like to be rubbed? whats his favorite treat?
Spend as much time on his ground manners as you do riding him.
Training him to stand on cross ties, pick up his feet for cleaning, let you clip him. These manners are just as important as cantering, because they help guarantee your safety.
At your own pace the trust between you and Justin will grow, He will learn that you will never hurt him, and you will be able to "read" his reactions to different situations, When you know him this well venture into the steps in riding that you are hesitant to take now.
Remember to enjoy enjoy your journey with Justin, the entire experience of horse ownership, don't race for the end result your friends want.

Answer 2

Take as long as you want. If you stress the horse will know and worry about you. I know it can be hard when others are telling you it's ok, but if you aren't ready, you aren't ready. I love the fact that horse riding is so challenging. It definately builds character and self confidence, not to mention determination.

Don't worry, before long you two will be doing all sorts of stuff together :)

Answer 3

Just keep riding him and as you both get used to each other, your confidence will increase. you have to learn to trust him.