I am having some trouble staying relaxed when I ride. Everytime I ride, the horse spooks or takes off running and my riding instructor tells me that the horses i rode were not spooky horses. They usually are very lazy, but when I ride them, they take off or they spook, then take off =/. I think I'm doing something wrong but my instructor can't really tell. I think I may be being too tense in the saddle and the horse is picking up on my fear. Any suggestions?
2007-01-07 04:03:42 · 12 answers · asked by girl1234 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Try this to relax:
Before you get on sooth the horse and stroke them gently or give them scratches in their itchy spot. This will relax the horse and you to, just relax!
Then when you get on take a few deep breaths as you walk around, just try to calm yourself down, talking to the horse helps! Trust me just pet them, good girl/boy, what a good ponyyyY!! This will reward your horse for not spooking and they will feel comforted and maybe less likely to spook.
As your riding just roll your shoulders back and very important...REMEMBER TO BREATHE!!!! Sometimes we concentrate so much we forget to breathe!
just stay calm, take deep breaths, and talk with your horse while riding and before and after... HOPE THIS HELPS!!!
2007-01-07 04:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by dancerchick2468 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Horses pick up on fear very easy, and I have had some of the best trained and quietest horse take advantage of a fearful rider. Also remember the horse is counting on you to be the leader and keep it out of danger, if it feels you are fearful the horse will feel there is a reason for it to be fearful as well and become tense and ready to flee. Horses are flight animals in the midst of danger so they are ever ready to get out of it. Try to remember that and relieve the horses fear by not projecting back onto the horse. If you are confident, and strong so will the horse be. Think of yourself as the leader who is protecting the horse and keeping it from danger, keep in your mind there is nothing to fear and you will eliminate the jitters for you and the horse. Remember your breathing and concentrate on that and your riding skills. Do not let your fear transfer down the reins to the horse or you will have a spooky horse.
2007-01-07 06:20:43 · answer #2 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take deep breaths. Also try to lead your horse around before riding and when he/she spooks bring the horse to the object and say: "Good Boy/Girl" and stroke the horse. Do this every lesson.
2007-01-07 04:23:28 · answer #3 · answered by Ellen 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
horses can smell fear. i had the same problem... you also may have a really hot seat. try taking deep breaths ride in company, talk to the horse.... sing while you ride and just learn to trust the horse
good luck
2007-01-07 06:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by noonoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you know only dogs, bees and horses "smell" fear. Plus, they are really smart animals, and they know when you are feeling tense, and try to show their superiority over you. You have to show the horse who's the boss, by the tone of your voice and the way you sit on the straddle. why don't you start by being around them, but not riding at least until you feel more comfortable?
2007-01-07 04:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by AMBER D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok, i've been riding for 5 years now and it occasunally happens to me too. so don't feel bad. one of the main things to know is: DON'T EVER LET THE HORSE KNOW YOU ARE SCARED!! they can sense your fear and when your not focused they will try to take control. Now, about the part where you said they take off on you, usually when this happens to me ( i ride english) i don't yanke on the reins i tell them to "whoa" and i try to not pull on them too hard. and if that doesn't work pull to the side real quick it'll make them turn themselves around (u have to be safe and hold on though) and when u do, do that...i know this sounds like the ASPCA should be called on my; but, i kick them hard (on their sides where ur legs rest)and i yell at them. They then seem to tell who's in control. so just have fun keep your heels down when posting and don't let them know your scared and don't be afraid to show the horse who's really in the saddle. =]
2007-01-07 07:12:22 · answer #6 · answered by kayla g 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try spending some ground time with horses. Just brushing them down, lunging, etc. Just work with them with you on the ground. Get completely comfortable with them being around you and you walking behind them everything about them should be comfortable on the ground before you get in the saddle.
2007-01-07 09:49:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try deep breathing exercises before you get on and then during your warm up. It sounds as though you are nervous due to past experiences and the horses are picking up on that fear.
2007-01-07 04:57:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just ride with the horse and dont be very stiff. they can sense fear so dont be so scared.
2007-01-07 04:26:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
RELAX. Horses, like all animals, can sense your mood.
2007-01-07 04:59:54 · answer #10 · answered by Leigh S. 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋