I'd love to ride a horse but I'm afraid of this animal,what can I do?

Question

it's a serious question.

Answer 1

You can't ride a horse if you can't get comfortable enough to get to know one. A person only gets on a horse when they are secure enough in the knowledge that the horse does not present a danger to themselves.

I would suggest going to a local petting zoo and spending some time getting to know the horse in a restrictive environment. Talk to the owners/managers and see if, under their supervision, they can let you pet the horse or even groom it. Also, you can tell them about your 'fear' and have them demonstrate their own interaction with the animal. the more you see people interacting with the horse in a positive manner, with no injury or threat taking place, the more likely your mind will 'connect' their behavior positively.

If you don't have a local petting zoo, visiting a horse farm is also viable. Many ranches have events where the public is allowed to get to know the animals better, even petting and/or feeding times. if you get nervous with either, then its a simple matter of stepping back and simply watching other people interact with the horse to help reassure you.

Trying to 'force' yourself to do something you are strongly afraid of actually reinforces the powerful negative feelings you are trying to overcome. This is because the 'fear' they make you feel is multiplied by the fact that you feel you 'have' to do this, which makes you feel even more powerless against the feeling. Learning to cope with a fear on your own terms, at your speed, is the best way to learn that it doesn't have to have mastery over you.

Answer 2

take your time before you actually ride the horse...first off be nice to the horse you intend to ride...develop a relationship with the animal so it will trust you..(ie, speak to the horse, groom the horse, give it a treat like an apple or a carrot or some oats)...when you actually ride the horse for the first time...take it easy, stay in the corral if thats where you are on the horse and just go slow if the horse starts to gallop and you're not expecting it, you could be seriously injured....

Answer 3

Find a respected trainer in your area and talk to them about lessons. If they know your fear, they will do what they can to keep you at ease and to match with you a calm horse. Some horses are more spirited and can be more frightening. A smaller, calmer horse is best for beginners. A good trainer will also help show you how to and not to move around a horse to keep it from being spooked.

The first time I rode a horse I was only about 8 and my grandmother rode with me, and when she got off of the horse, she walked the horse around with me on it so she could control the movements.

Answer 4

I think you need to go somewhere that has horses and spend time with them before you try to ride it. Talk to people that work with them and maybe you can brush them or feed them. A horse will feel your fear and will buck you off if you are too afraid to control it properly while riding it.

Answer 5

Horses kind of creep me out too, but especailly monkeys! They remind me of little (EEEeeeEEEKKK!!) Clowns! Their little hands grabbing everything, running around like crazy, They'd pluck your eye out in a second if given the chance!! Don't get me started on monkeys. I've ridden horses in Africa. They were pretty docile. Spend some time with someone who cares for horses while they do their chores. You'll probably start to feel more comfortable with them. It's always best to face your fears head on.

Answer 6

The only way to deal with any fear would in my opinionbe like taking the bull by the horn.So just don't think,do it.

Answer 7

start with a pony, or a large dog

Answer 8

Well, duh. Don't ride it.