Hi I am scared of horses, I know this is weird but ever since my friend died I have been afraid of them.?

Question

My friend fell of the horse and died, well she was actually my friends sister, I didn't know her that well but ever since I have been afraid of them, I am all ways afraid they will step on me and hurt me, what should I do?
Teresa.

Answer 1

I don't know if you have horses or if theres a need for you to be around them. If your wanting to conquer your fear, I would just spend time with smaller horses, just brushing them and watching others ride. Just start small, its not something you have to conquer overnight.

I had a bad wreck with a horse and didn't ride for 8 yrs. I had to take lessons to get some confidence back. I now have mules and donkeys that I show. I have been whomped before by animals since then and broken bones. I still have a fear of riding, that will probably never go away, but I am able to control it enough to show and trailride. I just make sure I have confidence in my animals such as, I have an older done that mule for trailriding and a higher gassier mule for shows. I know their temperments and capabilities.

Answer 2

Last September I fell from a horse and I was unconcious for 7 hours. I had a broken rib and the hospital thought I had brain dmage and a broken spine. It was a scary time for my family, but I don't remeber much.

Horses have been my life since I was young. I couldn't stop, however much people around me thought I was crazy to carry on. Being with horses all my life ahs taught me a lot of things about them.

Horses are one of the most gentle giants you'll ever meet. Some horses can be nippy and naughty but that isn't their fault. That's the fault of their owner or previous owner. Most horses are safe and willing to be loved.

Here are a few things you should consider when approaching a horse next time you do: Kepp your shoulders rounded and your arms by your side. Holding your arms out and making yourself look taller will just frighten him. Avoid eye contact, eye contact with the horse may make him think you are going to be angry with him. Walk slowly, and if you are scared that the horse is going to try to fend you off don't worry because in the wild horses are prey, not predators. Therefore, take cautious steps when approcahing the horse. If he knows you are 'prey' too then he won't do anything. When you arrive next to the horse stand next to it's shoulder and confidently stroke it's neck. Horses may not like ticky things so be firm but not harsh. Hold your hand out under its muzzle so that it is reassured.

By doing the above every time you meet a horse you'll soon learn that horses aren't going to hurt you. Infact most horses won't hurt you or even investigate if you do hold your hands up and make eye contact but if you are approaching a wary horse these steps are always a good procedure.

A horse won't stamp on you unless you are in the way. He is not doing it on purpose and it means you are in the wrong. Instead of standing iuinfront of a horse stand by its shoulder. That way, he can't stamp on you!

Answer 3

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend!

It's perfectly natural to have a healthy fear of horses. It tends to keep you safe around them.

If you still like being around horses but are afraid of them, I would look into a good riding academy in your area and take a few lessons (even if you are an experienced rider). Lesson horses tend to be very gentle because they are so used to new riders. That might help. Or, if you have a good place that offers trail rides, go on one. Trail horses usually just follow each other and you don't have to do much but sit there and enjoy the scenery.

I get stepped on at least once a week. It hurts and you usually get a bruise, but that's about it.

***PS--most important, wear a helmet!!

Answer 4

This is totally normal. I have fallen off a horse. Every rider does it at least once. If you want to get over your fear, ask a friend of yours or a family member to help you get a job volunteering at your local riding school or pony club. You can do work in a stable, and you'll soon learn that horses are like humans. We all get scared. I'm scared of spiders. Horses are gentle, but all have a different personality. Some will be feisty while others will be as calm as a lamb. If you don't want to help in the stable, just research horses and learn more about them. I hope this helped and I hope you come over your fear!!!

Best of luck!

Answer 5

Do you do horse riding? If not, how are they supposed to step on you? Accidents can happen only when you ride the horse! No horse will ever come over to you to run you over! So just don't do any horse riding, go close to them when they are behind a fence, don't make them nervous by any abrupt movements or cries due to your fear, just do whatever you are comfortable with. Horses are nice animals, very considerate of humans. Panic on either side is a bad thing and can lead to accidents. Your panic can transfer to them. So just be calm around them, talk calmly to them, and if you can't do that, well, just stay away from them! It's not like horses come into your house or your office!

Answer 6

Take horses in small doses. They are big animals and most of them a pretty crafty when the want to be pushy. Ask around and see if there are any horse owners that won't mind teaching you to groom their horse. Remember to relax...Take a deep breath and let it out. sing, hum, or whistle while you are around them this will let you be focused but reasonably relaxed. Try sitting on or outside the fence and just watching the horse for awhile then sooner or later try petting on a horse. It can be tough after knowing someone who has died or been injured on a horse. Just remember that you bear the responsibility around horses. If you can't relax they know it and will be just as scared as you are.Good Luck, I hope you can get past this as horses offer alot of companionship and fun on top of a great learning experiance.

Answer 7

I am sorry for your friends loss but the reality is that these things happen. Sometimes accidents happen and you have got to sharpen your mind and not become subject to fear and phobias simply because of someone else's injury/fatality. You can be more cautious, as is always the lesson that is to be learned, but do not stray away from something on the basis of fear. Make an informed decision. Horses are large, and they have minds of their own and therefore it is possible for them to react to something, anything, without your permission. When/If this time ever comes, either hold on or jump off.

Good Luck.

Answer 8

You should be afraid. I mean i know what its like trying to get someone to 'Not be afraid" But just because your friend fell doesnt mean anything like that will happen to you . I have been around horses all my life. And i have never got hurt. My dad has been riding for many years..He has been bucked off like 100 times! But he never got hurt! How could your friend just fall off and then die? i really find that impossible to believe!

Answer 9

Your guy friend might have a crush on you and be jealous, or he might be jealous that you're not around as much 'cause of your dating, or he might view you as a sister-type of friend and feels like he should be the older-brother-type. Also, your guy friend might just feel awkward that you're dating his friend. As for your BF, you need to tell him to not be jealous if he sees you talking to another guy. That's so overprotective and he needs to give you space.

Answer 10

spend some time with ponies ,brush,walk,feed them,and slowly work your way up,horses never mean to hurt you it usually an accident,start small