How to Overcome Anxiety & Fear Working With Horses

Most people are familiar with the saying: once you fall off a horse you have to get right back on. If a person literally falls off a horse or has been bitten or kicked, this may lead to anxiety and fear of horses. Some people are simply afraid of horses because of their size. Whatever the reason, if you are afraid of horses and want to work with them, you can overcome your fears by taking some steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Start slowly. This step is especially important for the experienced horse-person who is now afraid because of a horse-related accident. Some of your friends are probably horse-people too, and they may push you into starting right back where you left off. However, it is important for you to be ready. Start by simply visiting the barn.

• 2

  Walk the horse. Once you are comfortable being in the barn and feel okay being around horses, either walk with your horse in hand or get on your horse and walk. While you are walking, take the time to either reacquaint yourself with the horse or get to know the new horse.

• 3

  Pet your horse. While walking, use your hand to stroke the horse. Notice how the horse responds. You are building trust between you and the horse.

• 4

  Go to the next level. If you were leading your horse while you walked alongside it, now try to mount the horse. Remain in the riding ring if this is more comfortable. If you were riding the horse and walking, try trotting. Feel the rhythm of the horse's body. Keep this up until you are comfortable with what you are doing. It could take several months at this level before you are ready for more.

• 5

  Pay attention to your own breathing. While walking or trotting, your breathing should be relaxed. To help relax your breathing, breathe in deeply through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat 10 times.

• 6

  Make sure you are not tensing your muscles. Relax and be at peace with the moment.

• 7

  Conquer your fear. Once you are comfortable being around the horse, walking and trotting, it is time to take the horse out and ride it as you normally would. Remember not to tense up or hold your breath because your horse will sense your fear, and you both will be back to square one.