How do I get my confidence back in horseback riding without a horse?

Hello, You have fallen off so many times. And really hard. This is what you should do. Horses can sense fear and then they will get scared. So the best idea is to practice cantering on a pony not a horse. So if you fall it won't be so far down. Be confident. Ride an older smaller horse. So he will go slower. Put a neck strap on the horse so if you feel like you are falling you can grab it. Have a good teacher be in the ring with you. Make sure you have a helmet on and if you are scared of braking any thing you can get a vest that does on like a shirt that will protect you ribs. you can get this at riding stores. My teacher always told me, '' you become a better rider when you fall.'' Also work on your leg muscles so you will be able to grip better!! I hope this helps!!! From: HorseChamp223

I have been there. you need a small horse and a trainer that will work with just you alone. take your time you will get your confidence back and just walk for as long as you want dont do anything faster then that til your ready.

u need to get on a horse strictly for beginers, i am not saying u r a beginer rider, this horse will listen to u super well and will not spook as easily. spend time around other people cantaring, this will help u get used to the idea. I t sounds like u have been riding horses that are not at your level and by starting riding horses easier u will get your confidence back good luck

I think to be able to get confidence back, you might have to have a horse. First you need to work with the horse on the ground, and make sure that the horse is good and not green or anything. Then i would recommend a western saddle, as it is bigger and has a horn. Then i would work in the walking and trotting for a while. And when you feel comfortable and trusting with your horse, then try a slow canter. When your are cantering in a western saddle, just lean back and sit very deep. You can even hold on to the horn. And also try cantering when you are in an closed arena, with no other horses around. I hope this helps!!

Try riding an experienced lesson horse in an inclose area with a good instructor.

ok when i get bucked off first of all get rite back on that horse.. else u will be afraid like this. second- work on your balance sit on a horse or top of a gate and spread your arms out. turn to the left/right. work everyday on this. go all over the place you can make your own excersises. third- bodn with the horse b4 you ride. get some trust working with in you both. fourth- sit deep in the saddle. fake you are glued to it. fifth- heels down in those sturrips sixth- if you feel like the horse is still to bumpy a lot of ppl hang on to the horn. i think it is best that you hang on to the cantle. seventh- maybe your giving a wrong cue with your legs. ask your instructor what you can to do make the ride smoother eighth- when you show fear of the horse.. the horse can sence this. everytime you get on you remember your past. when you get nervous the horse does. so stay calm. ninth- u have to remember you were a green rider on a green horse. there are more experienced horses for you. that was the mistake of your instructor. you should have been on a more experienced horse. tenth- since you are shaken up. you should go on one of those "dead broke" horses. they really help! i hope all of this helps you! :) and keep trying don't quit!! p.s. i love saddlebreds! we had the prettiest one! i hate how horses can only live for so long :(

take lessons and ask for a bombproff horse that is used for beginners. just don't feel scaried you'll soon get used to horses onces you get on a beginners horsse

Been there done that and I know exactly how you feel. Find someone with a quiet senior horse and begin there. Good luck it has taken me a year to over come my fall.

As someone said, you need to go on a BEGINNER horse for BEGINNERS. I'm not saying you're just beginning, but a beginner horse has had experience with nervous people, and probably knows a lot more about caring for the rider. My trainers horse, Dutch is 25 and lookin good, and he's a beginner horse and probably one the most caring, and best horse I've ridden on. For him, his everyday schedule is: Eat, have a nervous little kid ride on me, eat, sleep, repeat.