Answer

By Your Horse

Psychologist Tina Bettison replies:

It’s completely understandable that you wouldn’t want to repeat the experience, but what a shame that the positive aspects of the experience have been lost too.
What was positive about it was that you stayed on the horse – no matter what he did, he couldn’t unseat you, which suggests you’re a very good rider with a good seat and good control. Give yourself a pat on the back for this – the incident didn’t beat you. What has beaten you is reliving the experience and all the negative outcomes that might have happened. Here are some steps to get you back on track:
● Get a journal and write down all the really happy times you had riding, any achievements you made, what you enjoyed, were good at, and any hurdles you overcame. Then write down some negative riding experiences and how you coped with them – this reminds your brain that there’s balance in all things. Read this journal every day reliving the good memories.
● Then book a riding lesson. Find a school where you can have a private lunge lesson, which is a great way to get back in the saddle, find your seat again and build confidence while someone else takes care of controlling the horse.
● When you feel ready, progress to riding off the lunge, but stick to private lessons until you feel happy in the saddle again. Only then join a small group lesson to build your confidence in riding with others again.
● Think of confidence like a broken limb – it takes an instant to happen but needs time to heal and rebuild full mobility. Take your time and honour each of your
steps forward.