Horseback riding is not for the faint of the heart. It is very dangerous, emotionally, mentally, and physically. It doesn’t matter if you are riding for fun or competitively. Many people have ways to deal with a frustrating ride, this post gives you some tips.
Not all rides you will have been successful. Sometimes you would feel like you are going backwards than forwards, in training horses. Mentally, it’s going to be very frustrating, and you feel like you want to give up. I have been there.
But…
Don’t give up. Especially if you are doing something you love. It’s okay to take breaks occasionally.
Make sure you stop on a good note, especially if you have multiple days of frustrating rides. I know some people, including myself, kick themselves when things don’t go right.
Here are some ideas to help:
When riding, try to work on one thing and when you feel like you and your horse accomplished it. Stop.
Another thing you can do is not to work on anything. Just let the horse and you relax. Remember, if you are feeling anxious or stressed, your horse feels that as well. So, if you have a relaxing ride, so will your horse.
Your horse might be a little ring sour, which means your horse is bored of going in circles. If you have access to trails and if your horse can, go on a nice trail ride. If you don’t have access to trails, then switch up what you are doing in the ring.
Maybe don’t ride your horse, give your horse a spa day and do some ground training. It’s okay to go back to the basics with horses. It will only just improve you as a rider, and your horse as well.
Practice wrapping, braiding, or try to learn something you always wanted to. If there is no one around to help you, you can always use YouTube as a tutorial. Obviously, expanding your knowledge will always help.
Have you always wanted to do something creative with your horse? Have a photograph shoot with either some friends or by yourself.
Have a Gymkhana Day. I love game day with my horse, even though she was not that type of horse.
A bareback day. If you feel comfortable enough, riding bareback will always improve your riding, even if you’re just walking. You and your horse will feel more connected with each other; at least that’s what I feel when I ride bareback.
Last, but not least, there is nothing wrong with taking a day or so off. Go to the barn, kiss your horse, give them a treat, and just watch them for a while if they are out in a paddock. Then go home and spend some time with friends or give yourself a date night.
Try not to take it personally. It doesn’t mean you are a ‘bad’ rider. Even people who have more experience than you go through the same thing. Possibly, reach out to friends and/or mentors.
As you know, horses are amazing and spirited who have a mind of their own, so just give yourself a break.