Gaining Confidence

Not too long ago I wrote about Confidence.  Specifically, how many riders understand basic maneuvers but lack the confidence to apply their own skill in a training “moment” aboard or alongside their horse.  Several students acknowledged that this is a major issue but then demanded that I provide them with a written blueprint to get from this level to a level of self assured horsemanship ability; One where they cease to doubt their skill and can apply even a complex aid without major fear.  We all know that there is no one-size-fits-all training process but, in general, a series of regular, appropriate  incremental increases in challenge level will assist the rider in gaining the confidence needed to progress along the skill and confidence  continuum. 

Here are specific pointers to guide you along the process:

·         Know the difference between a reasonable challenge and a foolish aspiration.  A horse that gets a little nervous on the trail but relaxes with appropriate rider response is a challenge.  A horse that bucks without warning is best left to a professional.   Above all, be safe.

·         Be honest about your ability level.  If you are a beginner rider who is comfortable only at the walk, stick with minor challenges that occur infrequently and are more of a nuisance than a safety issues (such as a horse who moves too slow, or one that needs to work on stride length).  An advanced rider who can perform a collected canter with confidence is better suited to work with a horse who rushes nervously when asked to lope.

·         Ride a lot of horses.  Good riders know that the more horses you ride the better rider you become.  Nothing can take the place of the experience of “problem solving” with several different mounts.  Make sure you match their challenges with your strengths.  New skills will be learned by both horse and rider in the process. 

·         Once you identify appropriate challenges, make a plan.  For example:  If you have a horse that gets nervous on the trail alone, increase the distance you expect the horse to travel from the barn each time you ride.  Slowly increasing the distance teaches the horse trust in the rider and increases your level of confidence in handling the training process.  The horse also learns that he still returns “home” safely after the work despite the increased distance.  Another example:  The horse that dislikes the lope might be asked to long trot in the arena until long trotting becomes “annoying”  and he actually asks to lope by breaking into the gait on his own.  Both of these processes assume that the work is appropriate mentally and physically for both horse and rider.  “Plans” should be (in most cases) prepared with the assistance of a trainer or instructor.

·         Control your body.  Being a relaxed rider is counter-intuitive.  When the horse acts up we naturally want to tense up in preparation for bad behavior.  Our body has then confirmed what the horse feared:  BE NERVOUS!  Teach yourself to respond to horse anxiety with a relaxed seat/body and calm demeanor.  Faking it won’t work, as a horse depends on his ability to perceive fear to keep himself from being injured.

·         Take lessons.  A good instructor can help you prevent problems where you and the horse might otherwise lock into a dysfunctional behavior-response cycle.  For example:  The horse rushes so the rider holds the reins tighter, when the correct response is to teach the horse not to rush.  Professional help also saves time in that each rider doesn’t need to “reinvent the wheel”.  An answer already exists, you only need to access it.

·         Check all other variables.  Re-assess your feed and care program to alleviate problems that may be contributing to your challenges.  Are the horses over fed?   Under fed?  Do they get enough exercise?  Are they safe from predation from other horses, dogs or people?  Providing an appropriate environment for the horse is always the first step in addressing any behavior challenges.

Gaining confidence is critical in becoming a better horseman.  It occurs through a well thought out plan in addition to the simple experience of thoughtful riding.  It never occurs by default, such as simply being a horse owner for 20 years.  Many owners confuse confidence with arrogance and end up with ill behaved horses and/or serious injuries to themselves or others.  Rider/handler confidence will draw horses to you, arrogance will send them running!