Hey Reader!

Too often, recently, I've run across riders that are returning to the sport and are facing fear.

Some after a lengthy time away.

Some after a lengthy time away after having had an accident 😕

Here's the thing... They think they should be able to go back to exactly the place they were when they left off ...especially if they have a new, very safe horse.

That's just not often possible nor is it necessary.

They are putting unrealistic expectations on themselves.

So, they begin to protaskinate ...nope, not spelled incorrectly. They find unnecessary tasks they need to do before they can go for that ride! Somehow, ...every time... they run out of time to ride 😏

They just picture themselves mounting up that horse and riding off on the trail.

...but by the time they get to the mounting block, they are shaking and breathless (from holding their breath!), and usually break down in tears because they are picturing the entire ride and don't feel they have the confidence to make it!

They criticize themselves and give themselves a good talking to yet still often have too much fear to follow through with the whole ride.

Here's the thing. How do you eat an elephant? 🐘 ...not that I'd be eating an elephant, you understand...

The classic answer is, "one bite at a time".

So, if they look at their entire plan, and break it into micro steps, it might take longer but they will gain confidence and it will be easier on them and on their horse!

It might look like this (....just an example):

Day 1 they take their horse out of the pasture and brush it and put it away.

Day 2 they take their horse out of the pasture and brush it and tack it up. Assuming everything goes okay, they untack their horse and put their it away.

Day 3 they repeat the previous two days worth of tasks and, assuming everything goes okay, they lead their horse up to the mounting block (no mounting block? ...no problem) ...either way, they simply go through the very beginning of mounting up without mounting up. They untack their horse and put it away.

Day 4 they repeat the previous three days worth of tasks and, assuming everything goes okay they put weight in the stirrup and step down again. They untack their horse and put it away.

Day 5 they repeat the previous four days worth of tasks and, assuming everything goes okay, they put their leg over the horse and (optionally, if they're feeling confident) sit in the saddle. Then they immediately unmount and untack their horse, and put it away.

...to short cut this a bit, let's just say the next day they can take a few steps mounted on their horse and, assuming things are okay, the next day they can ride their horse a few steps out of the barn and, assuming things are okay, the next day they can ride their horse half way down the driveway and, ...you get the picture.

Micro steps!

We always assume we're going to bounce back and do everything just like we did before but sometimes we need micro steps to give ourselves confidence to literally get back in the saddle!

Please share this with anyone you know who is facing the fear of riding again but wants to do it soooo badly that they are going to do it scared! This will help them to not be so scared.

Well, I hope your day was good! Personally, there was too much smoke in the air for my lungs to handle 🫁, so I missed being able to work with my horses again 😔

Hoping, once again, that tomorrow will be better!

...until I hear from you, stay well and take care...

Remember, if you’ve missed previous emails (the public ones, at least), you can go here to read them.​

-Sylvia (hoping tomorrow will be better) Schneider

PS - Here are some handy links to information:

1. ​15 Ways Horses Can Improve Your Life​
2. ​15 Lessons Experienced Horse People Have Learned ...and Want to Help New Horse Lovers Understand!​
3. ​Are You Ready for Horse Ownership? (A Comprehensive Checklist)​

Need the 'Easy Button'? If you have a pressing concern regarding a horse or equine related matter, and you need help NOW, you might want to consult about it using this link as your 'Easy Button'.