The fear of falling

If you’ve ever worried about falling off or getting back in the saddle after taking a tumble, you’re not alone. Every rider will fall off at some point, which can lead to a real confidence knock, so it’s perfectly normal to feel a little anxious about it happening again. 

But when your worries get out of control, it can slow down your progress and take the enjoyment out of doing what you love – having fun and riding your fave pony! So, what can you do to help stop the negative thoughts about falling off? Follow our six-step guide that’ll leave you feeling bold and brave! 

1. Safety first

You can’t put a price on safety, so it’s wise to invest in high-quality, certified safety gear. An up-to-standard riding hat and body protector will help protect you from injury in the case of a fall, and other items, such as safety stirrups and air jackets, can help, too.

2. Slowly does it 

Confidence is a skill that takes time to develop, so, if you’ve recently had a fall or haven’t been riding for long, don’t rush into things if you don’t feel ready. Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride – you’ll know when you’re prepared to take the next step. 

3. The perfect match

Riding a calm and sensible pony is the best way to get your confidence back. Plus, it gives you the chance to practise and perfect your skills without worrying whether your pony will get excited or spooky. 

4. Love learning

Having regular riding lessons can help you develop better balance, control and other riding skills that will ensure you’re more secure in the saddle and less likely to fall off. There’s always sooo much to learn when it comes to ponies, and whatever type of pony you ride or whatever challenges you’re facing, your instructor can offer lots of advice and tips, as well as exercises to help build your confidence.

5. Get talking 

One of the most important steps you can take to overcoming any fear is to acknowledge what you’re actually afraid of. Falling off isn’t fun and it can sometimes hurt, so it’s not surprising that we want to avoid it but pinpointing the reason why you’re worried can help you find a solution. 

So, always try to talk to someone about your fears and worries. Vocalising big feelings will help you work through them and discover learning points that will make you a better rider. 

You could discuss things such as…

• how did it happen and why?
• what caused the fall?
• is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening again? 

Top tip

Next time a negative thought creeps into your mind, see if you can turn it into a positive one instead. It can be as simple as ‘I can do this!’, rather than ‘I can’t do this’.

6. Success with science 

Our brains have millions of connections called neural pathways, which get stronger with use, and every thought you have, or action you take, becomes part of your brain’s structure. How crazy is that! 

By retraining your brain to focus on a more positive outcome, through the use of powerful tools such as visualisations and affirmations, you can go from wobbly to winning in no time! But how do these powerful tools work? Here’s what you need to know…

• visualisation is when you imagine what you want to achieve in the future, as if it were happening today. When visualising, pay close attention to detail – think about what the weather might be like, what you’ll be wearing and what sounds you can hear. The more real you can make it, the better
• affirmations are positive statements used to replace negative beliefs, such as ‘Stop. Breathe. I’ve got this’ and ‘I’m doing my best, and my best is good enough’. Try saying your affirmations out loud when you’re feeling nervous or worried, or write them down in a journal so you can refer back to them easily

7. Face your fears

By facing your fears, getting help along the way and doing things in a way that will gradually build your confidence, you can start to enjoy your time with your fave pony even more. Remember that ponies have brains of their own so can be unpredictable – unexpected noises and movements can spook them – so falling off isn’t necessarily a reflection of your riding skills. Embrace your riding journey and be willing to learn – then you’ll be on your way to achieving great things!