Wow you sure pegged me. I base my confidence on ability and when I can’t get something exactly right right away, I’m my worse enemy. I also compare me to the others in the lesson and always seem to come up short. Thank you so much for this incredible insight. I am 59 years old and haven’t ridden for about 20 years and even then was just beginning to learn. I had a scare when a horse took off with me on, and it shook me. Couple that with the inability to financially continue riding, my dreams got shelved. Fast… Read more »

I know that I personally struggle with confidence within. I have been riding a long time but I still get in my own head and doubt myself, I never feel good enough. I recently switched from speed events to slower, more controlled classes and I feel like I don’t know anything and I am starting over from scratch. I know that I project my doubts onto my horses so I am really happy that I can learn from this class and hopefully learn to control my emotions and doubts.

I suffer with anxiety and fear left over from a life threatening horse accident. When I manage to stay calm and focused I have great rides with my wonderful quarter horse. When I’m anxious, we both become unfocused and things just unwind and I can’t continue. I dream of being able to be calm and focused most of the time.

My big problem is communication.

In my mid 50’s I returned to horse ownership and riding after a 20 year hiatus other than at trail riding stables. I dove back in with passion! In two months I bought two horses. One an aged gelding and the other an 11 month old filly. Both offered challenges and rewards! I sent the filly to a trainer and got dumped the first time I rode her as she spooked. While I wasn’t seriously hurt I was hurt with huge bruises on my ribs, rear, shoulder and leg. I ended up under her and thankfully I was not trampled.… Read more »

I am a beginner rider that got two horses last year. I developed a fear after seeing videos and reading about people’s mishaps with their horse when trying to studying about horses online. I also have a lack of confidence within myself. I know my horses need a strong confident leader for them to trust me. I totally see how the lack of confidence inside can be seen and felt by the horse. I am in the process of trying to become more educated about horses through Julie Goodnight’s academy. I know this is a process and I am looking… Read more »

Well, I’m seventy years old and haven’t ridden in forty years. I recently bought a twenty-one-year-old Quarter Horse mare. I’ve been working with her on the ground for about two weeks, and I intend to attempt to ride her this coming Saturday. Wish me luck!

Very true , & all points helpful. Lucky for me I really never cared what anyone thinks! Ha! So not an issue. Developing the skills is so important for gaining confidence for any rider. Knowing what to do when…. Thank you & look forward to more.

I resonate more with the first one, Confidence within. I’m almost 63 and started riding in my 20’s. I’ve had very few accidents and none of them involved breaking bones. I had a friend’s husband I use to ride with and he pushed me so far out of my confidence level and I’ve never gotten it back completely. I’m looking forward to this course. Thank you for having it.

Hi Barbara.
My story is long, so I won’t totally go into it all, but thru several spills as bout 12 yrs ago as well as losing my confidence and riding a horse that wld spook when I least expect it to, I’m now building my confidence again. I am currently working with a trainer and making progress. But I worry bout things on the trail such as snakes and what my new horse may or may not do, how to not be rattled by a spook etc.
Looking forward to the next lesson with you!!