Horses are beautiful creatures, and if you want to play polo, they’re essential. Yet they can also be intimidating to be around; they’re huge, strong, and willful. It’s crucial that you learn how to build your confidence if you want to spend more time around horses and enjoy the many benefits they can bring to your life. Here are some ways you can find that confidence and enjoy horses so much more.
Take Riding Lessons
If you’re nervous around horses, one of the best things you can do is to take riding lessons. In this way, you can be sure that you understand how to handle horses and, to a point, at least, control them. The more you know about riding, the more you will feel at ease with horses, no matter what situation you find yourself in.
Of course, in order to learn well, you need to find a good riding school. Make sure you choose one with an excellent reputation and where the instructors will understand your lack of confidence and work on improving it. Take a look around the riding school to meet the horses, the instructors, and see what kind of mobile field shelters are used. This will help you make the right choice.
Don’t Think About What Might Go Wrong
Accidents happen when people ride horses, that is certainly true. Perhaps you have had a horse riding accident, and that’s why you’re lacking confidence. Maybe you’re just worried that it will happen to you at some point.
It’s good to be aware of the dangers of horses (they are wild animals, after all), but it’s not good to dwell on them. This will just decrease your confidence and make it harder to see the positives of being with, riding, and enjoying horses. Focus on the good things while being aware that you need to be careful, and your confidence will grow.
Don’t Think About Anyone Else
A lot of people lose their confidence in all kinds of ways, and not just around horses. This happens because they feel judged or as though they’re not good enough. They want to prove that they can do well, but this just leaves them so worried about making mistakes that they don’t take any chances or leave their comfort zone, resulting in less confidence.
If you want to have more confidence around horses, you mustn’t worry about what other people think. It’s highly likely no one is judging you anyway, but even if they are, it’s not worth getting upset about. Just focus on the relationship between you and the horse and make it the best it can be.
Know The Horse
If you want to be more confident about horses in general, it’s a good idea to start with just one horse. Make sure this is a horse you can get to know well and have regular access to, as the more contact you have with it, the more you can boost your confidence.
Although all horses are definitely individuals and have their own personalities and quirks, getting to know one horse in particular is a good way to start when you want to build your confidence levels. Once you are happy with that horse, you can move on to others.
