how do i gain confidence?

I had that problem when I got hurt really bad on a horse. What eventually got me over it was going on extended rides on some of my uncles horses in the mountains. He's retired so he was riding one of the two every other day. As much as they had been ridden, I knew that I could trust them completely not to hurt me on purpose. When I realised that, it restored my confidence completely. After that, I was able to go back and handle horses that were actively trying to hurt me, such as my mothers arabian. Who is the only horse ever to throw me. You should find a horse that you can trust completely to restore your confidence and then up the risk as your comfortable with it. As far as the Arab goes. That might not be a good confidence booster even if it's really trust worthy, because of all the energy that an arabian has it's enthusiam might make you nervous even if it's not going to do anything, but it's up to you. If you have an arabian or any horse that you trust, then you should spend as much time in the saddle as possible with that horse. Good luck and contact me if you need any more help.

Haha I've had the same problems! Lots of people get in to that stage when they're riding where they loose a lot of confidence, its natural!

Firstly, do you have a trainer/instructor? If they're good, they should build up your confidence by giving you easier horses to ride and encouraging you. Going back to the basics is always good and you'll have a really strong background before doing more advanced stuff.

Secondly, just relax and stay calm! Horse riding should be enjoyable and be something that makes you happy. If you get to a level where you have absolutely no confidence (hopefully not), take a break. Even one week would suffice. The next time you ride again, tell yourself that you'll do well and just have a positive mindset when you get on the horse.

Hope this helps :)

Don't ride the spirited Arab horses if you uncomfortable with it maybe if you can ride and older more mellow horse so that you can gain the confidence to ride the Arab... Build up to it... dont force your self upon it.. I started with a pony when I was like 12 or so then i rode old horses now im 18 and I personaly love spirited horses now I think they make riding more fun but thats just me.. hope I helped

I was like that once too i completely understand. I suggest either you ride calmer horses and slowly build your confidence and advance to more spirit horses when your ready. If you still prefer to ride the spirited Arabs then when you feel you are getting nervous, think about how good of rider you are and you can handle anything that may come your way. You need to remain as calm as possible because yes it is true horse can feel when your nervous so that is why my first suggestion would be the best for you!!!

how long have you been riding? i think that since you are having confidence issues you shouldnt be riding this spirted arab just yet. this possibly is making it worse. you are correct when you said that horses can sense that you are nervous. a more schooled horse wont try to take advantage of you as much. a lot of people are a little nervous when they ride. the longer you ride the more you will get used to it. just remeber that riding is a high risk sport, but so is everything else theses days. EVERYONE who rides falls off sometimes so i wouldnt worry about that. i have honestly lost count of the number of times i have fallen off! for now i would stick to a nice quit horse and just some nice flat work until you gain your confidence and are possitive it is time to move up and feel comfortable. rememer everyone progresses at their own pace (:

Ride a horse you can trust, sort of like a confidence builder. The horse should trust you and you shouldn't be afraid. I had the same problem and I started riding a dead broke mare that didn't have a buck or a bolt in her. Now I'm buying a new 16 hand 5 year old paint gelding.

Do you own your horse or ride a school horse? If it is your horse, start by doing ground work with your horse. Ground work is essential. The more you work with your horse, the more you get to know him and the more he gets to know and RESPECT you. Look into Clinton Anderson dvds or attend one of his clinics.

You are right about the horse sensing your nervousness. He will. You should not ride a horse that you do not feel safe on and if you are nervous, you do not feel safe.

Build a relationship with the horse from the ground, establishing yourself as the leader, then you will have confidence in the saddle.

My riding instructor used to tell me this all of the time, and it was really frustrating. I would do the same, ride frisky horses and it was really hard to control them, and it would show. Over time, I realized that I just had to listen to my instructor, no matter how scary it might be. When your riding, just focus on your instructors directions, and nothing else, because they know what is going to work to get the best ride out of a horse. It might be hard at first, but just keep that in mind.

Start riding the calmer older horses first. Then you will get used to being in control and gain more confidence to deal with the frisky ones.

i loose confidence when im showing in front of friends.

the horse can feel the stress and tend to play up.

if your not confident on a spirited arab don't ride them because they will panic more if they can feel it from you.

try riding a quiet horse and get used to people watching you. after a while you star to zone out......its just you and the horse!

when you feel better try getting back on the arab.really try to concentrate on you and him only.