You used to enjoy riding your horse, but now you’re struggling. Whether you're afraid of getting hurt, worried about ‘messing up’ your horse, or feeling that your horse doesn't listen to you...  you feel stuck, frustrated, and alone.  

And right now you're wondering if it's time for you to quit horse riding... hang up your riding boots for good. But that breaks your heart.

Is It Really Time To Quit Horse Riding?

Several years ago, I was so afraid to get on a horse that I physically shook and felt nauseous at the very thought of putting my foot in the stirrup. And, yet I couldn't give up.

I couldn't quit horse riding.

Because I was (and still am) a horse riding coach and horse trainer. I didn't want to be the type of coach who couldn't get on her client's horse to demonstrate a technique or work on a training issue.

If I couldn't get over my fear, I would have to give up doing what I loved.

My drive for being able to ride again was stronger than my fear.

And, so I studied techniques for managing my fear and anxiety until I was eventually able to ride again and actually enjoy it.

Learn more about my story and the techniques I used to rebuild my confidence and develop a deeper understanding of horses in my book, Confident Rider Confident Horse.

When you have a real conviction about what it is you want to do and why you want to do then you have a strong enough drive to find a way to make it happen – despite your fear.

Do You Want To Quit Horse Riding Because Your Purpose Has Changed?

Sometimes your sense of purpose for riding - your WHY - has changed without you realizing it.

For example, you may have started riding because it was something you shared with a friend or family member.

One of my clients had started riding in dressage with her teenage daughter. When the daughter left home to attend university, my client started riding a young horse and lost her confidence.

My client thought about giving up riding and even sold that young horse.

Eventually, she realized that she didn't really enjoy dressage – that had been her daughter's dream. But, she discovered that she did enjoy trail riding on her older horse.

Another client also started taking riding lessons with her young daughter. In this case, it was the daughter who eventually admitted that she didn't really enjoy riding – she preferred dance lessons – but had been afraid of disappointing her mother if she stopped.

A riding coach friend lost her passion for riding after being injured from a nasty fall. And for a long time, she kept riding despite being uncomfortable and no longer having fun. She was afraid of letting down her clients, family, and friends.

What she really enjoyed was working with horses from the ground. That was her true passion. Now, she offers programs for women to learn about horses and themselves through groundwork.

Another client stopped riding when her mare developed undesirable behaviours under saddle. There was a physical issue that could not be resolved. Instead of selling her lovely mare, my client took up hiking with her. It gave both of them an enjoyable way to be together and continue deepening their connection.

Each of these situations illustrates the importance of how being clear on your sense of purpose – your big why – can help you find the drive and commitment to eventually overcome your fear.

Have your dreams or priorities have changed? Are you are riding to please someone else? If so, your fear may really be providing an excuse for you to not participate.

Subconsciously, you may have no real desire to eliminate the fear. If that's the case, you might need to find the courage to admit that you don't want to ride anymore - or for a while. And that's perfectly okay!

You might need to change the type of riding you do or you might find that you really enjoy working with horses from the ground the most and choose to stop riding.

The bottom line:  Only you can answer the question if it's time for you to give up riding.  If you decide you want to continue and you're ready for help to stop feeling anxious, my Stop Riding Scared mini-course is for you!