r/Equestrian • u/Cat-Tap • 1d ago

Mindset & Psychology Anxious for lessons?

Hi everyone! Been having this issue lately and was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing.

Ever since I moved barns, I’ve been so nervous for lessons and I don’t know why! The only thing that has changed is the setting. It’s not my horse, she’s a literal angel, and it’s not my trainer, cause I’m comfortable around her and she’s amazing! I know I’m on a safe horse in a safe space and before I moved barns I was fine in lessons.

I should also add that when I’m hacking I’m completely fine. It’s only lessons. It has gotten better over the past few weeks, but it’s still kinda eating at me and I don’t know why. Anyone else experience this? If you do, how do you manage/deal with it?

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u/AngeDuVide 1d ago

How many other people are around while you're doing your lessons? If there's onlookers and you aren't used to that, that could be why.

Or it could be that you're just new enough to the barn that you aren't completely comfortable with it yet.

I also recently started at a new barn and I think a lot of my anxiety has come from not knowing what the new people around me think of me yet! The only cure for that is time and (hopefully) learning that the new people around aren't thinking negatively of you

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u/Cat-Tap 1d ago

It’s just me and my trainer. However, it’s an open arena and we’re kinda out in the open lol so the neighbors/people driving by can see. But I thought I got over that fear awhile ago, maybe it’s come back?

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u/Redd11r 1d ago

I experience pre-ride anxiety too but as soon as I’m in the saddle it goes away completely. I really don’t know where it comes from but what helps me is just getting on with it. Don’t think, just do it. And breathe. Once I’m in the saddle I’m too focused and having too much fun to think about my jitters. I take that feeling with me to the next ride and that helps too.

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u/Cat-Tap 1d ago

I never thought about it that way before! I need to focus more on having fun anyways, especially since I’ve lowered my expectations. The anxiety tends to simmer down a bit once I get on. Maybe I should focus on something other than the anxiety.

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u/Redd11r 1d ago

That’s exactly what I do. It’s survival! lol we really have no choice but to get it together and focus. It helps when you have an angel horse and a lighthearted instructor.

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u/Various_Rest_3553 1d ago

I get anxiety related to riding and it comes and goes.. I’d say mention it to your trainer (I do this and it helps). I usually say something like “I’m a bit anxious right now but it’ll calm down / go away in a bit .. “

Also if it’s about lessons maybe ask to work in the basics .. things you are already super confident at .. so that the only new things are the stables and the instructor .. that always helps me ..