Question: Scared of our own horses. help trying to ease my nerves?

(Posted by: on 2012-02-06 18:11:43)

Hi everyone - My mother has two big horses that we keep on our property. We've had them for about a year. One of them is an older female and a younger male. I used to be very comfortable around them, and I used to love riding them. But one day I fell off, and that's when it all went downhill. Suddenly I had developed this rational fear of them. Like I fear that one day they will fatally hurt my mother or something bad will happen. I have trouble sleeping at night because I am so nervous about them. I can't lead them into their stalls without feeling nauseous. I tried riding them to get more comfortable, but I had to get off so I could pass out in the grass 10 yards away. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips to make me more comfortable with them and make having them an enjoyable experience again. Thanks a ton

Posted by: Amanda on 2012-02-06, 18:22:47

If you feel that strongly about them, you might want to suggest to your mother that you sell them. It is NOT okay to be terrified when working near or around horses. They will realize you are afraid but they will not know that you're scared of THEM - they will only know that something nearby is making you frightened and they may act out because of that. If you will not sell the horses, I recommend a trainer to work with you on getting more comfortable handling them. But truthfully, if you are that terrified to be around them, you may need a break from horses for a while, then you can buy a trustworthy older horse who will take care of you and work you through your fear. If you keep working with them and being so scared, someone will get hurt. Don't put yourself in danger - get a trainer, or get the horses to some other place.

Posted by: Molly TG on 2012-02-06, 18:30:40

Well think about it. Do you realy think your horse would want to hurt you? No. You can trust them, and the more time you spend with them, the more you will trust oneanother. Horses are sweet, gentle natured animals. They have no reason to try to hurt you, you shouldnt be conerned. To make yourself feel better, give them a treat when you are feeling nervous about them, and pet them. If you want to slowly treat yourself, start with grazing them in a grassy area with a halter and leadrope. The horse will be focused on eating, so you won't need to worry about it's attention on you. Next try some grooming for a while, and leading them until you feel comfortable. Eventually, you can get yourself to ride. Just use baby steps. I used to be too nervous to even groom my horse, and now I canter her completely bareback. I just used baby steps and tried to be around her as much as possible.