Forums

[Joan Deutsch]

I just came across this book and wondered if anyone knows about it? It claims to have a different approach and focusses on fear itself and replacing memories. I also came across a site about a technique that uses acupressure while riding.

http://www.ridingfearfree.com

[horsepeople2001]

I am halfway through the book and have only had it less than 24 hours. It makes sense to me having light bulbs go off left and right as I read it. I will be finished reading it by friday well worth reading so far.

[horsepeople2001]

I can't be the only one who has anxiety moments on horse back out riding or am I the only one willing to fess up to having bad moments? please share I know there are others out there it is ok to feel fear while riding it is natural and sane to feel it.

[horsepeople2001]

I have had so many light bulbs go off in my head from reading this book and learning how to understand my moment of be anxious(mostly riding along narrow trails with steep sides).I now have some tools to deal with what I go through so I can stay calm and help my horse and me instead of be the problem or cause a problem. things to practice in a round pen,arena,pasture or where ever I feel safe. I will also be able to help my very fearful friend learn to trail ride again and get out of the arena.

[Rngovvet]

That sounds like a valuable book to read. It's definitely on my list of books to get to...

[horsepeople2001]

In the book it says that those of us who continually seek to ride better or better understand our horse so we don't make mistakes are just hyper sensitive to our surroundings and any potential danger and there for we play out all the bad scenarios in our heads before we even get to that place we fear most. then once we get close to a place we imagined as bad we become the problem and loose it. There for affecting the horses ability and making them be fearful as well of an area or task or to be nervous when we just sit on them which in turn makes us more nervous and then feeds on it's self and get blown so far out of proportion we can't think clear and it will stop some people from even stepping foot back onto a horse. others will be overly brave and take risks that are not necessary to try and get over their fear and push through it. This is also bad because it reinforces the fear to an unmanageable point as well. I have about 1 chapter to go. well worth buying and reading. we all either know some one or have some fears we need to address. Mine is ridge tops and narrow trails with sides that drop off for more than 30 feet. I am sure there is more but that is the one that stops me from enjoying the views.

[Joan Deutsch]

My copy just arrived so I'm looking forward to reading the book soon. This is one of my favorite topics. I've tried to find material on the topic but haven't found anything great so far. I don't recall ever having apprehension around horses until my horse ran over me when I was in my late 20s. Of course, if I'd known about respect and personal space, this never would have happened. After that, occasional fear cropped up on the ground and in the saddle. It's much worse if I don't ride regularly. I'm doing pretty well these days, knock on wood.

[mary k.]

"In the book it says that those of us who continually seek to ride better or better understand our horse so we don't make mistakes are just hyper sensitive to our surroundings and any potential danger and there for we play out all the bad scenarios in our heads before we even get to that place we fear most."

Whaaaaaaaat? I don't buy that at all, unless it's really making the distinction between not making mistakes and being a better horseperson. I don't like to make riding mistakes because I don't want to inflict that on my horse. And I think healthy caution around steep drop-offs, etc., can be a good thing. Another distinction to make--healthy caution v. true fear.

Guess I'd better read the book, eh? [grin]

Mary

[horsepeople2001]

yes read the book, I just finished it today and am looking forward to pushing my boundary's a bit in an arena setting.

[Joan Deutsch]

by horsepeople2001 on 10 Nov 2012, 06:48

In the book it says that those of us who continually seek to ride better or better understand our horse so we don't make mistakes are just hyper sensitive to our surroundings and any potential danger and there for we play out all the bad scenarios in our heads before we even get to that place we fear most.

I agree with Mary K that this doesn't sound right. Not all folks who strive to become better are fearful. But I just started reading the book and really like it. It goes way beyond anything I've read on the topic before, because it's based on scientific research about how the brain works. Fascinating stuff!