Any tips on riding horses since I’m afraid of heights?

[Anonymous]

So I love horses and I did a horse riding lesson once. However, I’m so scared of heights that I needed assistance with getting on the horse & they just had the guy pull on the rope tied to the horse to lead us around the corral.

So technically I wasn’t doing the actual horse riding lesson. I’ve always had someone pull on the rope tied to the horse whenever supposedly there’s horse back riding at tourist attractions. But this horse riding lesson was supposed to be English horse riding lessons. The instructor told me if I was still feeling scared or uncomfortable she wouldn’t force the actual horse riding lesson. I think I’m just scared of falling from a horse especially when it’s so tall & I’m high up.

I want to ride horses but this fear of heights or the fear of falling down from a horse is stopping me. I want a bond with a horse someday.

Have them pull the rope tied to the horse & go around the corral like 4 times or more to gain confidence

Try to do breathing exercises while on the horse to get used to the height

Get over the fear of heights before riding a horse

Set up a fake horse simulation (like a tall wooden/stone fence) to practice going on a horse

[Screenwriter]

See a doctor to see if you have some kind of inner ear issue that causes you to lose balance and if that's not so, see a psychiatrist/therapist to work out this fear of heights.

Only after you resolve the fear will you be able to enjoy horse riding. Good luck.

[Asker]

Interesting take on the ear issues with balancing issues…never thought about it like that. I do notice my left ear having some issues lately but we’ll see with the doctor. Maybe I should see a therapist for my fear of heights. Thank you.

[Screenwriter]

Your fear of heights makes sense, especially if you have a balance issue that's being caused by an inner ear problem! If the medical issue is resolved, the balance issue will be in reality, but the fear will remain because you've had the balance issue for so long! You 'll have two areas to solve, but in the long run, you'll be better off. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I just got back to riding as an adult, used to be a competitive equestrian up until high school but even I get a bit tense and scared now on horseback after all these years… You just have to get used to it, once you develop a good seat you’ll start feeling more comfortable and confident.

Try lunging sessions for a while (with the rope), ask for a gentle trusted school horse. The more you do it, the more confident you’ll get!

[Asker]

Oh wow that’s awesome! I give you kudos for trying it again as an adult. Thank you! So I should have them pull the rope with the horse for me then? I had to have help getting on the horse which I felt embarrassed about.

[Opinion Owner]

Don’t worry about it! Everyone was a beginner at some point, getting on and off a horse can also be a challenge honestly 😅 you just gotta get used to it and eventually you’ll feel more comfortable!

[Makeushiver]

Try to establish a firm, confident tone and behavior. I know of a few women who have orgasms from horseback riding

[Iron_Man]

practice on smaller horses until you get used to it and get on the big horses when you’re ready

[Asker]

I tried to ask for a smaller horse but the instructor was like no that horse is just for kids…you’re an adult so you need to be on a bigger horse 😅

I think a smaller horse would have calmed my nerves too lol

[Iron_Man]

Try another horse riding place somebody that will work with you there’s got to be smaller horses that are not just for kids only

[AI Opinion]

Building confidence with horse riding while managing a fear of heights is entirely possible. Begin by spending time around horses on the ground to feel more at ease with their presence. Gradually progress to being led on a gentle, calm horse, focusing on deep breathing to maintain relaxation. Ensure you're riding in a safe, controlled environment with a supportive instructor. Over time, practice mounting and dismounting, building your abilities at your own pace. Meditation and visualization techniques can also help develop a positive mindset. You're not alone, and with patience, you can achieve your horse-riding dreams. 🐴💪

[Asker]

Thank you so much! I think I’ll try this out! I tend to get really anxious when I’m nervous so calm breathing should help me.

[Brandi555]

Afraid of heights? It’s not a flying horse is it? 😂😂😂

[Asker]

It was pretty high up when I was riding the horse

[In_Trance]

I think you need to go to therapy before you go to horseback riding

[Flower7]

Don’t ride horses. Just be around them.

[Asker]

Oh ok

[spartan55]

How old are you really?

[Asker]

Why does that matter

[spartan55]

It very much matters.

[strateguy632]

Ride a pony