Fear in the Saddle

In 2009 I fell off a horse and broke my pelvis and tailbone. I remember laying on the ground begging the bystanders to wait on calling 911. They didn’t listen, thankfully, since I had no use of my legs. 

I stayed away from horses for 3 years after that. If you had asked me then, I’d say it had nothing to do with the fall, but I know now, it had everything to do with it.

As a therapist I’ve spent most of my career working with clients who have experienced trauma. I didn’t choose that specialty, it chose me via working in addiction and eating disorder recovery. 

Trauma is tricky. It reminds me of Lyme Disease in how it hides in our cells, and lives in our body. Working with trauma isn’t linear, and it isn’t easy. 

I know I’m not the only one who has taken a bad fall, or started getting scared of riding. I also know that for a lot of us, having fear of what we love is really hard.

Working with equestrians who struggle with nervousness and anxiety about riding has become a passion of mine. Whether it’s show nerves or fears from falling, there are ways to work with the body and brain to help you feel more confident and find more joy in riding. Bucking up and pushing through is not the way, neither is giving up. 
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If you want help, contact me through our website. You deserve to feel good, and truly enjoy your ride.

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