Equistride International

Keep the rhythm. A regular rhythm has a calming effect, so keep your aids in the rhythm of his gait--don't start frantically kicking or squeezing or tweaking the bit, or get sucked into that jerky movement he's offering when he's tense. (This was really hard for me!)

 

You need to breathe rhythmically, too. We all tend to hold our breath when we get nervous, and for sure he'll feel that!

 

Don't trap him between two tight hands and/or two gripping legs. Your outside rein takes the line, yes--and he needs a direction when he's afraid. But he also needs to feel he can "get away" by turning his head or moving his haunches, even if only a little.

 

If you're clutching him he could panic more. Ride him forward, but give him a place to go. Keep your position, no matter what. We've all seen it, (and probably done it)--that pitched forward fetal position when things get tense.

 

Sit up and sit back. Picture a calm rider with the most secure position in the world--the Spanish Riding School riders are good for me--and work at keeping that image in your head all the time, so it's there when he's spooky.

Hang in there. As I've learned, all of these things get easier to do with practice. You'll feel more confident when you realize these tools do help; the better you become at using them, the more effective they'll be.

So remember to RIDE HIS EARS. Where his ears are is pretty much where his brain is. Keep his brain on you, and you'll both have a better ride.