Build confidence

Make these actions and attitudes habitual and your proficiency as a rider will soar.

This simple, repetitive exercise improves your horse’s guidability and makes you a more confident, effective rider.

Learn eight ways to be more confident on your trail ride.

Don’t agonize over the details of cueing. Instead, use your mind to develop three core qualities of a confident, effective rider.

A pre-show ritual can do more than just cure your horse-show jitters; this one enables you to be focused, energized, and eager to perform.

Six fit riders share their best habits for staying strong and healthy while still making time to ride.

Soft, feeling hands are a key component of good horsemanship. Learn exercises that will improve your hands and help you become a better rider.

The brain training of mindfulness meditation can help improve your horsemanship in the saddle and your overall confidence with your horse.

Adjust your perspective to overcome your riding fear.

Learn to ride with impulsion and confidence as you encourage your horse to drive from behind at the lope.

This ‘passenger exercise’ trains your horse to maintain a relaxed lope as you learn how to trust him and ‘let go’ and be a confident rider.

This exercise challenges and promotes your in-saddle balance so you can begin to develop a truly independent seat.

This creative exercise is easy, fun, and guaranteed to get you focused on your riding—instead of your nerves.

Here’s how to take charge and build a better, more responsive trail partner for safety and control.

If you get breathless and jittery at the lope, try this to substitute enjoyment for anxiety.

Practice the one-rein stop this way to maximize its effectiveness—and your safety.

Focus on your comeback rather than your setback to move on from mistakes.

Are you afraid of making mistakes and displeasing your instructor? Don’t be. Focus on your horse instead, and watch your riding improve.

Transition your tot from rocking horse to real horse with these teaching techniques from a pro.

Have you ever lost your nerve when your trail horse has balked? Here, Julie Goodnight gives you her three-step confidence boost.

He was old and destined to lose both his eyes. But our gelding had much yet to teach us.

We heard so much great first-show advice that we couldn't fit it all in one article. Read more tips from Facebook fans and trainers.

Identify your problem, then use these strategies to get back on your way toward your goals.