Confidence

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.

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

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.

Do you have complete control over where every foot lands when riding your horse? Foot placement is crucial for precise navigation of any obstacle, whether it be poles or logs in a trail or ranch riding pattern, working through tires in an obstacle course, or navigating unsure footing on a trail. Where your horse’s first foot lands right before you enter the obstacle can make or break your execution. Here I’ll give you tips to ace that placement every time.

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.

Build confidence in your horse at the start of your pattern with advice from professional Jeff Mellott.

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

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

Get a handle on your riding related fears, with this 10-step self-help program from a sports psychologist.