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(This blog was originally posted on
January 15, 2014)
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| Photo courtesy of Microsoft |
One
of the first things people learn about horses is that these animals (can) shy
or “spook” at anything and everything—but wind is Public Enemy Number One. Even
if it is just an errant breeze rustling the leaves in a tree overhead on an
otherwise still day, the breath catches in our lungs and our heart pounding in
our chest. If the Santa
Ana Winds snaps a tree bough nearby, all bets are off: we instinctively prepare
our bodies to make an unscheduled dismount in case (when) our horses bolt and head back to the security of the barn. We
tighten our grip and/or shorten the reins (to get better control of the horse’s
head and try to prevent him from looking at anything), collapse our ribcage and
assume a “fetal position,” as described by Sally Swift, look
down at the ground (ostensibly to choose the perfect landing spot, just in
case) and tighten every muscle in the body as we prepare to hang onto our
panicked steed (if we can) as soon as he takes off.
Your
subconscious mind is likely to send these kinds of instructions to your body if
your mental script and previous experience, knowledge and expectations tell you
that this is how your horse will react in a specific situation. Consequently,
your anticipation of a possible problem, or “anticipatory anxiety,” will
virtually guarantee that your horse will act like there is really a problem
because your body has told him that there is one. Here are some suggestions and
visualization exercises that I provide for equestrians to override this
automatic fear response so you can both enjoy the ride.
1.
Be sure to eat some protein before you ride/work
with your horse to help reduce anxiety and stabilize your mood. (For more
information about the role of nutrition and anxiety, see my blog titled Nutrition
and Development of Phobias).
2.
Spend a few minutes practicing deep-breathing
exercises before you go out to work
with or ride your horse. While you are relaxing in an area of peace and quiet,
visualize, imagine or picture the kind of ride you want to have with your
horse. Sit up straight and tall in the saddle. This posture enables you breathe
deeply and easily, which will help you to relax. It also tells your
subconscious mind that you are relaxed and confident.
3.
Think about/reflect on a very good ride or time
that you recently spent with your horse. Bring up the positive images and
emotions associated with that experience and then anchor that association by
pressing or rubbing together the thumb and index (pointing) finger of either
hand. You can activate this anchor any time to remind yourself how good,
enjoyable, etc. it is to ride or be with your horse.
4.
Send/think only positive images and expectations about the ride you are about to
have: “I am confident and relaxed when I am on my horse. I am having a great
ride.” Only use adjectives and emotions in this imagery that will increase your
confidence, sense of control, etc. for and during the ride.
5.
Reassure your horse that you are in control and are
your horse’s leader during the ride. Give him plenty of physical/vocal rewards
such as pats and praise, etc. to let him know that you are there and will take
care of everything; all he needs to do is listen to you and do what you ask him
to do. This physical and vocal contact isn’t just for your horse; it is also a
way to comfort and reassure you, and reinforce your role of the brave,
confident herd leader in your subconscious mind.
6.
Practice some simple mounted exercises such as
figure-eights, lateral work, etc. so you must focus on riding and interacting
with your horse and your horse must focus on you (not what is going on around
him).
7.
Activate your finger-press anchor throughout the
ride, as needed.
I
hope these suggestions help you to relax and enjoy the time you spend with your
horse, regardless of what is going on around you. I am not a riding instructor,
and I encourage everyone to consult with a trainer or instructor to resolve
riding and horse-related issues. However, I have found from personal experience
as well as my hypnotherapy work with other equestrians that setting positive
expectations for a good ride is the most effective way to achieve that goal.
For more information about my hypnotherapy work with equestrians, please
contact me via my website at www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in
Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®
and to set up an appointment, please
visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
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