How to Build Confidence as a Beginner Equestrian

The first time I sat on a horse, my hands were shaking—just a little, but enough that the reins felt slippery. I wasn’t scared of the horse exactly, but I wasn’t sure what I was doing either. Where should my feet go? What if it started trotting? What if I fell?

Most beginners carry a mix of excitement and hesitation. It’s normal to worry about staying balanced, keeping control, or even connecting with the horse. These animals are big, sensitive, and smart—and that can be both amazing and a little intimidating.

This post is for anyone who’s just starting out and wants to feel more sure of themselves in the saddle. We’re not talking about overnight transformation here—just simple, steady steps that build real trust between you and your horse, and help you ride with a little more ease every time.

I) Why Confidence Matters in the Saddle

Horses are super sensitive to how we feel. If we’re nervous, tense, or unsure, they pick up on it—and sometimes react to it. A calm, steady rider helps a horse feel more secure, while an anxious rider can make the horse uneasy, too.

Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about staying calm and focused, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. That’s what helps you make clearer decisions, stay safer, and enjoy the ride more.

74% of beginner riders experience mild to severe anxiety before riding. So if your heart’s racing before you even mount up, you’re definitely not imagining it—and you’re not the only one.

Source: Equine Veterinary Journal

II) Step One: Ground First, Gallop Later

Before you ever swing into the saddle, it helps to spend time with the horse on the ground. Grooming, leading, and just being around them builds trust and helps both of you get used to each other. It’s not just about bonding—it’s about learning how they move, how they react, and how they “talk” through body language.

As animal behaviorist Temple Grandin puts it, “Horses read us better than we read them.” So the more time you spend around them, the more you’ll start picking up on their signals too.

Regular groundwork actually makes communication easier once you’re in the saddle. It’s a quiet way to build understanding—and that goes a long way when you’re ready to ride.

Source: Journal of Equine Science

III) Step Two: Learn With a Horse That Teaches

Not every horse is the right match for someone who’s just starting out. Some are more forgiving, steady on their feet, and used to helping new riders figure things out. These horses know the routine and don’t get rattled easily, which makes learning feel a lot less stressful.

Riders who trained on well-schooled horses had 63% fewer accidents in the early stages. It’s proof that the horse you learn with plays a huge role in how safe—and how supported—you feel.

Source: British Horse Society Safety Review

IV) Step Three: Find the Right Voice in the Arena

A good instructor doesn’t just bark commands—they listen, explain things clearly, and adjust to how you learn. You should feel like you can ask questions, slow things down if needed, and actually understand what’s happening instead of just copying movements.

If a coach talks over you, ignores your concerns, or gets frustrated easily, that’s a sign it might not be the right fit. Riding should feel like a conversation, not a lecture.

Students who worked with patient instructors had 40% better retention of basic riding skills after just eight weeks. So when someone teaches with encouragement instead of pressure, it sticks.

Source: Horse & Rider Magazine Training Report

V) Step Four: Celebrate the Small Wins

Progress in riding doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Maybe today you mounted without second-guessing yourself. Maybe your trot felt more balanced than last time. Those moments matter—and they add up.

Setting small goals, like trotting a full circle or getting your horse to halt right when you ask, gives you something clear to work toward. It’s satisfying, and it keeps things moving forward.

Writing down what went well after each ride can really help, too.

A simple notebook works fine, or if you’re into apps, Ridely and Equilab make it easy to log your rides and track progress over time. Looking back and seeing how far you’ve come? That’s motivation right there.

VI) Step Five: Confidence Comes From Repetition, Not Perfection

The more time you spend in the saddle, the more natural things start to feel. It’s not about riding perfectly every time—it’s about showing up, getting familiar with the motions, and letting your body learn what to do.

When you ride regularly, things like balance, timing, and posture slowly become second nature. You stop overthinking every little move because your body just gets it.

Riders who trained three or more times a week saw a 57% improvement in balance over just six weeks. That kind of progress comes from sticking with it, not rushing it.

Source: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching

VII) Step Six: Falling Isn’t Failing

Every rider takes a tumble at some point. It’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong—it’s just part of learning. Falling off or making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for riding. It means you’re in it, figuring things out, just like everyone else.

Even top riders have had their shaky starts. Charlotte Dujardin, now one of the most decorated dressage riders in the world, had moments early on where things didn’t go smoothly. She stuck with it—and that’s what made the difference.

After a fall, take a moment. Catch your breath. Talk it through with someone you trust. Sometimes, just getting back to something simple, like walking the horse or grooming, helps settle the nerves. Give yourself permission to regroup. It’s not about bouncing back instantly. It’s about choosing to keep going, one ride at a time.

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VIII) Step Seven: Find Your Herd

Riding doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Whether it’s joining a riding group, chatting on online forums, or attending clinics, being around other riders can make a big difference. They get it—they understand the ups and downs, and they can offer advice, encouragement, and a good laugh when things don’t go quite right. It’s comforting to know that everyone faces challenges, and it’s normal to feel unsure at times.

Being part of a community doesn’t just help you feel more confident in the moment—it also gives you a support system to turn to when you hit a rough patch. Having friends who’ve been through the same experiences means you can learn from their mistakes and successes. Whether it’s through shared tips, stories, or just someone to talk to, a solid riding community can help keep you motivated and connected to your passion.

Equestrians with peer support are much more likely to keep riding even when things get tough. When you know you have a group that understands, it’s easier to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward. Having that support makes all the difference in staying in the saddle long term.

Source: Pony Club Survey

IX) Wrapping up: Ride On, Even When You Tremble

Ride On, Even When You Tremble

Remember, confidence isn’t something you just “get” and then it’s done. It’s something you build little by little, ride by ride. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay. The important thing is showing up, sticking with it, and letting the process unfold.

So, don’t be afraid to ride on—even when you’re feeling nervous. Every ride is a step forward, no matter how small. And hey, we’ve all been there. If you have a story from your first ride or any questions about getting started, drop them in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!

If you think this could help someone else, feel free to share it with them. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other on this riding journey.

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