Ask The Experts
Build up hacking confidence in tiny steps
Q I've had some confidence knocks when I've been riding — like my horse spooking at heavy traffic and bolting at a motorbike backfiring — and now I'm so terrified, to the point where I force myself to go out on a hack and then cry and shake once I'm on the horse, even if nothing is happening. I then dismount and walk home and feel so embarrassed by the time I get back to the yard. Is there anything I can do to stop this fear?
Kit Lambert, Bedfordshire
Getting on and having a go is a tremendous feat, so well done for not giving up. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Most people wouldn't have come this far.
