How to Get Back into Horse Riding After a Long Break

Rediscovering the Joy of Horse Riding After Time Away

Taking a long break from horse riding can bring up a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and even self-doubt. Whether your time away was due to family, work, injury, or simply life moving in another direction, the thought of getting back in the saddle again can feel both wonderful and a little daunting.

As riders, we know horse riding isn’t just an activity—it’s a bond, a way to feel free, grounded, and at peace. So, when you’ve been away for a while, it’s natural to worry that you’ve lost your confidence or connection. But the truth is, it’s always possible to return to riding with calmness, trust, and a fresh sense of joy.

Why Getting Back in the Saddle Can Feel So Hard

Fear of Falling or Getting Hurt Again

Many riders returning after a long break find that fear is their biggest obstacle. Even if nothing bad ever happened before, the idea of falling or losing control can feel more real than it used to. Start small. Spend time around horses again, get comfortable grooming or leading, and when you do start riding, choose short, steady sessions with an instructor who understands where you’re coming from. Taking it slowly allows your confidence to grow naturally rather than forcing it.

Feeling Out of Shape or Out of Practice

Horse riding uses muscles and coordination that often fade during time away from the saddle. The good news is your body remembers more than you think.A few weeks of gentle Pilates, stretching, or yoga can help strengthen your core and improve balance. Even walking and light exercise will help you feel more stable and in tune with your horse once you’re back riding.

Common Reasons Riders Take a Break

There’s no one reason riders step away. Often it’s a combination of life circumstances such as:

• Injury or recovery—physical setbacks can take time to heal, and confidence can take even longer.

• Family responsibilities—Many of us pause riding to focus on raising children or caring for others.

• Work and time pressures—life can easily get in the way of regular riding lessons or horse care.

• Financial reasons—Riding can be expensive, and sometimes taking a break is the practical choice.

• Loss of motivation—Even passionate riders occasionally lose interest or feel burnt out.

Whatever the reason, the most important thing is that you’re ready to return—and you can absolutely do so safely and confidently.

Practical Steps to Regain Horse Riding Confidence

1. Take Supportive Refresher Lessons

Look for a riding instructor experienced in helping adults who are returning after a break. The right teacher will create a relaxed, encouraging environment where you can rebuild skills at your own pace.

Don’t be afraid to start with the basics again—walking, balance exercises, or even lunging on a steady horse. Each session is a step towards regaining trust in yourself.

2. Start Slow and Celebrate Small Wins

You don’t have to jump straight back into trotting, cantering, or competing. Begin with groundwork or gentle hacks and allow yourself to enjoy each stage. Confidence isn’t built overnight—it grows quietly through consistency and small successes.

3. Build Strength and Body Awareness

A few minutes a day of stretching or balance work can make a huge difference to how you feel in the saddle. Try gentle core exercises or yoga poses focused on stability and posture. Your body and mind work together—strengthening one supports the other.

The Mental Side of Returning to Horse Riding

Understanding and Calming Riding Anxiety

Even experienced riders can struggle with nerves when getting back into horse riding. It’s completely normal. After time away, our minds can focus on fear rather than enjoyment—especially if we’ve had a fall or simply lost trust in ourselves.

This is where the Nervous Rider Action Plan can be a real game-changer.

How The Nervous Rider Action Plan Can Help You Get Back in the Saddle

The Nervous Rider Action Plan was created to help riders overcome fear, self-doubt, and anxiety—not through technique, but through mindset. It’s a step-by-step program that focuses on the mental and emotional side of confidence, using proven techniques from sports psychology and hypnotherapy.

Inside the plan, you’ll find:

• Powerful self-hypnosis sessions to help you stay calm and focused while riding.

• Mindset tools and exercises that replace fearful thoughts with self-belief and focus.

• Practical breathing and relaxation techniques for instant calm before and during a ride.

• Printable worksheets and guides that help you track your progress and strengthen positive habits.

  
  

You’ll also receive the bonus “Hacking with Confidence” hypnotherapy session—perfect for those first gentle rides after a long time away.

The Nervous Rider Action Plan

Many riders describe this program as the turning point that helped them finally relax, let go of fear, and rediscover the freedom of being on horseback again.

Choosing the Right Horse for Your Return to Riding

If you don’t currently have your own horse, consider starting with a steady, older horse who’s used to supporting nervous or returning riders. Riding schools often have kind, reliable horses that will give you the reassurance you need. You could also explore loan or share options with experienced owners who understand your goals.

Taking your time to find a good match will make all the difference in rebuilding trust and comfort.

Reconnecting With the Joy of Horse Riding

Returning to horse riding after a long break is about much more than getting your technique back—it’s about finding that deep sense of connection again. The quiet moments grooming your horse, the soft sounds in the stable, the first time you feel that rhythm beneath you—these small experiences remind you why you loved riding in the first place.

Be patient with yourself. With the right mindset, support, and tools like

The Nervous Rider Action Plan, you’ll find your way back to feeling calm, capable, and confident—and rediscover the joy that only horse riding can bring.

About The Confident Rider and Sharon Shinwell

At The Confident Rider, our mission is to help nervous riders feel calm, capable, and in control—whether you’re returning to horse riding after years away or simply want to enjoy it more.

The website was created by Sharon Shinwell, a qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist who has spent over two decades helping riders manage anxiety and build confidence through self-hypnosis and mindset techniques.

Sharon is also co-author of “Ride With Confidence,” written alongside renowned horse whisperer Kelly Marks. Together, they share a passion for helping riders of all levels experience the freedom, joy, and self-belief that come with confident horse riding.