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Nervous Horse Riders | Build Confidence with Self-Hypnosis

How to become a more confident horse rider

If you’re a nervous rider, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. I’m a UK-qualified clinical hypnotherapist, and I’ve spent a large part of my life riding and being around horses. I understand exactly how edgy moments in the saddle can snowball into anxiety. This isn’t a riding lesson; it’s about building genuine confidence from the inside out. The good news? You can retrain your mind and body to feel calm, steady, and focused—so riding becomes enjoyable again.


Why So Many Riders Lose Confidence

Confidence often dips after a fall, a near miss, or a gradual build-up of stress. Others feel pressure to perform during lessons or at events. These moments can shape your mindset and create a pattern of tense rides that eventually become routine.


The Vision of a Relaxed, Happy Ride

Picture mounting up already feeling steady, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your time in the saddle. No tight chest. No racing thoughts. Just a smooth, connected ride. Riders often reach this point once they work on the mental side of riding with the right tools and guidance.


Hypnotherapy as a Tool for Riding Confidence

Hypnotherapy helps calm the mind, shift unhelpful patterns, and create new responses in challenging moments. The downloadable sessions from Confident Rider are designed specifically for equestrian situations, so every technique is linked to real riding scenarios.


The sessions can be downloaded to any device and used whenever you need support. At £12.95, they offer a practical and accessible option for riders who want targeted help without the cost of in-person therapy.


The Nervous Rider Action Plan

The updated Nervous Rider Action Plan gives you a clear structure to follow when rebuilding your confidence. It includes:

  • Step-by-step guidance

  • Ways to manage triggers and tension

  • Techniques for staying steady during rides

It’s created for riders who want a simple, reliable framework they can use at home and at the yard.


Who Is Behind Confident Rider?

Confident Rider was created by me, Sharon Shinwell, a UK-qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist with more than 30 years of riding experience. This combination of professional training and hands-on equestrian knowledge ensures each session fits the real-world challenges riders face daily.


Support for All Riding Disciplines

Riders experience nerves in many different settings, so the sessions cover:

  • Hacking

  • Show Jumping

  • Dressage

  • Schooling

  • Roadwork

  • Cross Country

Whether you tense up in an arena or worry on open ground, there is a session tailored to help.


Why Downloadable Sessions Make a Difference

Having your sessions available instantly means no appointments and no waiting. You can listen at home, before your ride. Many riders notice early improvements simply by using the sessions regularly. Never listen to any of these sessions whilst yoyu are riding.


A Low-Cost, High-Impact Confidence Solution

Riding-specific hypnotherapy is not easy to find in person, and traditional therapy can be costly. These downloads give you direct access to targeted support created by someone who understands both the mental and practical sides of riding.


How to Get Started

If you’re ready to break out of the cycle of fear and rediscover calm riding, it only takes a few steps:


  1. Visit the Confident Rider website.

  2. Choose the session or Action Plan that suits your situation.

  3. Download the audio files and begin at your own pace.


Every ride then becomes an opportunity to build steady progress.


Your Path to Confident, Enjoyable Riding

Confidence can return faster than expected once you begin working with tools that calm the mind and build trust in your abilities. With the updated Nervous Rider Action Plan and the complete range of hypnotherapy sessions, you can reshape your riding experience and enjoy the peaceful, enjoyable rides you’ve been wanting.

If you’re ready to start that journey, explore the resources available on the Confident Rider website today.


Frequently Asked Questions


What causes nervousness in horse riders?

Nerves can come from past falls, tense riding environments, pressure to perform, or simply overthinking. Even confident riders can suddenly experience worry after a bad moment. These reactions are common and can be changed with the right mental techniques.


How can hypnotherapy help with riding confidence?

Hypnotherapy works by calming the mind, easing anxious patterns, and strengthening positive habits. When the sessions are designed specifically for horse riders, the suggestions feel familiar and immediately useful. Many riders report clearer focus and reduced tension after only a few listens.


Are the sessions suitable for beginners?

Yes. The sessions are built for riders of all levels. Beginners often benefit from having structured mental support early on, and experienced riders use them to rebuild confidence after setbacks.


Do I need special equipment to use the hypnotherapy sessions?

No. You simply download the audio files and play them on any phone, tablet, or computer. You can listen at home, at the yard, or wherever you feel comfortable.


How long does it take to notice a difference?

Most riders feel some shift within the first few sessions, though everyone progresses at their own pace. Consistency is key. The more regularly you listen, the more your mindset settles into calmer, steadier patterns.


Can the sessions help with specific situations like showjumping or hacking?

Yes. There are sessions tailored to several common riding situations, including hacking, showjumping, dressage, schooling, roadwork, and cross country. You can choose the one that matches your personal challenge.


What makes Confident Rider different from general relaxation recordings?

These sessions are created by Sharon Shinwell, a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist with more than 30 years of riding experience. Every suggestion is shaped around real riding issues, which makes the sessions far more relevant and effective for equestrians.


Is the Nervous Rider Action Plan included with the hypnotherapy sessions?

The Action Plan is a separate product, but many riders use it alongside the audio sessions for a clearer structure and faster progress. However, with the Action Plan you will also receive Hacking with Confidence, worth £12.95, as a bonus.


Are the downloads safe to use?

Yes. They are professionally produced and designed for calm, guided listening. The only time you should not listen is while riding or handling a horse, as you need to be fully alert during those activities.


What is the best first step if I want to build my confidence?

Start by choosing the session or plan that fits the challenge you’re facing. You can then listen regularly and follow the steps laid out in the Action Plan if you decide to add that as well. Small, consistent changes quickly build into real confidence.



 
 
 

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