Confidence Knocks, and Overcoming Them

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The Fall That Shook Me

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Last week, I had a fall that really knocked my confidence. It wasn’t a huge, dramatic moment—it was just a 70cm straight. I didn’t ride with enough impulsion, and as we took off, I came off over Rocco’s head and landed straight on my hip. Physically, I was okay. But mentally? That was a different story.

It was one of those silly little mistakes that we all know better than to make. Still, the “what ifs” started creeping in: What if I fall again? What if I can’t ride properly anymore? What if I freeze up mid-course?

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The Ride That Changed My Perspective

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Yesterday, I decided it was time to get back into the saddle—and back over a jump.

My friend from the yard came down to help me. She brought a steady, encouraging energy and set up a few small fences to get us going again. At first, it was just a 60cm cross pole. Nothing major. But when you’ve had a confidence knock, even that can feel like a mountain.

Rocco, being the typical ex-racer, didn’t make things any easier. He tends to rush small jumps because he just doesn’t respect them, which only makes me feel more anxious. I know he’s better over bigger fences—he’s more careful, more focused—but mentally, it’s hard to get over the idea that the next one might be the one I fall at.

At one point, I got really upset. I sat there, tears threatening to spill, questioning whether I was even cut out for this anymore.

But my friend? She didn’t let me give up.

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(You can literally see the way my body has tensed up)

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Starting Again (Literally and Mentally)

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We regrouped. She had me come back around to a more inviting fence—an 80cm spread. The height made me nervous, but oddly, Rocco was more composed. We rode through it. Clean, powerful, confident.

From there, we built up again. Fence by fence. Inch by inch. We ended on a 1.10m spread. I never thought that’s how the session would end.

I was still a bit shaken, but I was proud. Proud of Rocco, but even more proud of me. That ride didn’t just rebuild my confidence—it proved that fear can’t win if you don’t let it.

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Tips for Rebuilding Confidence After a Fall

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1. Be kind to yourself.

Falling off doesn’t mean you’re a bad rider. It means you’re learning. It’s part of the sport.

2. Surround yourself with .

Having a trusted friend or coach with you makes a world of difference. They can see your potential even when you can’t.

3. Take it at your pace.

Start small and build up. Confidence isn’t about jumping the highest fence—it’s about riding with belief in yourself.

4. Ride with intention.

Focus on rhythm, impulsion, and straightness. Good riding builds good confidence.

5. your why.

Think about why you started. The ion, the thrill, the partnership with your horse. Let that guide you through fear.

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Final Thoughts

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Confidence doesn’t come in a day. It’s something you build ride by ride, moment by moment. And yes—sometimes you’ll fall. Sometimes you’ll cry. But you’ll always get back up if you choose to.

Yesterday, I chose to. And I’m better for it.

To anyone else struggling after a knock—you’ve got this. Take a breath, lean on your system, and trust that with time, patience, and belief, you’ll come back stronger than ever.

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