Trauma and loss of confidence after an accident — a fall, a bolt, a rear or a buck that has left you fearful and hesitant in the saddle

Not feeling worthy of your horse — you have a wonderful, talented horse but you don’t feel good enough for them. Not overhorsed, but feeling like you don’t deserve them

Overthinking before competitions — anticipatory anxiety that builds in the days and weeks before a show, leaving you exhausted before you even get there

Being in your head — losing your feel and instinct as a rider because your mind is too busy

The lasting impact of harsh criticism — a single comment from a trainer, judge or fellow rider can stay with you for years, quietly eroding your confidence and enjoyment of riding

Comparing yourself to others — watching other riders and feeling like you’ll never measure up

Comparing your new horse to your previous horse — grieving a past partnership and struggling to build a new one

Perfectionism — setting impossibly high standards for yourself and feeling crushed when you don’t meet them

Self criticism and shame — replaying mistakes, taking feedback too personally, or feeling like you’re letting your horse down

Problems of attention — forgetting courses, losing focus mid-round, or getting easily distracted

Grief after losing a horse — the loss of a horse is profound and often underestimated by those who don’t ride