Hormones & Horse Riding: How Your Body’s Changes Impact Confidence (And What to Do About It)

"I Was Fine Last Month—Why Am I Suddenly Scared to Ride?"

If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things:

• "I used to love jumping—now I panic at trot poles."

• "After having my baby, riding feels terrifying."

• "Menopause hit, and my confidence vanished overnight."

Here’s the truth: Hormonal shifts don’t just affect your mood or energy—they rewire how your brain processes fear. And if no one’s told you this yet, it’s time we talked about it.

The Science: How Hormones Impact Your Confidence

1. Postpartum: The "Protect Mode" Overload

• Estrogen & progesterone crash after birth triggers hyper-vigilance (Oxford University, 2020).

• Result: Your brain screams "DANGER!" at normal riding situations.

• Rider impact:

  • Overwhelming fear, even if you were previously confident.

  • Guilt ("Why can’t I just ‘get over it’?").

2. Perimenopause/Menopause: The GABA Drop

• Declining estrogen reduces GABA your brain’s "calm chemical"

• Result:

  • Normal nerves feel like full-blown panic.

  • Frustration ("I KNOW I can do this—why am I freezing?").

3. Monthly Cycles: The Confidence Rollercoaster

• Low estrogen phases just before your period

• Rider impact:

  • Week 1: "I’m unstoppable!"

  • Week 3: "Why is my horse suddenly terrifying?"

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Why Riders Blame Themselves (When It’s Biology)

The Misconception:

• "I’ve gone backwards."

• "I’m just being silly."

The Reality:

Your brain is literally receiving different chemical signals than it did pre-hormone shift. This isn’t a mindset failure—it’s a physiological challenge.

What Helps: Riding With (Not Against) Your Hormones

For Postpartum Riders:

1. Lower the stakes:"I don’t have to canter today—walking is enough."

2. Use grounding techniques: Take 3 deep breaths to settle the nervous system.

3. Reframe:"This is a natural response to protect my health and my babies health. Today I will listen to what is right."

For Perimenopause/Menopause:

1. Time your rides: Schedule challenging sessions for high-energy phases (often post-ovulation).

2. Redefine: Chose what your comfort zone is now, and accept it. Avoid triggering your anxiety levels.

3. Connect with your horse: If you're feeling dizzy, anxious or tired, why not do some ground work with your horse. They will love the bonding time.

For Cyclical Shifts:

1. Track & adapt: Use apps like Clue to predict low-confidence days.

2. Maintenance Rides on tough weeks: Focus on relaxation over progress.

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How to overcome a fear of horse riding after a hormonal change.

Your Hormone-Friendly Confidence Plan

1. Stop comparing yourself to pre-hormone-shift you.

2. Work with your cycle, not against it.

3. Adapt, your expectations and your riding.

4. Celebrate showing up—even if it’s just grooming.

Final Thought

If you are battling with a major shift in hormones and struggling the navigate your ride confidence, consider how CBT & hypnotherapy may help you. Book an obligation discovery call with me here.