Getting Back in the Saddle: Finding Confidence and Trust After Injury

Fear is a natural companion when we face something for the first time—or the first time again after a setback. For riders, returning to the saddle after an accident, injury, or surgery can stir up a swirl of emotions: nervousness, doubt, and those “what if” thoughts that creep in uninvited.

Recently, I experienced this myself after recovering from a Laterjet shoulder surgery. Getting back in the saddle was not just about riding again—it was about rebuilding trust, honoring my body’s healing, and reconnecting with myself through the steady presence of my horse.

Let's explore 3 strategies to get back in the saddle...

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Choosing the Right Partner
For my first ride back, I intentionally chose a horse who embodies calm confidence. She is the lead mare in the herd, steady in her independence, and willing to venture out alone. I also knew her smooth gait and light responsiveness would allow me to ease back into riding without added strain.
Even before mounting, I began with grooming—a familiar rhythm that grounds both horse and rider. But I also took time to check in with myself. This is an essential part of both riding and life coaching: staying present with our emotions, honoring what arises, and noticing the subtle ways our body communicates with us.

• Consider a horse that you have a bond with and trust. 
• Take time to prepare, staying present to your current experience. 

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Listen to Your Body and Horse
Before saddling up, I paused for a body scan. I noticed mostly neutral sensations, but I asked my body for a message anyway. The words that surfaced surprised me: “God wink.” Not a phrase I would ever normally use, yet it came through clear enough to make me curious.
I then turned my attention to my horse, silently asking what I needed for a successful ride. The message was simple: trust and have confidence in yourself and our connection. With that, I felt a wave of calm wash over me—an invitation to let go of any fear and lean into trust.

• Do a body scan noticing any sensations, and asking your body for a message. 
• Check in with your horse- what do they have to share with you?

Riding with Awareness
As we set off, I kept checking in with my body. I noticed moments where my shoulders tensed and began to rise. Each time, I reminded myself to breathe, relax, and gently release the tightness with small movements. This mindful awareness helped me stay connected—to myself, to my horse, and to the present moment around us.
The environment felt alive: the hum of insects, the rhythm of hooves on the ground, the flicker of butterflies, bees, and dragonflies weaving through the grasses. And then I noticed it—the butterflies seemed to follow us the entire ride. In that moment, I realized they were the “God winks” my body had spoken of earlier. For me, butterflies symbolize a loved one who has passed. Their constant presence reminded me that I was supported and protected. With each flutter of wings, my confidence grew, and the ride shifted from one of nervousness to one of peace and trust.

• Be aware to how your body speaks to you- notice sensations, tension, patterns of thought, etc. 
• Focus attention on your breath- rhythmic breathing helps to down regulate our nervous system and bring us into the rest and digest state. 

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The Deeper Lesson
This ride reminded me of a truth I often share with my coaching clients: progress begins with presence. By checking in with our bodies, honoring our emotions, and opening ourselves to the messages around us—whether from a horse, a sensation, or even a butterfly—we can move through fear and into trust.
Getting back in the saddle, literally or figuratively, requires courage. But it also offers us the chance to discover just how resilient we are. And sometimes, when we’re willing to listen, life sends us a gentle wink to remind us we’re not alone on the journey.

​Coaching Reflection: Your Turn
Take a moment to reflect on your own “getting back in the saddle” moments—whether in riding, work, relationships, or life transitions. Ask yourself:

• What fear or hesitation is keeping me from moving forward right now?
• How is my body speaking to me about this fear? (Tension, pain, holding my breath, etc.)
• What would it look like to approach this situation with confidence and trust?
• Where might life already be sending me little “winks” of reassurance?

When we pause, breathe, and listen, we often find the answers we’ve been seeking have been with us all along.

✨Looking for support in moving forward? Contact us today to explore Equine Coaching or Life Coaching and begin your journey toward confidence, trust, and growth.