“Confidence is a belief in oneself, the conviction that one has the ability to meet life’s challenges and to succeed—and the willingness to act accordingly. Being confident requires a realistic sense of one’s capabilities and feeling secure in that knowledge.” Psychology Today, 2020

Do you consider yourself a confident rider? Do you have sufficient self-belief to know that you can handle whatever challenges come your way?

If not, you’re not alone. I meet many riders who struggle with anxiety, nerves, self-doubt and fear. Lack of confidence can manifest in numerous different ways, from absolute belief from a rider that she ‘can’t hack out alone’ or ‘can’t jump bigger’, through to complete terror at the thought of riding in front of other people.

However, it is entirely possible to change how we feel and become our version of a confident rider. Does it mean that we should all throw caution to the wind and put ourselves in risky situations? No, absolutely not! Confidence will mean different things to different people, however I believe that all riders, with the necessary determination, tools and techniques, can become the most confident, best version of themselves.

I also believe that confidence is built when riders combine mindset work alongside practical development of their riding skills & technique. One without the other simply isn’t effective; the BEST results come when a rider builds their toolkit of strategies to manage their mindset AND their actual riding.

Is it easy? Nope.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

So tell me, how confident a rider are you?