Confidence vs Bravery 

When people find out I'm an upper level eventer, they somewhat frequently say something along the lines of "Oh wow, I could never be that brave". And on its surface, it may seem like sitting on a 1300 lb animal with a mind of its own, galloping up and down terrain at 25+ mph at 4’ tall solid wooden objects would be a really good example of something that requires a LOT of bravery.

But the thing is...

I'm not brave. 

Not at all.

However, what I am, is I AM confident in my abilities,

I AM confident in my horses' abilities,

And I AM confident in our preparation and training. 

Confidence is attempting to do something knowing that you are capable of performing well.

Bravery is attempting to do something regardless of whether you are capable of doing it or not. 

Ability is not a prerequisite for bravery. It is a prerequisite for confidence (or at least real confidence, not false confidence). 

So how do you develop this confidence? Well I can't just reveal *everything*. For that, you'll have to join my Equine Academy for videos, exercises, discussions, theory, and mental training on how to develop your riding confidence.