When it comes to riding and training, conveying confidence can be a big help to your horse, to you, and your relationship. There is a place for belief in yourself and your horse. Cool-headedness and a little bit of courage assist both the mental and emotional connection we strive for when working with a horse.

However…

When I was in my early 20s I had a deep yearning to obtain a private pilot's licence. I saved my money and made it happen. My first instructor was an ex-Royal Air Force fighter pilot. Mike was incredibly experienced and had done everything from being a fighter pilot, an aerobatic performer, and even a commercial airline pilot for a short time.

I had been training hard to get my pilot’s licence and devoted almost all my free time (and money) to the dream. Finally the day came when Mike said I was ready for my first solo flight in the two-seater Cessna 150. I can’t deny I was incredibly nervous.

I had just flown a few circuits of the airport and done some touchdowns with my instructor in the right-hand seat. Everything went according to the textbook. Mike told me to taxi towards the parking spot by the hangar. I figured the lesson was over. But before I could shut down the plane, Mike said it was time for me to do a few solo circuits. My eyes doubled in size. When Mike started to get out of the Cessna I felt my heart go into instant tachycardia.

Nervously I asked him if he had any words of advice. Mike replied, “Remember, there are old pilots and there are bold pilots. But there are no old, bold pilots.”

I didn’t think Mike’s words were particularly helpful at the time since I was neither old nor bold. However, Mike’s wisdom stayed with me throughout both my flying career and my horsemanship career.

It takes some courage to get on a horse. It takes a little more to ride through any fearful situation. But it should never take boldness. The difference is in the preparation we do before any challenge. It doesn’t matter if it is catching a horse or jumping a Table A course. COnfidence should only come from preparation.

Boldness is different. Boldness is false confidence. Being bold is having confidence that is not deserved because the preparation (or lack of it) is insufficient to give a person an earned level of confidence.

There is little value to a horse in a rider’s boldness and bravado. It’s worth nothing compared to the confidence that comes from doing the right amount of preparation. Confidence comes knowing you have covered the essentials of ensure a good ride and a good outcome. Whereas, a bold rider hopes the essentials are in place. A bold rider relies on luck to keep them and their horse safe. A good rider has a level of confidence when working with a horse, but their confidence never surpasses their ability to have a horse in a good spot.

There are old riders and there are bold riders, but there are no old, bold riders that don’t need excellent medical coverage.