Demos and Talks at Codden
This page will also have helpful Hints and Tips for jumping, flat work and poles, plus confidence building and more
Evening Talk: Confidence, Mindset & Anxiety in Riding. With live demonstrations
20th March
Is fear or anxiety getting in the way of your riding — or your enjoyment of horses?
This relaxed, welcoming evening is designed to support riders and non-riders alike. Whether you ride, support someone who rides, or simply want to better understand confidence, fear, and mindset around horses, everyone is welcome.
Helpful Hints and Tips
These notes are intended as a general guide to support your training on the flat, with poles, and over jumps. Across 20 focused topics, they are designed to help build
confidence, improve technique, and develop consistency.
Confidence & Mindset Toolkit
Riding With Confidence
Guidance to help riders manage nerves, strengthen mindset, and prepare effectively for training and competition. Focused on simple psychological tools, clear goal setting, and practical planning to support calm, confident riding at every stage.
The Mental Side of Riding
A supportive guide exploring confidence building, mindset (inside out and outside in), overcoming nerves, and planning for success
Performance & Preparation
A rider-focused guide combining confidence building, mental preparation, and practical planning. Includes simple psychology techniques, goal setting, and event preparation to help riders feel organised, focused, and confident.
Calm, Confident, Prepared
A clear, practical guide to building confidence, managing nerves
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Flatwork
Focus on rhythm and relaxation before worrying about outline or precision.
Ride accurate shapes, including circles, transitions, and changes of rein, to improve balance and suppleness.
Maintain a quiet, balanced position to allow clear communication with your horse.
Pole work
Ride with a steady, consistent rhythm and allow the poles to encourage correct stride length.
Look ahead rather than down to help maintain balance and straightness.
Use pole work to improve engagement, coordination, and control.
Jumping
Establish a quality canter before approaching fences; rhythm and balance are more important than speed.
Keep your eyes up and shoulders back to maintain a secure position.
Ride positively forward while keeping a soft, elastic contact.
© Taw River – Kathy Bater. All rights reserved.
All documents are the copyright of Taw River – Kathy Bater.