Calming methods on horseback?

[Reaghan]

I would say stop training. Instead just take a few trail rides as Silver Wasp said, and work on your general riding. Do things that you know you and your horse can do well, and make them better. Meanwhile when you are not riding, research what you are trying to teach your horse and make sure you know how to teach your horse this new thing. Maybe your training technique is not great and that is why your horse isn't learning?

Doing something you and your horse know how to do well will help make you feel better and boost your confidence in riding, and when you do try to teach that thing to your horse again, you will feel calmer and more assured of your riding ability. And if you start feeling stressed again, stop and do something else to ease your tension- take a trail ride or go for a gallop in the paddock, and always end on a good note.

Also, don't stress if he doesn't get it immediately, he doesn't know what you want him to do, so he has to learn what your signals (hand and leg aids) mean. It is harder fro him to learn than it is for you to teach him, and punishing him for not understanding you is just mean.