[header] How to keep a horse calm while riding [title] Take several deep breaths before you get into the saddle. [step] Approaching the horse calmly, as a rider, can also help to keep the horse calm. Before you mount the horse, take several deep, long breaths. 
This will slow down your heart rate, which will also help your horse's heart rate to remain steady and calm. [title] Talk to the horse and stroke him gently.