A confidence crisis can happen to any level of rider, as Simon Grieve, who is contesting the 17th CCI5* of his career at Defender Burghley Horse Trials this week, can confirm.The 43-year-old rider is competing Evie Mackels Autograf, a first-timer at this level, after working with sports psychologist Charlie Unwin to get to the bottom of a loss of confidence that he experienced earlier in the eventing season.Ive had lots of crashes and lots of falls in the past, and then Ive got back straight back on and cracked on and been absolutely fine, said Simon. This time, I dont know why, just suddenly my brain said I cant do it anymore.Talking about confidenceThe confidence crisis was triggered by a run at Thoresby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival in March, where Simon went the wrong way in the showjumping and then retired Autograf on the CCI4*S cross-country course.I went to see a sports psychologist, and I had a couple of lessons with Chris Bartle, and changed my routine, because it was all me, said Simon. Then I went to Burnham Market, and felt like a human and we were amazing [they jumped clear]. So the season started off not so great, and weve really blossomed together.He [Autograf] was fabulous round Hartpury last time out so Im feeling like were prepared, in a good way, and really happy.When Simon talked about his nerves on his YouTube channel and social media, people started to message him, saying that they were experiencing the same thing.Ive had people from all levels, from doing a 70 all the way up to top level, saying, Im going through the same thing, but we dont talk about it and I think its really important that we do, he said.Chimp ParadoxDr Steve Peters Chimp Paradox is a psychological model thatexplains human behaviour through the interaction of three systems within the mind.The systems are: The emotional, impulsive chimpThe rational, logical humanThe data-storing computerThe Chimp can override rational thought when a rider becomes stressed or triggered, leading to self-doubt and confidence loss.My chimp was definitely having a chat, said Simon. He was saying, Youre rubbish and you cant do this, so I had to shut him up.Keep your chimp busyI was talking to my psychologist about Pau a few years ago, when I was riding a horse I was really not confident on. I remember having a conversation with someone who said youre allowed to be as scared as you like all week, until Saturday morning. On Friday night, you can ring everyone and say this is terrifying, Im so scared, and on Saturday morning, youre going to wake up and be professional and say, This is my job, Im going to do a good job and get on with it and thats exactly what happened. Its really random, but my psychologist said its actually a thing. You keep your chimp really busy and get it tired, and then off you go. So Im going to try and do that this week. I keep it busy by telling it how scared I am.A favourite type of horseAutograf is a 13-year-old bay that measures 16hh. He is very similar to several horses that Simon has ridden at the top level in the past.I was hacking around here yesterday with Will Rawlin and he said, You definitely have a type, dont you? Its a little brown horse. Drumbilla Metro went round here a couple of times and he was exactly the same.Simon added that Autograf is a cool kid hes very sure of himself and Im looking forward to Saturday.He added that the Derek di Grazia-designed cross-country course should suit his mount.Theyve got to be bold and brave. I was going to say big, and bold and brave, but actually hes small, so small and bold and brave, which he is. I think it should suit him.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentUS journalism student based with Ros Canter is youngest rider in Burghley fieldProperty director and cheap ex-racehorse make their CCI5* debutA very special horse: from unbacked five-year-old with a teenage rider to five-star formHow to watch Defender BurghleyThe post Top riders battle with nerves, too! How one Burghley rider overcame a confidence loss appeared first on Your Horse.