Practicing Trust

Before asking our horses to trust us,

we should practice trusting ourselves.

The reason we began this journey is not the same reason we are here now, but our inner truths are the constant that guide us along the way.

I believe in the power of a relationship built on acceptance, openness and understanding — in order to achieve this, I strive to become my authentic self. I trust in the horse as a guide on my journey of self-mastery. Imbalances in the human are reflected by the horse. I trust in their awareness of the energy in constant motion around and within all things.

While working with horses, I practice mental patterns and adapt physical behaviors that align with these inner truths.

Mindfulness. Am I consciously aware of my presence in the moment? Am I open to extending this awareness to the horse and creating a space of acceptance and understanding? Am I curious and attentive without judgement, and do I allow the horse the same freedom? I trust that being mindful and present is the key to connection with our horses.

Feel. What feelings are in my body? What do I feel in my horse’s body? What do I feel in our environment? I trust what I feel in order to act in each moment based on my needs, the horse’s needs and our environment.

Balance. Where is there an imbalance in myself, in the horse, or between us? How can I adjust my balance and help the horse adjust their balance? I trust that finding balance allows us to communicate clearly and feel .

By asking myself these questions in moments with horses, I practice trusting myself. In this way I allow myself to grow and learn while staying true to my beliefs.

Practicing trust with horses grounds us in the moment. Aligning mental patterns and physical behaviors with our inner truths opens up new possibilities in horsemanship.