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Stronger together: emotional balance for harmonious horsemanship

As equestrians, we often find that our emotional states profoundly influence our connection with our horses. This truth became strikingly clear during my recent training sessions. I had the opportunity to repeat the same exercise twice in one week but the outcomes were remarkably different. The only variable was my mindset.


In the first session, external pressures made me feel anxious and insecure, which hindered my ability to be present. My horse mirrored this unease—he became anxious, distracted and communicated his discomfort through stomping.


In contrast, during the second session, I enjoyed a calm, pressure-free environment, just me and my horse. Without the weight of external stressors, I was able to connect on a deeper level. My horse responded with relaxation and engagement, responding promptly to my cues with minimal stomping.



This experience underscores the research that shows how intuitive horses are, capable of sensing their rider’s emotions and physical tension (Knottenbelt & Pascoe, 2014). The difference between these sessions reinforced the importance of finding balance before stepping into the saddle.


So how do we do this? Real horsemanship begins with self-awareness. If you’re tense or tight, your horse will inevitably feel it and respond in kind.


Assess your stress

The first step is to assess your stress levels, consider using a traffic light analogy:

  • Red: High stress levels—pause to evaluate the situation.

  • Yellow: Moderate stress—slow down and take a short break.

  • Green: Low stress—proceed calmly with your tasks.


Before each ride or workout, reflect on questions like: What is my stress level today? Did I sleep well last night? Have I eaten recently? How is my body feeling?

If you find yourself in the red, it might be best to take a rest day.

If you’re yellow, consider ways to empty your stress bucket, perhaps with a snack or gentle walk.

If it’s green, fantastic! You’re ready to go.


Reduce your stress

Imagine a bucket inside your body that collects all your stress—both good and bad. Daily life can fill this bucket, leading to overflow if not managed properly. Everyone has different-sized stress buckets; what overwhelms one person might be manageable for another. To prevent overflow, we can:

  1. Control the flow in: Identify stressors and manage them.

  2. Empty the bucket: Engage in activities that alleviate stress.

  3. Make the bucket bigger: Gradually push your comfort zone to enhance mental resilience.


Consider these methods to help empty your bucket:

  • Engage in regular exercise

  • Spend time in nature

  • Practice meditation

  • Connect with friends

  • Ensure you’re getting enough sleep


Increase your resilience

One effective way to build resilience is through strength training, which not only enhances physical capabilities but also helps to strength your mental resilience. Research by Schoenfeld (2010) shows that strength training teaches your brain to navigate challenges, promoting a mindset that thrives under pressure. Each workout session becomes a lesson in perseverance, helping you develop greater tolerance for adversity. As you set goals and track progress, you boost your self-efficacy and gain confidence to tackle obstacles—both in the gym and with your horse, ultimately making you a stronger and more adaptable equestrian.


Increase Body Awareness

Improved body awareness is essential for clearer communication between rider and horse, as it allows the rider to be more mindful of their positioning and movements. When you understand how your body influences the horse's response, you can give more effective cues, resulting in a more harmonious ride. As Charles de Kunffy emphasises, “the rider must learn to be a good partner to the horse,” which underscores the importance of this partnership.


By controlling your body language—whether it’s the tension in your shoulders or the alignment of your hips—you create an environment where your horse feels secure and understood. This mutual understanding creates better trust and responsiveness, leading to a deeper connection and more successful interactions in and out of the arena.

In conclusion, achieving a harmonious partnership with your horse requires a deep understanding of how your emotional state, body awareness, and physical resilience intertwine.


Remember, building both mental and physical strength is a journey that pays off not only in your performance but also in yours and your horses overall well-being.

 

If you're ready to take your horsemanship to the next level, consider joining our 6-week online coaching program. This holistic approach to strength training addresses essential areas like stress management, sleep quality and physical fitness, all designed to create better riders for their horses.

 

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