If you’ve ever spent time with a horse, you know they’re more than just animals—they’re incredibly intuitive partners. Horses pick up on our emotions, energy, and even our tiniest movements. When we’re mindful, we can create a stronger bond with our horses, leading to better communication and trust. Here are five simple exercises I’ve found that can help you connect with your horse on a deeper level.
1. Slow Down and Ground Yourself During Grooming
Grooming can feel like another task on the to-do list—especially for those of us that have limited time at the barn—but it’s also one of the best ways to connect with your horse. I found that when I took my time and really focused, the experience shifted—for both me and my horse, particularly since I can’t ride him anymore.
How I Do It:
• Before I even pick up the brush, I take a moment to just be present. I breathe deeply and notice how my horse is feeling—are they relaxed or a little on edge today?
• As I groom, I pay attention to the texture of their coat and how they react to my touch. If they sigh or lean into the brush, I take that as a little sign that they’re enjoying it.
Tip: Let this be a quiet, calming moment for you too. Try syncing your breathing to your strokes—it’s amazing how grounding this can be. I’ve found this helps a lot when I’m feeling anxious or stressed about something.
2. Use Breathwork to Settle Your Mind (and Theirs)
There have been days when I show up to the barn feeling frazzled, and without fail, my horse picks up on it. I’ve learned that taking just a couple of minutes to focus on my breathing can make a huge difference—for both of us.
What I Do:
• Before I would mount up, I would stand beside my horse, close my eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. I inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six.
• As I exhaled, I would imagine all my tension flowing out and grounding me in the present moment.
Why It Works: Horses are incredibly sensitive to energy. When I’m calm, they’re calm. It’s such a simple practice, but it always sets the tone for a better ride.
3. Tune Into Your Body with a Quick Saddle Check
I used to hop on and start riding without thinking twice about how my body felt. But once I started doing body scans in the saddle, everything changed. My horse became more responsive, and I felt more balanced.
Here’s How I Do It:
• After mounting, I would sit still for a moment and close my eyes (if it feels safe). I started at the top of my head and worked my way down, noticing any tension in my shoulders, back, hips, or legs.
• I consciously released any tightness I felt—especially in my hands. Horses can feel even the smallest amount of tension, so softening my grip makes a huge difference. This is a perfect exercise to do during warm-up walking laps around the arena.
Tip: It only takes a minute, but this small check-in can set you and your horse up for a smoother, more productive ride.
4. Ride in Silence to Really Listen
Have you ever ridden without talking or music? I used to really enjoy riding to music, but riding in silence became one of my favorite ways to connect with my horse.
What I Try to Focus On:
• I liked to ride in an empty arena or out in the woods and just…listen. I tuned into the rhythm of Moose’s steps, the sound of his breathing, and how his body moved beneath me.
• I also paid attention to how my own movements affected him. Was I sitting evenly? Were my cues clear and gentle?
Why It Matters: When there’s no distraction, I noticed so much more about my horse—what he was trying to tell me, how he was feeling, and even small adjustments I could make to be a better partner to him, or any other horse I was working with.
5. End Your Session with Gratitude
After a ride, I used to hop off and rush into my next task. I started to take a few moments to end my rides with gratitude. It’s a simple way to acknowledge the bond we’re building.
What I Do:
• After dismounting, I stood with Moose and thanked him, almost always out loud. I reflected on one thing that went well during our session, no matter how small it was.
• I always gave him a good scratch or rub on his favorite spot—on his neck under his mane—to let him know I appreciated him.
Why It’s Special: Those few moments of quiet connection at the end of our time together felt like a gift, and now make wonderful memories for me to keep forever. It was a small ritual, but it always left me feeling more connected and grateful.
Final Thoughts
These exercises aren’t just about improving your riding—they’re about building a deeper relationship with your horse. When I took the time to be mindful before, during, and after riding, I notice my horse responded differently. He was more relaxed, more willing, and more in tune with me.
Give these a try and see how they feel. I’d love to hear about your experiences—what works for you and your horse? Remember, the more present we are, the more we can connect with the incredible animals who share their lives with us.
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