“Horses are incredibly perceptive. They thrive on clear communication and energy alignment.” - Chaela Sumner

The Art of Connection: Being Present with Your Horse

Being present with your horse means fully immersing yourself in the moment, setting aside distractions, and tuning into your horse’s world. It’s about more than just being physically near them—it’s about cultivating stillness and attention that fosters mutual understanding and trust. Presence isn’t just a skill; it’s a gift you offer to your horse and yourself.

What Does Presence Mean?

Presence requires you to:

Be still: Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Let go of the mental to-do lists, worries, or future plans. For example, before entering your horse’s space, pause, take a deep breath, and leave any stress behind.

Pay attention: Observe your horse’s movements, breathing, and energy without judgment. Notice the subtle signals they give through their body language, like a flick of an ear or a swish of their tail.

Show your horse they matter: Your focused attention communicates care, respect, and connection. Imagine how a simple act, like pausing to scratch their favorite itchy spot, can convey this message.

In these moments, you become a safe space for your horse, strengthening your bond in ways no amount of training or time can achieve alone.

Why Presence Matters

Horses are incredibly perceptive. They thrive on clear communication and energy alignment. When you’re truly present:

• Your horse feels seen and heard. This builds trust, as they understand you’re attuned to their needs and emotions.

• You become a leader they want to follow. Horses naturally gravitate towards calm, centered individuals who provide stability.

• You enhance your connection. Presence deepens the nonverbal bond, making your interactions more harmonious.

For example, if your horse is nervous during a storm, your grounded presence can offer the reassurance they need to stay calm.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Presence

• Start with Grounding Yourself:

• Take a few deep breaths before approaching your horse.

• Feel your feet on the ground and let go of any tension. For instance, imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth, anchoring you.

Slow Down:

• Move intentionally, with calm and steady movements.

• Resist the urge to rush tasks like grooming, tacking up, or leading. Think of these tasks as opportunities to connect, not chores to complete.

Observe Your Horse:

• Notice their body language and mood.

• Are they relaxed, alert, or agitated? Use this as a guide to match your energy to theirs. For example, if they’re agitated, try slowing your breathing to help calm them.

Use Gentle Touch and Energy Alignment:

• When touching or grooming, focus on the sensation and your horse’s response.

• Match your breathing with theirs during quiet moments to create energetic harmony. This is especially effective during post-ride cool-downs.

Release Expectations:

• Let go of rigid goals for the session. Instead, focus on creating a space where your horse feels comfortable and understood. For example, if a planned ride isn’t possible due to their mood, a quiet grooming session can be equally valuable.

A Simple Presence Practice:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Stand quietly near your horse in a pasture or stall, letting them choose whether to approach you.

2. Ground Yourself: Breathe deeply and focus on your surroundings: the sounds, smells, and the rhythm of your horse’s breathing. Picture yourself as a calming anchor in their environment.

3. Offer Connection: If they engage with you, offer a gentle touch or speak softly. If they don’t, simply remain still, showing you’re there without expectation.

This practice may seem simple, but it’s profoundly powerful. It allows your horse to feel your calm presence and fosters a relationship built on trust and understanding.

The Gift of Presence

When you show up for your horse with presence, you’re not just strengthening your bond—you’re also enriching your own well-being. Horses have an uncanny ability to mirror our inner state. The stillness and attention you offer your horse are often reflected back to you, creating a mutual exchange of peace, trust, and connection.

Presence isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about showing up with intention. The next time you’re with your horse, pause, breathe, and be fully present. Feel the shift in your connection and enjoy the transformation one moment at a time.

Take Action Today: Start your journey towards deeper connection by dedicating just five minutes of quiet presence with your horse..