Jan 8 • Lessons from the Herd
Connecting with Horses Organically
Many of the most meaningful horse–human connections develop outside formal courses, through observation, presence, and humility.
Here are some practical, low-cost, no-course ways to learn and practise connecting with horses, all rooted in how horses actually experience the world.
1. Learn by Watching (Without Interfering)
Spend time simply watching horses being horses.
- Sit quietly outside a field or paddock
- Notice:
- Watch for subtle shifts: ears, breathing, weight, tail
What this teaches you:
- Horses communicate constantly, but quietly
- Leadership does not mean dominance
- Safety is built through awareness, not control
This is how horses learn each other, no instruction required. 😊
2. Practise Regulating Yourself First
Horses respond to nervous systems, not intentions.
Solo practices (no horse required):
- Slow your breathing until it deepens naturally
- Stand with soft knees and relaxed jaw
- Drop your shoulders and exhale fully
- Notice your internal state without trying to change it
Then repeat this near horses but without approaching them.
What this teaches you:
- Horses mirror emotional tone, not words
- Connection starts with self-awareness
- Calm is something you become, not perform
3. Learn Horse Language Through Observing Their Feet
Horses tell the truth through their feet.
Try this:
- Watch where horses place weight
- Notice when they:
- Copy the quality of their movement in your own body
Reflection question:
“What are my feet doing right now, and why?”
What this teaches you:
- Horses feel intention through movement
- Stillness is active, not passive
- Boundaries are often expressed without leaving
4. Practise “Being With” Instead of “Doing To”
Most people rush to DO something with horses.
Instead, practise doing nothing well.
If you’re allowed near horses:
- Stand sideways, not head-on
- Avoid staring directly
- Let the horse decide distance
- Do not reach unless invited
If the horse walks away, just let them.
What this teaches you:
- Consent is visible, not verbal
- Connection grows when pressure drops
- Horses value choice above compliance
5. Keep a “Horse Noticing” Journal
After any horse encounter (even brief):
Write:
- What I noticed (externally)
- What I sensed (internally)
- What changed during the interaction
- What the horse seemed to need
Avoid interpretation at first. Just record.
Why this matters:
- It sharpens perception
- It prevents projection
- It builds reflective skill, which is the core of horsemanship
6. Learn From Horses You Don’t Touch
You don’t need access to a horse to learn from horses.
Watch:
- Herds in open land
- Sanctuary or rescue horses from a distance
- Online live cams of horses at liberty
Notice:
- How often they rest
- How quickly they resolve conflict
- How rarely they overreact
Lesson:
Horses don’t rehearse stress. Humans do.
7. Let Horses Change You (Not the Other Way Around)
Ask yourself:
- Do I soften around horses?
- Do I slow down without trying?
- Do I listen more than I direct?
- Do I accept “no” more easily?
If you can answer yes then you’re already connecting.
What You Don’t Need to Connect to Horses
You do not need:
- A certification
- A special technique
- A dominant posture
- A dramatic moment
- A “horse whisperer” identity
You need:
- Time
- Attention
- Humility
- Patience
A Final Horse Truth
Horses don’t ask us to be impressive.
They ask us to be present, predictable, and honest.
5
5 comments
Connecting with Horses Organically
powered by
skool.com/horses-connect-training-7883
Where horse people come to learn ,share, and occasionally go 'oh THAT’S why!' Join our global herd shaping ethical equine-assisted work. Free for now.
Suggested communities
Powered by