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Helen Huie - The Horse Rider's Therapist, Brisbane (2025)

22/11/2024

Thank you all for the lovely feedback from EQUITANA Australia, it was wonderful meeting you all and hearing your insights and stories. With all of the encouragement you've given me to offer this service more broadly, I will now be taking bookings for education presentations, clinics and 1:1 individual sessions. Please contact me for more information!

17/11/2024

I cant wait to see you again today for an inspirational session to wrap up your EQUITANA Australia experience.

Collect your journals and ground yourself in 'Intention Setting for Horse Riders' in The Classroom at 3!

10/11/2024

The cournt down is on! Discover the hidden forces shaping your relationship with horses 🐴

Join me:

• Thursday at 11 in the Ariat Theatre to explore the transformative power of the subconscious in equestrian connection

• Sunday at 3 in The Classroom to wrap up your Equitana experience and take away your own personal road map for your future riding with "Intention Setting for Horse Riders"

20/08/2024

We're thrilled to be bringing our unique insights to EQUITANA Australia this year! Don't miss our session on understanding the human brain and conquering your riding challenges.

25/07/2024

~ Charlotte Dujardin & the Existential Crisis the Horse World Had to Have ~

How many Horse people have woken up in the aftermath of the Charlotte news questioning their world as a horse person? In the wake of the shock announcement, a complex stream consciousness has erupted from horse people across the world. This article isn't about horse training methods, horse abuse but a comment on human nature, and how to find a way forward. I spent quite a bit of time yesterday, sucked into the comment section of various posts about the Charlotte news. I rode a rollercoaster of emotions, as I processed the news, and watched the world grab their pitch forks and embrace the witch hunt.

It took me a bit of time to extract myself from the ensuing rage building online and try to get some perspective. Why were people so angry? The horse industry is rife with practices that do not support horse welfare, from bitting rules by the FEI to the pony clubber with badly fitting tack. Why has Charlotte evoked such anger? I believe the answer is more complex than the short article I’m writing here, but I think there is a deep sense of shame that has emerged because of Charlotte’s publicised actions. It could have been me…it could have been you.

Shame can lead to blame.

Shame can make us deflect our feelings by blaming others. Shame can be excruciating to sit with, and the judgment and fury that has rained down on Charlotte may be bringing up some pretty big emotions in people based on their own experiences. This is so much bigger than what Charlotte did. It's about us, as horse people. Most of us come to horses because we love them. Up until yesterday I feel like I was sitting in a comfortable bubble of who I am as a horsewoman, on a journey to improve myself and the life of my horses through knowledge, learning and practice. Yesterday brought forward lot of emotions around my own practice. Having one of the world’s leading figures in dressage publicly exposed for horse abuse has made many of us question the way in which we do things.

In recent years there has been a plethora of research a growing body of research, to help us as horse people improve the welfare of horses. There is a ground swell of conscious horsemanship that aims to improve the way in which we interact with horses. I feel like Charlotte’s case is an opportunity for the horse community to draw a line in the sand, it gives us an opportunity to cleanse the shame knowing that all of us are imperfect and all of us can do better. Nobody is free from judgement in this space. Horse welfare extends to the way that we feed horses the way that we house horses the way that we ensure our saddles fit to the way in which we offer enrichment in line with the horses natural instincts and behaviour; it's the way in which we read the micro cues of stress; it relates to our training - how aggressive or submissive we are in communicating with our horses. If the world's leading figure in dressage can get it wrong, instead of sitting with a shame of our past crimes and embrace this as an opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Acknowledge our mistakes as a collective body and move forward in a more ethical and conscious way. This is the opportunity for a groundswell of consciousness; to accept our mistakes and draw that line in the sand and to work together to set a new precedent in the way in which we treat horses.

Does this mean we can no longer compete? Does this mean we all need to turn to natural horsemanship or be submissive in our horse handling? Does this mean that we should never rug our horses? Absolutely not. This is an opportunity to create a new ‘best practice’ based on evidence based on our increasing knowledge of horse physiology and psychology. This is a line in the sand to no longer excuse us from ignorance. This moment in time is a defining point in the horse history. Very few people within the horse industry will be sheltered from this pivotal moment. ‘The Charlotte conversation” is bringing light into the darkest corners of the horse industry and asks us all to step up to establish a new normal.

Helen Huie
Counsellor
Equine Behaviour Specialist

08/11/2023

Can you think of a horse that has shaped you as an equestrian? Do you believe that each horse comes into your life to teach you something new or are you the constant that horses are shaped around?

At the moment I have a particularly ‘troublesome’ pony. It would be easy to fob him off as ‘difficult’ or ‘stupid’ or some other way to protect myself from the fact I just don’t have the skillset to work with this horse. I think back over my lifetime with horses and reflect on what I've learnt from each one. Each horse has shaped my knowledge and my identity as a horse woman. There have been times that I didn't have the awareness, wisdom, or skills to be guided by the lessons they were teaching me, but I also didn’t always have the same openness to these lessons either. One thing that time has taught me is about being open to changing the way I do things, and the flow on to the type of horsewoman I am.

Do you allow your horse to influence you.?

Relationship experts and researchers Drs. Gottman discuss the importance of allowing influence as essential pillar to successful relationships. Allowing our partners, or in this case, our horses to influence the way that we think about our horse, horsemanship and our riding is an imperative part of growth. However, for some of us there can be blocks to our learning, or the way that we are open to new concepts.

Perfectionism, power plays, being dismissive and façades of being ‘all knowing’ can all be coping mechanisms that stem from past experiences. Going out of your comfort zone to try new techniques or even acknowledge your own limitations can evoke fear of failure and feelings of shame, or it might just be hard to acknowledge that others have needs that you might not feel you can meet which can evoke feelings of rejection, isolation, and fear.

What are some of signs that you aren't excepting influence from your horse? Are you struggling with your horse’s behaviour? Do you find that the strategies that you used with other horses aren't working for this horse? Do you feel frustrated by them or out of your depth? Are you struggling to form the relationship with your horse?

These are some signs that your horse is offering you an opportunity to learn and grow. We are always able to accept these challenges. However, if you are, reflecting on ‘what is it that my horse is teaching right now’ me can be a profound way to open your world to different ways of interacting with your horse and your own self-development.

I don’t think there are many horse people at the end of their lifetime, could say that they know everything there is to know about horses. Are you letting your horse influence you?

05/11/2023

Are you focused on your path of self-improvement, or do you get stuck in criticism mode? 🤔

👉🏻Our behavior gives us clues to what’s really going on in our brain. Being critical of others or even our horses can sometimes serve as a coping mechanism. It may be a way for individuals to manage their own insecurities, fears, or uncertainties by focusing on perceived flaws in others. It provides a temporary sense of control or superiority, offering a distraction from personal challenges.

Understanding your behavior opens a path to awareness, self-reflection, and personal growth and better connection with yourself and others. 🌱✨

04/11/2023

How do you relate to your horse? 🐴 Do you know that your early experiences in life can shape the way you interact with your equine partner? 🤔

Do any of these resonate with you? 👇🏼

🔹Get anxious about riding 🐎
🔸Have a constant fear of failure 😨
🔹You can’t get ‘out of your head’ 🧠
🔸Over-apologizing, even for things that are not your fault or responsibility 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♀️
🔹Being hyper-aware of what your horse/other people think and feel, and adjusting your behavior accordingly 🕵️‍♂️🕵️‍♀️
🔸Feeling disconnected from others 😔
🔹Being a perfectionist 🙅‍♂️🙅‍♀️
🔸Having difficulty saying no, setting boundaries, or expressing your opinions 😶
🔹Feeling guilty, ashamed, or unworthy when you do assert yourself or prioritise your own needs 😞
🔸Having low self-esteem, self-worth, or self-confidence 😢
🔹Being afraid of rejection, abandonment, or criticism from those around you or your horse 😰
🔸Having trouble trusting your own judgment, intuition, or feelings 😕
🔹Being prone to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues 😥
🔸Being overly passive with your horse and hyper-sensitive to their needs

🙌🏼 If you do, you’re one of the many people who might have experienced trauma in your past which show up in the way we interact with ourselves, others and even our horse and its training. 😟

✨The Empathetic Equestrian is now offering personalised coaching and clinics. Deepen the connection with your horse, and support your behavioural and emotional state. 🌟🤠

30/10/2023

Being at the top of your riding game goes far beyond the technical skill of your discipline or the wisdom of your horsemanship but lies with you!

✨ HUMANSHIP is the mastery of one's own inner world to create external behaviours that optimally support your horsemanship and riding.

Humanship and horsemanship is a dual exploration—horsemanship can not be mastered in isolation. WE are the first step to better human-horse relationships! 👣🐴

Every horse person's self-awareness is the compass that guides every step. 🐎✨ It's not just about mastering techniques; it's about understanding ourselves to form a genuine connection with our horses.

Horses are mirrors, reflecting our emotions. 🪞 To truly communicate with them, we must first communicate with ourselves. Recognising our fears, joys, and intentions allows us to navigate the dance of horsemanship with authenticity.

01/10/2023

And that's a wrap! Thank you to for inviting me to share this exciting new space of 'Humanship' - the missing link in horsemanship.
Thank you to the wonderful women who attended the education workshops on 'Intention Setting' and the rich conversations around trauma, neuroscience and our connection to self and horses that emerged. It was a privilege to share space with you.

22/09/2023

Join us at The Cowgirls Gathering for an enlightening session with Helen Huie - The Empathetic Equestrian as she delves into the crucial topic of rider mindset. 🐎

🌟 Discover the power of empathy and emotional intelligence in your horsemanship and riding.
🧠 Gain valuable insights on how to enhance your mental approach to riding.
💪 Unlock the secrets to boosting your confidence in the saddle.

The education sessions Saturday and Sunday will empower you with a toolkit of strategies and skills to deeply understand your subconscious drivers, blocks and self limiting beliefs, to release any emotional baggage and past experiences holding you back from building a most positive relationship with yourself and your horse.

Helen's compassionate nature and intuitive communication style has helped countless individuals overcome challenges and develop a harmonious partnership with their horses. Her presentation will equip you with the tools needed to develop a strong, positive mindset for equestrian success.

Don't miss this opportunity to tap into her wisdom and elevate your horsemanship to new heights. Join us at The Cowgirls Gathering and be part of this transformative experience. 🏇🌟

14/07/2023

If you and your horse went to couples therapy, what concerns might your horse bring up?

The foundations of horsemanship are relational. Whether you're a Grand Prix rider or just enjoy patting your miniature ponies, the basis of what your horse is looking for in the interactions are relationship.

Safety, communication, empathy, authenticity and healthy patterns of behaviour build trust and respect are features of healthy relationships.

What might be getting in the way of you having the best relationship with your horse?

healer

10/07/2023

What is your horses love language? 💞

🐴💕 what is your horse's love language🌟🐎

Let's talk strengthening relations. Just like us, horses have their own unique ways of expressing and receiving 'love' (or whatever you believe in around the horse's emotional capacity). Our own past experiences will shape how we perceive a horse's needs, and also our own capacity to offer love from love bombing to ignoring or dismissing our horses emotional needs. It also guides the training methods we choose with our horses.

Here are a few key aspects of horses' love language:

1️⃣ Mutual understanding: Horses are incredibly intuitive and can sense our emotions. Being aware of our own energy and emotions when interacting with them is crucial. Creating a calm and positive environment helps them feel safe and secure. 🌈✨

2️⃣ Physical touch: Horses are incredibly tactile animals. They appreciate gentle strokes, scratches, and massages. Take the time to groom and connect with your horse through touch. It's a beautiful way to show them love and build trust. 🤗💆‍♀️

3️⃣ Respect and boundaries: Horses appreciate clear boundaries and respect. Understanding their personal space and allowing them to express themselves without force or coercion is essential. By respecting their boundaries, we show them love and earn their trust. 🙌🚫

4️⃣ Time and attention: Horses are social animals and crave companionship. Spending quality time with your horse, whether it's going for a ride, taking a walk together, or simply being present in their presence, is a powerful way to show them love and care. 🌿🚶‍♂️

Remember, every horse is unique, and their 'love language' may vary. Take the time to observe and understand your horse's preferences and needs. Also notice areas that might be a challenge for you or that you offer in abundance. Getting curious about how you respond to your horse's needs is a guide to understanding yourself better. Building a connection based on their 'love language' will deepen your bond and partnership. 🌟🐴💖

Share your experiences and tips on understanding horses' love language in the comments below! 🐎❤️

05/07/2023

✨Your level of success is dependent on your level of authenticity ✨

03/07/2023

🌟 Introducing Helen Huie - The Empathetic Equestrian 🌟

"I am a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness within the equestrian community. The idea of The Empathetic Equestrian came about from watching horse people struggling to stay calm in the competition environment. I noticed people transform from their usual calm, kind selves to experience a range of emotional behaviours under pressure. I saw people who care about their horses so stressed out that they became neglectful, harsh or critical of their horse. The distress of both horses and handlers in the warm-up ring at one show unattended was so alarming that I thought I should step forward to see free support - The Empathetic Equestrian was created.

I have ridden, bred and trained horses for almost 40 years and live with my young daughter and our herd of 7 horses and ponies. I have university qualifications in counselling, psychology and education and practice as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. I am passionate about making a positive impact in the equestrian world.

What I noticed in my own equestrian journey was a lot of language being used to guide our horsemanship, such as 'take a breath', 'be aware', 'your horse is picking up on your emotional, calm down!' - without supporting people to really know how to do these things. Beyond horsemanship and mindset coaching is the space where The Empathetic Equestrian supports. My skill is supporting the core part of you - the machine driving your emotions, behaviours and thoughts. Helping you understand the 'why' to your equestrian challenges, riding blocks or nerves.

My goal is to empower you with a toolkit of strategies and skills to deeply understand your subconscious drivers, blocks and self limiting beliefs, to release any emotional baggage and past experiences holding you back from building a most positive relationship with yourself and your horse. To deeply understand how to support yourself to be calm, collected and in control of your your own journey.

Through developing greater awareness and insight into your inner world, your become more empathetic and authentic - which is what our horses need us to be." - Helen Huie

Helen's compassionate nature and intuitive communication style has helped countless individuals overcome challenges and develop a harmonious partnership with their equine companions.

Through her blog, workshops, and speaking engagements, she sheds light on the emotional well-being of riders and encourages open conversations about the challenges they face. Helen firmly believes that by addressing the mental and emotional aspects of horsemanship, riders can unlock their full potential and create a more fulfilling and balanced equestrian journey.

So, if you're an equestrian enthusiast looking for inspiration, guidance, or simply a dose of positivity follow along with Helen in spreading empathy, understanding, and love for our four-legged friends. Together, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious equestrian community. 🐴💕

01/07/2023

How many wellness posts do you see like this 👇🏼

🌿 Embrace your true self! 🌟 Discover the power of authenticity and unlock your inner potential. 💫✨ Join us on this journey of self-discovery as we share practical tips and insights on how to be more authentic in every aspect of your life. 🌻💖 From accepting imperfections to honoring your values, let's cultivate a genuine and fulfilling relationships, self empowerment and confidence. 🌈💪

The saying "if it was essay, everyone would be doing it" applies here. Being authentic isn't easily accessible for everyone. Our subconscious mind can sometimes act as a barrier to authenticity. Here are a few ways our subconscious can hinder our ability to be authentic:

🔸Conditioning and societal norms: Throughout our lives, we are influenced by societal expectations, cultural norms, and conditioning from our upbringing. Our subconscious mind internalises these beliefs and may create a fear of deviating from the norm or being judged by others if we express our true selves.

🔹Fear of rejection and judgment: Our subconscious mind often seeks acceptance and approval from others. It can create a fear of rejection or judgment if we show our authentic selves, leading us to conform to societal expectations or wear masks to fit in.

🔸Past experiences and traumas: Past experiences, especially negative ones, can shape our subconscious beliefs and create a fear of vulnerability. If we have been hurt or rejected in the past for being authentic, our subconscious may try to protect us by encouraging us to hide our true selves.

🔹Self-doubt and limiting beliefs: Our subconscious mind can be influenced by self-doubt and limiting beliefs that undermine our confidence and self-worth. These beliefs can make us question our authenticity and prevent us from fully expressing who we are.

🔸Comfort zone and familiarity: Our subconscious mind seeks familiarity and often resists change. Stepping into authenticity requires embracing vulnerability and stepping out of our comfort zones, which can trigger resistance from our subconscious mind.

Overcoming these subconscious barriers to authenticity requires self-awareness, introspection, and intentional effort. By challenging and reframing limiting beliefs, healing past traumas, and consciously choosing to embrace vulnerability, we can gradually break free from the subconscious patterns that hinder our authenticity. Remember, authenticity is a lifelong journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to personal growth.

"

Helen Huie - The Horse Rider's Therapist