The Walk: The Gait of Kings
In our constantly evolving environment, we often forget the power of something as simple as walking. Theologian Soren Kierkegaard captured this beautifully: "Above all, do not lose your desire to walk."
For us, walking brings clarity and balance. For horses, it's even more essential—it’s the foundation of their movement and a key to expressing and connecting. Whether in hand or under saddle, the walk is crucial for building communication, trust, and harmony. In many ways, it truly is the "gait of kings."
Why the Walk Matters for Horses and Humans Alike
Just as Kierkegaard suggests walking helps us process thoughts and emotions, the walk for a horse serves a similar purpose. It’s a time for them to settle, take in their surroundings, and move in a way that feels natural. Horses, like us, need that moment to reset and align their minds and bodies.
When we walk with our horses—either in hand or riding—we create a shared rhythm. This is where true connection begins. In the walk, we can feel every shift in their body, every subtle response to our energy. It's a chance to check in, listen, and understand what they need from us in that moment.
Building Connection Through the Walk
The walk might seem simple, but it holds tremendous potential for growth. Whether riding or leading, every step is a chance to deepen your relationship. For horses, it offers a moment of relaxation and clarity. It’s during the walk that they are most able to listen and respond to us.
Much like Kierkegaard’s reflection on walking as a way to "walk away from illness" and "walk into well-being," the walk is where you and your horse can address tension, stress, or misunderstanding. It’s a place to reset, just as we do when we walk to clear our own minds.
Slowing Down to Move Forward
There’s a reason the walk is called the "gait of kings." It is not hurried or rushed, but full of grace and purpose. It reminds us that, in both life and horsemanship
🌿 "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." – Viktor Frankl 🌿
This quote resonates deeply with the journey of horsemanship. When we work with our horses, we're often met with unexpected behaviors or challenges. It's easy to react on impulse, but true growth happens in that space between stimulus and response.
Next time your horse surprises you, take a moment to pause. Breathe. In that space, choose a response that fosters connection and understanding. This is where we find freedom – the freedom to grow alongside our horses, deepening the bond and learning together. 🐴💚
#Horsemanship #MindfulRiding #HumanHorseConnection #GrowthAndFreedom
When a horse encounters a coercive reaction, the experience often involves a sense of pressure or force. The horse might comply with what’s being asked, but this compliance stems more from compulsion than true willingness. The horse may appear to go along with the request but does so in a guarded manner, not fully engaged or trusting in the process. This approach can lead to hesitation over time, as the horse starts to anticipate situations where there may be force or lack of consideration for comfort or readiness.
In contrast, when the interaction is rooted in collaboration, the horse perceives a different energy. The our awareness and respect for the horse's signals and current feelings create an environment where the horse feels at ease and willing to engage. Recognizing that it's not just being directed but invited into a partnership, the horse becomes more open and cooperative. This sense of being listened to and valued fosters a deeper, more trusting relationship.
#TrueHorsemanship #HorseHumanConnection #CollaborativeRiding #ListeningToHorses #RewildWithHorses
Take a deep breath. This is the start of a path that will not only transform your relationship with your horse, but also deepen your understanding of yourself.
#NaturalCoaching #ReWildCoaching #PowerOfIntention #horselovers #ReWildYourConnection
Think about your journey with your horse, or even your personal growth in horsemanship. Much like nature, our progress follows a cycle—one of planting, growing, and harvesting. Every stage brings its own needs and opportunities.
Seed: You're planting the seeds of new ideas and intentions. You're starting fresh, perhaps exploring a new approach or deepening your understanding.
Growth: You're learning, practicing, and nurturing your relationship, seeing small signs of progress as you both adapt and evolve.
Bloom: You're seeing the fruits of your efforts—your connection with your horse feels stronger, clearer, and more aligned.
Harvest: It's time to reflect on what you've learned, refine your approach, and prepare for the next phase of growth.
Where are you in this cycle with your horse right now, and what does this stage require of you?
#NaturalHorsemanship #HorseAndHumanConnection #ConsciousHorsemanship #RewildYourself #GrowthInHorsemanship
#cycleoflife
Addressing environmental and social imbalances isn’t just about making horses more comfortable—it’s about helping them reconnect with the instincts that have guided their species for millennia. When we provide a more balanced environment and social structure, we allow horses to live more naturally, which in turn supports their physical health, emotional stability, and overall happiness.
As caretakers, it’s our responsibility to be mindful of the imbalances that can develop in a domestic setting. By taking the time to observe our horses closely, understanding their needs, and making thoughtful adjustments, we can create conditions that allow them to thrive.
In the end, helping horses reconnect with their natural instincts is not about trying to recreate the wild, but rather about respecting the inherent wisdom they carry within them. When we do so, we not only enhance their lives but also deepen our connection with them, creating a relationship that benefits both horses and humans.
#HolisticHorsemanship #horsereel
#NaturalHorsemanship #RewildingHorses #EquineWellbeing #HorseConnection #MindfulHorsemanship
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
The expressions that horses demonstrate when we ask them to move a little beyond their comfort zone are perfectly normal and actually advantageous.
These expressions give us something to work with.
When a horse feels comfortable with the freedom and space you provide, which allows for expression, the conversation becomes rich with important information. This information reveals how they have received your request and their level of understanding.
I understand the concerns some people have when observing these big movements, often labeling them as signs of protest or frustration. It could be either of those things, but if the horse isn’t expressing anything, you’ll never know.
To work with something, you need something to work with.
Whether it’s a youngster with a developing mind or an older horse going through a learning phase, they are exploring—physically, emotionally, and mentally—the requests you’ve made. They’re showing you their thought process through their physical movements.
Imagine it as a math problem, where you have a complicated equation and use the side of the paper to jot down your notes. That’s what they’re giving you—their workings out.
It’s important that during this process, we don’t micromanage or interrupt their thinking. Keep them safe, but allow the flow. Allow the conversation. Allow them to work it out.
They will come back to you with either the answer or a question—just be ready.
Rachel W
#Horsemanship #EquineConnection #HorseTraining #NaturalHorsemanship #HorsesOfInstagram #freedomofexpression
The Power of Touch - Click link in comments
#Horsemanship #Equestrian #HorseLovers #HorseCare #NaturalHorsemanship #HorseConnection #HorseHumanBond #EquineTouch
One of the principles of ReWild Coaching is Conscious Horsemanship.
An important part of that process is Being mindful of the environment you create for your horse and the way you interact with them.
This means being aware of how your actions, emotions, and even your beliefs influence your horse’s development.
For example, if you believe that your horse is capable and trustworthy, you’re more likely to treat them in ways that reinforce those qualities, helping them to grow into a confident and reliable partner.
#ConsciousHorsemanship #MindfulHorsemanship #HorseHumanConnection #EmpoweredEquine #HarmoniousHorsemanship #horses #horsereels #onlinecoaching
Understanding Cautious Horses: Tip for Bridging Trust -
Don't reject them!
#ReWildYourConnection #horsereels #poweroftouch #dontrejectyourfriend #onlinecoaching #onlinecourse
Growth vs. Protection: Understanding Your Horse’s Needs in Domestic Environments
Following on from the idea of balanced state, I have added a new essay to the Study Hub (link in comments)
Includes some basic tips that can start you on this path...
Rachel W
#HorseCare #GrowthVsProtection #NaturalHorsemanship #MindfulHorsemanship #HorseWellbeing
The Power and Risks of Narrative Manipulation in the Horse Industry
#HorseIndustryTruths #NarrativeManipulation #EquineEthics #horsereels #HorseIndustryInsights #TransparencyInEquestrian
Unlocking Confidence: How Horses Inspire Self-Discovery
#ConfidenceThroughHorses #HorsesAndSelfDiscovery #EquineInspiration #UnlockYourConfidence #HorseWisdom #horsereel
I recently saw a quote from Stephen Fry, and it got me thinking about how I approach rewilding in horsemanship. Fry said that we’re not nouns—we’re verbs. Meaning we’re not fixed identities like “rider” or “trainer,” but rather people who act, respond, and evolve constantly. This perspective is so relevant to the idea of rewilding.
Rewilding isn’t about confining ourselves to a specific role or label. It’s about embracing the natural flow of life and our relationship with horses. Just as Fry suggests, being open and flexible allows us to connect more deeply. When we let go of rigid definitions, we can truly engage with our horses in the moment, flowing with their instincts and ours.
Instead of getting trapped by who we think we should be, let’s embrace the freedom that rewilding offers. It’s about allowing the relationship to grow and evolve, creating new possibilities for connection and understanding.
#RewildingHorsemanship #stephenfry #FlowWithHorses #NaturalConnection #HorseWisdom #EvolveTogether
Achieving Balance: Understanding Your Horse's Asymmetries. #balance #emotionalwellbeing #responsibility #horsereels
