Collective Horsemanship (Michael Benner)

23/01/2025

💥 The Power of Adaptation in Life and Horsemanship 💥

Here’s the thing about working with horses, or really, working with life in general, it’s less about managing outcomes and more about building connection. Every interaction, whether it’s with a horse, another person, or even ourselves, is an opportunity to learn. To listen. To adapt. Horses, in particular, have a way of reflecting back to us, showing us where we’re strong and where we might need to grow.

For me, connection has always been an intriguing puzzle. As someone who grew up navigating what we now recognize as dyslexia, attention deficit, and other learning differences, I’ve had to figure out my own way of understanding and communicating with the world. I think in pictures. Words come alive for me as images, a kind of visual shorthand that makes sense in my head. For example, the word "macaroni" isn’t just a word. It comes with a memory of a friend’s daughter, who went through a phase where macaroni and cheese was the only thing she would eat. That’s how I process the world, through associations and visuals. The association changes over time, but there is always an association. My day is nothing but an endless movie in my head of words and memory, that brings old friends or moments to mind.

The hurdles I’ve faced in learning have taught me something invaluable: how to adapt. It’s not about overcoming challenges with force, but by shifting the way we approach them, turning what feels like a weakness into a kind of strength. Horses are no different. They respond to feel, to clarity, and to our willingness to meet them where they are and find a way forward together.

Whether it’s learning to spell a word, solve a problem, or ask a horse to move with us, the principle is the same. Adapt, adjust, and find your rhythm. That’s where the real magic happens. Because when we stop trying to resist the obstacle and instead learn to work with it, we discover that nothing—not a learning difference, not a resistant horse, not life’s countless challenges—can hold us back.

So, what’s your hurdle? And how can you start leaning into it today to find your strength?

22/01/2025

🌟 How to Stay Open to Life’s Mysteries 🌟

Remember when you were 4 years old? The world was a place full of endless questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do horses run so fast?” “Why can’t I touch the stars?” That relentless curiosity wasn’t about finding the right answers; it was about the joy of wondering.

As we grow, we’re often taught to stop asking so many questions. Life becomes about solving problems, not marveling at the mysteries. Yet that 4-year-old is still within us, wide-eyed and full of wonder. Reconnecting with that curiosity doesn’t just enrich our lives; it makes us better with our horses.

Horses are masters of mystery. They speak through subtle signals and emotions, not words. To truly understand them, we need that childlike sense of wonder, that eagerness to ask “why.” Why does my horse react this way? Why does this approach work today but not yesterday? When we embrace the questions instead of forcing answers, we create space to learn and grow together.

Being open to life’s mysteries means staying curious, especially when things don’t make sense. It’s about sitting with “why” instead of rushing to “how.” It’s recognizing that the beauty of life, and of working with horses, lies in what we don’t know, what we can’t control, and what we’re brave enough to keep exploring.

Ask the big questions. Sit with the small ones. And never, ever lose the awe of being 4 years old, staring at the stars or your horse and wondering, “Why?”

✨ What’s a mystery in life (or with your horse) that keeps you asking “why”? Let’s share in the wonder together.

22/01/2025

A Balanced Seat Starts With Our Groundwork.

We often focus on balance and posture in the saddle, but how often do we think about how we carry ourselves on the ground? Whether we’re leading, lunging, or working with our horses, our posture plays a crucial role.

Too often, I notice collapsed ribcages, compressed cores, and a lack of centered alignment when people work with their horses from the ground. These habits can influence how we move and communicate, carrying over into our riding and impacting how our horses respond.

Improving our riding posture begins with how we move on the ground. Are you centered? Is your weight balanced and aligned? Are you aware of how tension or poor habits affect your movement?

Groundwork is the foundation of everything we do with our horses. When we carry ourselves with balance and awareness—standing tall, engaging our core, and staying centered—we create clearer communication and a calmer presence.

Your horse feels every movement. Let them feel balance, intention, and confidence from the start.

21/01/2025

I still routinely pick this up, choose a chapter to read, and each time, I come away with something new.

This has been and continues to be an excellent read. Started my 4th read of this amazing look into the mind of animals and humans.

Life is a journey, never stop expending your understanding.

20/01/2025

Meaningful Monday: Finding Meaning in Everyday Tasks

Ever feel like your day is filled with chores that don’t seem to add up to much? Feeding the horses, mucking stalls, checking fences. It’s easy to see these things as just part of the grind. But what if these little tasks hold more significance than we realize?

In horsemanship, the small, everyday actions lay the foundation for trust and connection. When we clean a stall or fill a water bucket, it’s not just about cleanliness or hydration. It’s a way of showing up. It’s about being present and saying to your horse, “I care about your space, your comfort, your needs.” Over time, these acts of care build a relationship, quietly but powerfully.

The same principle applies to us. What if we approached every mundane task, sweeping the barn aisle or untangling a lead rope, with a sense of mindfulness? Instead of rushing through, we can turn those moments into opportunities to ground ourselves. They become rituals that center us, not just things we have to "get done."

Finding meaning in everyday tasks isn’t about romanticizing the work or pretending it’s always fun. It’s about realizing that these little moments teach us patience, presence, and humility, the exact qualities horses respond to. When we slow down, notice the rhythm of our actions, and appreciate the purpose behind them, we align ourselves with the kind of energy that horses trust.

So today, take a moment. Find the meaning in the task that feels most ordinary. Let it remind you that horsemanship and life is built in the details. Meaning doesn’t have to be grand to be impactful; it’s often found in the quiet, unseen work.


Photo; My original mob, Plaominao half-sisters, Charlotte and Fancy, then my tough little man Little Bit. They all passed some time ago, but these three, especially Charlotte put me on the road to becoming the horseman I am today.

19/01/2025

18/01/2025

18/01/2025

Straight Talk Saturday: The Silent Suffering of Horses: Are We Asking Too Much, Too Soon?

Competing or trail riding on a horse that’s not physically or mentally ready is like building a house on quicksand. It might look fine at first, but it’s bound to collapse.

Your horse isn’t just a tool for winning ribbons or to escape the world. They’re a living, breathing partner who relies on you to set them up for success, and success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on a foundation of trust, preparation, and patience. These are three things that can’t be rushed no matter how tempting the deadline on the calendar might be.

When a horse is pushed before they’re ready, you risk more than you realize. You risk their confidence, their health, and their trust in you. A horse that’s overwhelmed mentally or physically isn’t learning. They’re just surviving. And that’s no way to build a partnership.

So ask yourself this:

● Am I prioritizing my horse’s readiness over my goals?
● Do I understand what “ready” actually means physically, mentally, and emotionally?
● Can I set my ego aside and wait if my horse needs more time?

The truth is that riding an unprepared horse isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a sign of impatience. Real horsemanship is knowing when to step back, do the work, and let your horse tell you when they’re ready to shine.

Trust me, the wait is worth it.

17/01/2025

"The Light They Carry"

They give us everything.
Strength, steady and patient,
lifting burdens we cannot bear.

Loyalty, woven in quiet moments,
earned through time, not commands.

In our darkest despair,
we turn to them,
and they meet us with light...
a quiet presence,
a steady heartbeat
that leads us back to ourselves.

Love, unspoken yet immense,
binding us to something ancient,
felt in every shared breath.

We take more than we give,
their trust, their spirit, their grace.
And yet, they stay
carrying us,
teaching us,
reminding us who we might become.

15/01/2025

That's how it is done.

15/01/2025

Sitting On, With, or In Your Horse

Have you ever felt like riding your horse was harder than it should be? Like you’re giving clear directions, but your horse just doesn’t seem to get it? Let me ask you this: are you sitting on your horse, with your horse, or in your horse?

I know this might sound a little strange, but stick with me. Thinking about riding this way could totally change how you connect with your horse.

When you’re sitting on your horse, it’s exactly what it sounds like. You’re sitting on top and trying to stay in control. It’s like trying to dance while staring at your partner’s feet and stepping on them over and over. Sure, you might get the job done, but it doesn’t feel smooth or connected. Your horse feels this too. They sense the tension and imbalance and end up working harder to make up for it.

Now, sitting with your horse is different. This is when you start to tune in to your horse’s rhythm. You notice how they move and adjust yourself to match them. Instead of focusing on control, you start moving together. It’s like two dancers finding the same beat, and suddenly, your horse isn’t just tolerating you. They’re working with you as a partner.

And then there’s sitting in your horse. I know that sounds odd, but hear me out. This is the highest level of connection. It’s not just about matching your horse’s rhythm. It’s about becoming part of it. You learn to lower your own center and help lift theirs, blending so completely that your movements and theirs feel like one. This is when you feel weightless, like you’re floating, and your horse feels free to move naturally and confidently.

Blending with your horse’s center isn’t just about skills or technique. It’s also about your mindset. You have to let go of tension and stop trying to control everything. It’s about listening to your horse, trusting them, and moving together as one.

So where are you on this journey? Are you sitting on, with, or in your horse? No matter where you’re starting, there’s always room to grow. Share your experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories, what’s working, what’s not, and those moments when everything finally clicked.

13/01/2025

What Is Connection?

Connection is a buzzword in the horse world, but let’s get honest—are we defining it for our benefit or theirs? True connection isn’t about control or obedience; it’s about partnership. It’s when the horse feels safe, seen, and understood enough to trust us fully. If we’re only measuring connection by what we can get the horse to do, we’ve missed the mark.

To build real connection, we need six key things:

✔️ Clarity
✔️ Consistency
✔️ Patience
✔️ Emotional awareness
✔️ Physical balance
✔️ Mutual trust.

These aren’t quick fixes or training hacks, they’re the foundation of a relationship where the horse feels confident offering their true self. Connection is a two-way street, and it’s up to us to make sure we’re showing up with as much intention as we expect from them.

12/01/2025

Soulful Sunday: Reflecting on Personal Transformation

Have you ever caught yourself in the mirror, not just seeing your reflection but really looking? It’s strange how a simple glance can invite a flood of questions. Who was I back then? Who am I now? And perhaps the most curious question of all, who am I becoming?

Not long ago, I found myself reflecting on the horseman I used to be. There was a time when I rode with more certainty than awareness, with more focus on results than on the journey itself. Back then, I thought success was measured by accomplishments—every ride, every interaction, a chance to prove something. That version of me, though once confident, has faded. And thank goodness it has, because I’m learning that who I was isn’t who I need to be now.

The horseman I am becoming doesn’t measure progress by what’s achieved in a single moment, but by the quiet, steady growth over time. It’s not about checking off milestones or perfecting technique; it’s about developing patience, adaptability, and the ability to notice the smaller, meaningful steps along the way. What I once thought was progress now feels incomplete without understanding. What I once saw as struggle I now recognize as part of the learning process.

Personal transformation isn’t loud or showy. It’s often messy, slow, and invisible until you pause long enough to notice the trail behind you. It’s in the little things—how you adjust your timing, how you read a situation differently, how you allow space for growth instead of rushing ahead. It’s the ability to reflect on where you’ve been, appreciate the lessons, and look forward to what’s still to come.

So today, take a moment for yourself. Reflect on the horseman you’ve been, the one you’re becoming, and the quiet beauty of this unfolding path. Transformation isn’t about leaving the old behind. It’s about building something more thoughtful, more aware, and more enduring on top of it.

Who were you? Who are you becoming? You might find the answer is still unfolding, and maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly as it should be.

11/01/2025

Some morning humor. 🤣😂

09/01/2025

What Every Person Can Teach Us

One of the greatest lessons I've learned in life, whether through horses, coaching, or simply being human, is that every individual you meet has something to teach you. It might not always be obvious, and it’s not always wrapped in a nice, comfortable package. Sometimes the lessons are messy. Sometimes they challenge your patience, your beliefs, or your sense of self.

But whether they are teacher, friend, mentor, student, or complete stranger whom you happen to meet while traveling, every person carries their own story, their own experiences, and their own wisdom. That coworker who tests your limits might be teaching you patience. That friend who disagrees with you on everything could be showing you the art of perspective. Even the stranger you pass on the street can remind you of the importance of a kind smile or a simple acknowledgment.

Life, much like horsemanship, is about being present and willing to listen. It’s about asking, “What can I learn here?” instead of assuming you already have the answer. Because the truth is, the best lessons often come when we’re humble enough to realize we don’t know it all.

So, the next time you meet someone new—or cross paths with someone familiar—pause for a moment. Listen. Observe. Be curious. You might just walk away with something you didn’t even know you needed.

Let’s make the world our classroom. Who has taught you something unexpected lately? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it. 🖤

Photo; This photo was taken by me of the trail group I used to ride with. The stories, adaptive riding, and life lessons shared shaped much of my horsemanship. I am very thankful for the time I spent in the saddle and the miles of trails we rode. s
-Side note: I'm very thankful there wasn’t a camera in everyone’s back pocket. 😉