Loving Presence with Horses

13/03/2025

If you are a Heart centered rider who rides or wants to ride your horse bit-less,⁣
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🐴 Your horse may not stop right away when you want to⁣
🐴 They may lean and feel heavy in the reins when you pick up the reins⁣
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If this is you, I bet you’re doing at least one of these things:⁣
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✅ When you got your bit-less bridle, you put it on your horse and went riding to try it out⁣
✅ You haven’t trained a cue with your seat that means slow down⁣
✅ When you want to stop, you use both reins at the same time⁣
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This video shows a simple pre-ride exercise I do with my horses to help them stay soft in a bitless bridle—no pulling, no leaning. It’s quick, easy, and a great first step if you’re new to bitless riding, but it also works wonders for seasoned horses that still tend to pull.⁣
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We’ve been training horses with bit-less bridles with positive reinforcement for over 25 years. Have a question about bit-less bridles or wondering where to start? Get your questions answered in our upcoming Free Q&A Zoom event on Thursday, March 13, 6:00 pm CDT.⁣
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💬 Type “Bit-less” in the comments below and I’ll send you a link to register for this event.

04/03/2025

Things Heart-Centered Riders Do with Their Reins

There are three key things heart-centered riders do with their reins. If you’re not doing these, your horse might ignore your cues, resist stopping, or make your reins feel heavy and unresponsive.

So, what are these three must-do habits?
✨ 1: Rein Length Check 📏
✨ 2: The ‘Giving’ Hand 🖐️
✨ 3: Feeling the Other End—What Your Horse Feels from the Rein 🐴

Want to learn how to handle horses that pull on the reins? Get my free Rein Awareness Exercise download! 🐎 ⬇️
http://lovingpresencewithhorses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rein-Awareness-Exercise-UPDATED.pdf

28/02/2025

Heart-Centered Equestrians and Dressage Riders! 🐴❤️⁣
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Got horse questions bugging you? 🤔 Mugging, pulling, crowding, collection—what's YOURS? Bring them on, and I’ll answer them in my upcoming FREE Q&A!⁣
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No question is too simple or too complex! Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you build a better partnership with your horse. 🐎✨⁣
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First, join my Facebook group—this Q&A is exclusively for members! 👇⁣
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/282906917040410⁣
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Then, drop "EVENT" in the comments, and I’ll send you the link to register! 📨⁣
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22/02/2025

20/02/2025

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝟯 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲⁣
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𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻.⁣
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But if you only have these two things, you will face moments of frustration, like when your horse seems interested but isn’t fully connecting with you.⁣
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𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ….. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂.⁣
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But you have to have all of them working together. Otherwise, you probably face:⁣
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1. A horse that focuses more on the treats than on connecting with you.⁣
2. A horse that performs the behavior but doesn’t seem emotionally connected or relaxed.⁣
3. A horse that eagerly participates but gets frustrated when things don’t happen quickly enough.⁣
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For over 35 years, we’ve helped hundreds of people connect so deeply with their horse with positive reinforcement, focused attention and mindfulness, and that connection totally transforms the way they ride and the way their horse responds to them. If you think you are someone we can help, send me a PM and tell me what’s going on.⁣
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19/02/2025

Magic happens when your horse “gets” you! From a gentle nudge to a shared moment, it’s a connection like no other. ⁣
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🐎 What’s your most unforgettable moment when you knew your horse really connected to you? ⁣
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Type "connect" and I'll send you my free guide, From Disconnection to Connection, 7 Hidden Signs Your Horse is Asking You to Show Up Differently ! 👇⁣
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18/02/2025

When you fail to connect with your horse, you may feel your horse pulling on the reins, they don’t respond to your aids right away, and when you ask them to lower their head and neck, their head pops right back up again.⁣
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Click on the video for a one crucial step in connecting with your horse!⁣
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Then click here to receive a free guide to connect, not disconnect! 👇
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🔗 http://lovingpresencewithhorses.com/from-disconnection-connection/

➡️ From Disconnection to Connection: 7 Hidden Signs your horse is asking you to show up differently⁣
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14/02/2025

𝐌𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣

https://youtu.be/2AtYJc-KAdI?si=TjnvcwnxMFbYcRdD
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My heart skips a beat every time my horse comes galloping at the sound of his name. This Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating that incredible bond that draws us together—no matter the distance. May your day be filled with the warmth of genuine connection and cherished moments shared with those (two-legged or four) who mean the most.⁣
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Happy Valentine’s Day from me and my galloping Valentine!⁣

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13/02/2025

Watching my horse, Tai, chow down on hay is a special time to connect. ⁣
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🐴❤️ He may want to eat more, but Making sure he stays fit means I’m looking out for his happiness and health. ⁣
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Every bite is creates a sweet melody to me! ⁣
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11/02/2025

If your horse pulls and leans on the reins more often than not, You probably find it hard to sit up straight, you get pulled forward, and your arms get tired.

To fix it, I bet you’ve Tried:
- Riding with soft hands
- Using a different bit or bridle
- Loosening or tightening your reins

Want your horse to stop pulling? Get my free gift: Type “no pull” in the comments to get your Rein Awareness Exercise to get started!!

05/02/2025

Sharing a deep breath around you horse - it brings you into the present moment where connecting with your horse is sweet.

04/02/2025

Nothing beats a peaceful walk to the barn to see my horses! Every step strengthens the connection in my heart. 🐴💛

31/01/2025

🐴✨ January flew by, and those New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like me, some might already be gathering dust. But what if there’s a better way to connect with your horse without the pressure of big goals?⁣
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Discover how small, everyday habits can transform your relationship and bring deeper trust and joy. 💖 No more lofty promises—just genuine, lasting change.⁣
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👉 Curious? Check out my latest blog and start making meaningful strides with your horse today: http://lovingpresencewithhorses.com/forget-new-years-resolutions/
Let’s make this year truly special, one small step at a time. 🌟⁣.

The start of a new year often brings a wave of resolutions. “This year, I’ll be more disciplined,” or “I’ll connect more deeply with my horse.” It’s easy to believe that one bold commitment can create a big change. But when it comes to relationships with horses, those grand intentions

30/01/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 “𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁” 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲⁣
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If riding has become predictable and stale—even though you love your horse and have decent skills—then I guarantee you might be doing one or more of these:⁣
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1. You stick to the same patterns or drills almost every time you ride.⁣
2. Repeating the same training techniques, expecting different results.⁣
3. You use exercises that other people have shown you (maybe even on youtube). ⁣
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𝗔𝗺 𝗜 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?⁣
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If you’re doing any one of these things in your riding routine, then I guarantee you’re experiencing:⁣
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1. 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗺, feeling like each session is just going through the motions.⁣
2. 𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 with your horse, as the routine becomes more about repetition than interaction.⁣
3. 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻, making the riding experience less enjoyable for both you and your horse.⁣
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For over 35 years, we’ve helped hundreds of people have fun make solid progress with their horse without the horse or rider ever getting bored. If you think you’re someone we could help, private message me and tell me what’s going on.⁣.

28/01/2025

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆:⁣
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• Repeating the same requests even when your horse is confused or unresponsive.⁣
• Trying to move to the next step too quickly without solidifying the foundation.⁣
• Feeling stuck when your horse doesn’t offer the behavior you’re expecting.⁣
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𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁:⁣
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• Timing your reward precisely when your horse shows the desired effort.⁣
• Paying attention to how your own body language might confuse or overwhelm your horse.⁣
• Watching for subtle signals, like your horse shifting their attention back to you, before asking for more.⁣
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For over 35 years, we’ve helped hundreds of people connect so deeply with their horse that their horse is eager and prompt to their aids. If you think you’re someone we could help, private message me and tell me what’s going on.⁣

23/01/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲’𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗴⁣
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There’s something about hugging a horse that’s unlike anything else in the world. It’s not just the warmth of their body or the solid strength of their presence—it’s the way they make you feel 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.⁣
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In that moment, you’re not just another person in their day. They’re choosing to let you in, their breath warm on your cheek, their head lowering into your arms.⁣
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Sure, hugging a close friend can be comforting in its own way, but there’s something uniquely reassuring about the way a horse connects without words. No expectations, no pretense—just a shared moment of understanding.⁣
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And when a horse kisses you? It’s pure magic. You feel on top of the world, as if they’ve chosen you in a way that transcends logic. It’s as if they’re saying, “I see you, and I appreciate you.”⁣
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Some of you might have felt this with a dog’s sloppy kiss, where you can’t help but laugh and feel special all at once, or when a cat curls up in your lap, purring as if the world has narrowed to just the two of you.⁣
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It’s these moments of connection, with no strings attached, that fill your soul in ways you didn’t even know you needed. It’s the kind of presence and love that’s simple but profound.⁣

21/01/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥—𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⁣
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𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞—𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮—𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:⁣
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1. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 even though you’re unsure inside whether your horse likes you⁣
2. Pretending you’re confident when inside you aren’t⁣
3. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 with the same aids, even when your horse isn’t responding, because you’re not really sure what else to do⁣
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Am I right?⁣
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𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞...⁣
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1. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞—smiling even when you don’t feel like it⁣
2. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫—𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬—𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫⁣
3. 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 short or not bothering to say anything because you’re convinced no one really wants to hear you anyway.⁣
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If that sounds familiar, I guarantee you’re feeling a big dose of 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, along with a lingering thought: “Am I really seen by anyone?” ⁣
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For over 35 years, I’ve helped hundreds of people connect so deeply with their horse that they feel truly seen—and that connection transforms the way they ride and the way their horse responds. If you think you are someone we can help, send me a PM and tell me what’s going on.⁣

16/01/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮

I recently went to the HDJC show, curious to see what this new organization was like. Out of all the riders and horses, one pair really caught my attention. I didn’t catch their names, but they left an impression I won’t forget.

They weren’t flashy or dramatic, but they had something truly special. The steady rhythm of the horse’s hoofbeats, the smooth and prompt canter departs—it wasn’t just about following cues. It was more than that. There was a sense of ease, like horse and rider were quietly in sync, moving together in perfect harmony.

That kind of partnership doesn’t just happen. It comes from being fully present, paying attention to the little things, and letting the connection between you and your horse grow naturally. Watching them reminded me how mindfulness isn’t just about stillness or meditation—it’s about being truly there, in the moment, whether you’re riding, training, or simply spending time with your horse.

When we approach our horses this way, it’s no longer just about the performance we’re trying to achieve—it’s about building a relationship that feels real, natural, and deeply fulfilling.