Can horses feel when you are nervous?
Picture yourself, as a zebra, in the middle of the herds grazing in Africa.  It is a beautiful day, light breeze blowing, the other zebras are quietly munching on the green grass around you.  A lion creeps into the edge of the meadow, searching for lunch.  A zebra on the edge of herd, feels the tension in the air and sounds the alarm, racing away from where it feels the danger.  All the herd runs except you keep eating the lush grass and don't "FEEL" the danger.  You would be lunch.

Horses are no different.  Their instincts require that they feel the energy around them.  Their life depends on it.

Are there things we can do that will help reduce our nerves and help our horses to remain calm?  Yes, but the one thing I have found with horses that doesn't work very well is "Fake it 'til you make it".  They can feel your energy while you are trying to fake it unless you can actually shift your energy and then you aren't really faking it.

1. Practice getting your nerves stressed and bringing them back down.  Exactly what we do when we desensitize our horses, we can also do for us.  Sit in a comfy chair, close your eyes, and picture something you fear.  Feel your stress start to increase.   Practice breathing in a square or circle.  With the square, I like breath in for count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, focus on this count until you feel great again.  The other one I like is picturing my breathing is a Ferris wheel, going in a circle.  The most critical is to not hold your breath.  Make sure you practice exhaling.
2. Visualize an amazing time with your horse.  I like to picture myself as the eye of the storm, strong, powerful and calm.  I love practicing this while I am with my horses, they relax and change when I am that calm energy.
3. I use CBD for my first rides back after a break.  It really helps to take the edge off and if the horses get nervous, I use a brand that will also help them.  Most is not approved for horses; it took me a while to find one for both of us.  (Click here if you would like to check it out).

I would love to be able to feel what other energies are around me like horses do.  I think it would be fascinating.

If you have enjoyed this, you might enjoy my 3 ways to stop panic guide!  Click here if you would like a copy.

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Hey there! I’m Elise Hittinger—Fear Slayer, Confidence Creator, and your go-to Courage Coach.

 
Once upon a time, I was that fearless kid riding deep into Angeles National Forest without a second thought. Then bam—life threw me a plot twist. A horse flipped on me, pinning me beneath it, and fear crept in like an uninvited guest who wouldn’t leave.

That moment tested everything. But here’s the wild part—I walked away with only bruises and a divine reminder that I wasn’t done yet. Fear may have stolen my joy for a while, but it did not get the final say.

Fast forward to a move to Kentucky, where the trails were calling my name. I had two choices: let fear keep the reins or take them back. Spoiler alert—I took them back. Now, I help other riders (and, honestly, anyone sick of fear running their life) do the same.

I make fear pack its little bags and GTFO. Whether it’s through hypnotherapy, NLP, or a little well-placed humor, I help people trade anxiety for confidence, doubt for courage, and overthinking for action.

So, if you’re ready to kick fear to the curb and rediscover the joy you deserve—I’m here for it. Let’s do this.

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