What are horses afraid of?
This is a very interesting question, and I am sure there are a million answers.  Just as with all life, the most critical fear is dying.  In a lot of ways, they are blessed.  They don't have to be afraid of losing their job, losing their money, IRS tax audit, or any of the other fears and stresses that humans put on themselves.  They have one mission, to live through the day.

Their fears stem from anything that is new, that they need to figure out if it is going to kill them.  I was standing near the horses one day in the pasture, when a plastic bag went blowing on the wind, all around them and under their legs.  They didn't move.  When I saw it coming, my fear level went up, and they all started to react, but when I saw this, I just completely relaxed, and they did too.  They were not afraid of the bag.  They were afraid that I might be afraid of the bag.

Horses survival depends on not being the horse that is most afraid, but they need to not be the slowest to react.  The horse that is not in tune to the rest of the herd and danger vibes, will be the horse that doesn't make it, that is food for the predator.

Are they afraid of the predator?  No.  This shocked me.  A friend of mine was working Africa and had the great opportunity to observe lions and the herds.  The lions would walk right through the herds to the water and back and nobody would even raise their head.  They were not afraid of the lions.  Then, when the lioness would start to hunt, at the moment that the first herd animal felt that energy, the warning would go out, and they would all run.  

They were not afraid of the predator; they were afraid of the energy of being hunted.  This is useful information.  We can be that calm leader, that doesn't jump at every little thing, and our horses will start to see us as leader and trust us to keep them safe.  The more our energy is calm and aware, the more the horse can relax and let us lead.  Wishy washy, anxiety, and fear are not the energies of a leader.

If you enjoyed this, I talk a little more about my journey out of fear and back to courage in my book, would love to have you check it out!  Click here!

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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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