How do horses apologize?
I was tacking up Taika for a ride on a lovely spring day. We had spent time together as I groomed, and she ate hay off the round bale.  I put the saddle on and as I ducked down to get the girth from the other side, I saw two hind feet headed right into Taika's side, the side away from me. She was kicked so hard, Taika, the saddle and I all ended up on top of the round bale in a heap. Taika had stood there and protected me, kept me safe.  All I could think was I am so sorry Taika; I had no idea.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized, horses don't say sorry.  Horses are confident in who they are, in their being.

As I sat there reflecting on the incident, I realized how often we, as humans, apologize for things outside our control. Horses, on the other hand, live in the moment. They respond to situations based on their instincts and experiences, not out of guilt or the need to please others.

 Embracing Confidence Like a Horse

So, how can we learn from Taika and the horses in our lives? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Live Authentically: Horses are true to themselves, responding genuinely to their environment. Embrace your authentic self without feeling the need to apologize for who you are.

2. Respond, Don’t React: Just as Taika instinctively reacted to the kick, we should learn to respond to situations thoughtfully rather than letting fear or insecurity drive our reactions.

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of saying “I’m sorry,” practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your feelings without diminishing your confidence. It’s okay to make mistakes; they are part of growth.

4. Stay Present: Horses live in the moment, focusing on their immediate environment. When we remain present, we can respond to challenges with clarity and confidence.

5. Cultivate Confidence: Just like Taika stood tall after the incident, we can work on building our confidence through self-care, reflection, and embracing our strengths.

As we move forward, we can commit to being more intentional with our words and actions. We can channel that horse-like confidence, letting go of unnecessary apologies and embracing our true self. 

Final Thoughts

The next time you find yourself saying “I’m sorry” when it’s unwarranted, pause and reflect. Ask yourself: What would my horse do? It’s time to learn from our equine friends and embody the confidence they naturally exude. 

Let’s strive to be more like Taika—strong, confident, and unapologetically ourselves.

Ready to Stand Confidently in Your Own Strength?

It’s time to stop saying “I’m sorry” for being you! Join me for personalized courage coaching designed to help you embrace your true self and overcome fears that hold you back. Together, we’ll build the confidence you need to face challenges head-on without diminishing your worth. Sign up today and take the first step toward an empowered, unapologetic you!


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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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