How does horseback riding relieve stress?
One of my favorite childhood memories is playing tag while swimming on our horses in the hot summer of the San Fernando Valley. The heat was intense, but the thrill of riding into the water until our horses couldn’t touch was pure joy. The rules were simple: whoever let their horse touch the ground would be “out” and have to sit in the sun while the rest of us played on. It wasn’t just the game that made those days so memorable, but how our time with our horses made us feel—free from stress and worries.

Looking back, I realize how much riding helped us release the pressures of daily life. The more we rode, the less the world around us affected our sense of peace. Whether we were competing or enjoying a quiet trail ride, being with our horses was an instant stress reliever. It taught me that sometimes, the best way to reset emotionally is to step away from life’s demands and reconnect with something that brings us joy.

The Science Behind Stress Relief

Research shows that spending time with horses can reduce stress and anxiety. The act of riding encourages the release of endorphins—those "feel-good" hormones that promote relaxation. Additionally, interacting with horses has been found to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone related to stress. Simply being around horses helps us regulate our emotions and stay present.

The Healing Power of Horses: How Their Energy Calms Us

Horses don’t just help us unwind; they actively guide us to calm. One of the most fascinating aspects of spending time with horses is how attuned we become to their rhythms. Horses have a slower heartbeat (40-60 beats per minute) compared to our faster pulse. When we’re near them, our heartbeat naturally syncs with theirs, a process known as "entrainment." This helps lower anxiety and promote calm.

Similarly, a horse’s rhythmic breathing encourages us to adopt a more relaxed, steady breathing pattern, which also reduces stress. Horses are also highly intuitive creatures. They can sense our emotions and energy, responding to our body language and even our thoughts. This creates a profound connection, where simply being in the presence of a calm, grounded horse helps us feel more centered ourselves.

By engaging with our horses, we tap into their natural ability to balance and soothe, making riding not just an activity, but a full-body, soul-soothing experience.

Let Horses Help You Find Your Peace

If you’re looking for extra support to enjoy riding again, my Courage Coaching Program is here for you. Together, we’ll work on strategies to strengthen your mindset, embrace challenges, and turn setbacks into steppingstones. Whether you want to improve your riding performance or build confidence in everyday life, I’m here to help.

Click HERE to learn more and join the program. Let’s tackle this journey through stress together!

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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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