Calm riding doesn’t start in the saddle. It starts with how you show up—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Horses feel everything. If you’re tense, distracted, or rushing, they’ll mirror that energy. But when you bring calm, they respond in kind. Leave the monkey mind at home and really be present with your horse, it changes everything.
Here’s my go-to checklist for creating a peaceful ride:
1. Breathe First
Before you halter your horse, I love to do 3 "Ferris Wheel" Rounds or square breathing works great too. Let your shoulders drop. Let your thoughts settle. This simple pause sets the tone for connection.
Before you halter your horse, I love to do 3 "Ferris Wheel" Rounds or square breathing works great too. Let your shoulders drop. Let your thoughts settle. This simple pause sets the tone for connection.
2. Set a Clear Intention
Decide what kind of ride you want—not in terms of goals, but energy. Maybe it’s “softness,” “patience,” or “quiet communication.” Your intention becomes your anchor.
Decide what kind of ride you want—not in terms of goals, but energy. Maybe it’s “softness,” “patience,” or “quiet communication.” Your intention becomes your anchor.
3. Check Your Body
Scan for tension. Are your shoulders tight? Is your jaw clenched? Release it. Your horse will follow your lead—especially when your body speaks calm.
Scan for tension. Are your shoulders tight? Is your jaw clenched? Release it. Your horse will follow your lead—especially when your body speaks calm.
4. Simplify the Ask
Start with something easy. A relaxed walk. A gentle bend. Build trust through clarity, not complexity. When you simplify, your horse can succeed—and so can you.
Start with something easy. A relaxed walk. A gentle bend. Build trust through clarity, not complexity. When you simplify, your horse can succeed—and so can you.
5. End with Peace
No matter how the ride goes, finish with softness. A quiet walk. A loose rein. A shared breath. Let the final moment be one of calm.
No matter how the ride goes, finish with softness. A quiet walk. A loose rein. A shared breath. Let the final moment be one of calm.
This checklist isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. When you show up with intention and softness, your horse feels it. And together, you create something peaceful—ride after ride.
Here is a link to my Pre-Ride checklists which help make sure you and your horse are calm before you ever get into the saddle! Get your own checklists here (free)!
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