2026 puts us in the Year of the Horse and based on predictions, the year is going to be spicy! Like our favourite horse, it will favour bold forward momentum and the impulsivity to make moves. Navigating the Year of the Horse will require us to embrace momentum, whilst staying grounded enough to avoid burnout. Read on to learn a couple ways to approach and anticipate the Year of the Horse.

As a new year begins, many people feel pressure to make resolutions which are typically focused on promises to change or “do better.” Consider intention setting which encourages process, presence, and self-compassion. Read on to learn more about starting the year with clear but gentle intentions.

Prior to jumping into the holidays, take the time to set your intentions by deciding in advance how you want to feel and to be. Horses teach us a lot about being present, which can help us survive the holidays.

The holidays are marketed as a joyous and festive time, full of cheer and good tidings. In real life, the holidays can be complex with a range of emotions (varying from joyous to heartache), unrealistic expectations, and the feeling to “perform”. Horses help us prepare for the holidays by being more intentional and present, so we can choose how we want to show up, rather than getting pulled into a million directions or get caught up in the emotional weight of the season. Read on to learn more.

Despite breathing being automatic, there are so many moments where we find ourselves holding our breath. With greater self-awareness, we are better able to regulate our breathing which helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate, easing muscle tension, and we become more present. Horses will often respond to this calmness making for a better connection. Read on to learn more about the importance of breathing.

Every interaction with a horse can reflect how we can exist in our daily lives. Spend time with horses, and you’ll quickly realize we can’t fake anything. Horses can sense what’s real, and teach us that our intentions aren’t something we say, but something we embody through our energy and focus. Read on to learn more about what horses teach us about intentions.

In a world that moves fast, and rewards multi-tasking, Penny showed me that we need to feel, notice and listen to what our bodies are telling us. We often push through discomfort, ignore stress and disregard the clear signs our body is giving us, which ultimately can lead to bigger problems that are harder to repair later. Read more to learn about listening to our bodies.

Functional freeze is a lesser known survival response, where a horse emotionally shuts down, despite still functioning (walking, moving, etc.). Similar to us, horses present this survival response, when they’ve learned it’s safer not resist or have been shamed when they’ve expressed feelings. Read more to learn that even when we’re functioning, doesn’t mean we’re okay.

Angel has taught me a lot about understanding boundaries, both our own and those of others. Horses show us that clear and direct communication can offer powerful lessons on how to establish, maintain, and respect boundaries in our relationships, whether with people, animals, or even ourselves. To learn more about Angel and her boundaries, read on.

Horses are natural teachers when it comes to anticipation. Worry and anticipation both involve looking ahead to the future, however the difference seems to lie in the tone and impact. As prey animals, they have finely tuned senses and depend on anticipation rather than worry. Read more to learn the difference.

Learning to do less with awareness has helped Penny and I become the best riding team, as presence builds trust and improves our communication. Read more to learn how to stay more present in the saddle.

The barn helps you slow down by escaping the noises, the screens, and the rush of everyday life. It’s a place where you can shut off, which allows you to feel more connected to yourself and the present moment. Learn more about the sensory, emotional and relational experiences that encourage the feelings of stillness, safety and connection.

Pressure and release is a method often used by horse trainers, but can be used as an emotional parallel to help us explore and reflect on how we respond to pressures and ways to feel the release. Through horse-based experiences we develop better awareness of pressures, as well as the desired releases that can come with improved boundaries, letting go, adjusting expectations and releasing the need to control things outside of our direct influence.

Horses can be amazing teachers if we’re willing to listen! Penny has taught me so much in our short time together, and every day she pushes me to reflect and think differently especially when it comes to recognizing thresholds, increasing self-awareness, and challenging limited narratives.

Do you know horses have super powers? Learn why horses make such amazing therapeutic partners.