What Horses Teach Us About Intentions

There’s a reason so many people say horses are mirrors. They have the amazing ability to reflect back our actions, energy, emotions, and intentions. 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.

During a recent ride, there were a lot of external distractions (cue… children, dogs, etc.), and both Penny and I were equally distracted and unfocused. I found myself looking around at every movement and sound, and when I did, so did Penny. I had underestimated her ability to sense the subtle shifts in my body, breathing, and focus which ultimately created confusion due to a lack of clarity with my intentions.

I had to settle my energy by grounding myself in the moment with Penny. By taking a few deep breaths and resetting, I had to make my intentions clear by ensuring my body language and inner state were aligned and calm. I had to focus my intentions on what I was hoping for Penny and I, by keeping my body still and eyes on our destination. Once I gained clarity, Penny and I found clarity in our movement and cues which was evident by her relaxed body language.

Being intentional means being aware of our thoughts, emotions, body and purpose. Every interaction with a horse can reflect how we can exist in our daily lives (are we clear about what we want? Are we grounded and present?). When we begin to live with the same awareness we bring to a horse, steady breath, clear intention, and openness, our direction becomes more clear.