Rider awareness · Free playbook
The Baggage You Bring to the Barn
Notice what you bring into the interaction. Give yourself and your horse a clearer start.
You can arrive at the barn carrying an entire day with you. The horse does not know the story behind it, but your interaction starts before you pick up the reins. Begin by noticing what you can change.
Step 01
Check the person holding the rope
Before you ask the horse to settle, notice yourself. Are you rushing? Holding your breath? Gripping before the horse has done anything? Those are useful things to catch.
In the Four Factors, this is the Human. It is one part of the picture, alongside the Horse, the Dynamics, and the Environment. Your awareness matters, but every difficult moment is not your fault.
Your teaching map
Reset before you respond.
Select a step to explore the idea.
Notice
Name what is taking up your attention today.
Step 02
What your horse may be noticing
The next step builds on what you have just learned.