Awakened Equestrian

Awakened Equestrian It's time to wake up and end the nightmare that tens of thousands of horses endure worldwide. Together, we can transform their world and ours for the better.
(1)

Let's become the voice for horses.

Fear and frustration can strongly affect horse learning.In training, we often focus primarily on methods. Research, howe...
09/05/2026

Fear and frustration can strongly affect horse learning.

In training, we often focus primarily on methods. Research, however, shows that a horse’s emotional state can be just as important as the training technique itself 🧠.

Studies on horse learning found that an environment filled with positive experiences can improve their ability to adapt to new tasks. Horses exposed to positive situations (e.g. food rewards) showed greater cognitive flexibility – the ability to change strategy quickly and learn new things more effectively.

Conversely, fear can significantly slow learning. In one experiment, a simple stressor – waving a plastic bag – was enough to make horses require more attempts to successfully complete a clicker training task.

Frustration is another important factor. If a horse cannot complete a task, typical frustrated behaviors and increased heart rate may appear ❤️.

In practice, this highlights a clear principle:
👉 Good training should minimize sources of fear and assign tasks appropriate to the horse’s abilities.

When a horse feels safe and successful, it learns not only faster – but also with greater willingness ✨.

Source: Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024). Living the good life? Part 2: Horse-human interactions.
Photo: Canva

Have you ever noticedhow your horse changes…when you slow down?When your breath softens.When your body relaxes.When your...
06/05/2026

Have you ever noticed
how your horse changes…
when you slow down?

When your breath softens.
When your body relaxes.
When your mind becomes quiet.

Horses feel everything we carry inside.
Not just what we do — but how we are.

And sometimes, the biggest shift doesn’t come from trying harder…
but from learning to be more present.

That’s why I created this gentle guide (no AI content, pure experience):

🧘 Meditation (not only) with horses for beginners

A simple introduction to meditation for riders and horse lovers who want to:

• calm their nervous system
• release tension in the body
• feel more grounded and present
• create a deeper, softer connection with their horse

You don’t need any experience with meditation. Just a willingness to slow down… and listen.

Because when you change your inner state, your horse feels it too.

🌿 If this speaks to you, you can explore the ebook here:
👉 https://awequestrian.com/e-books/meditation-not-only-with-horses-for-beginners

For a long time, I believed that a horse who precisely follows the rider’s cues represents the pinnacle of dressage trai...
05/05/2026

For a long time, I believed that a horse who precisely follows the rider’s cues represents the pinnacle of dressage training. I thought our role as riders was to guide horses toward 100% obedience.

But there was one thing I was missing — the horse.

Maybe it’s our human obsession with control, or the desire for at least something in our lives to be predictable and immediate.

But obedience is no longer my ultimate goal. Now, it’s openness, acceptance, and cooperation.

I don’t mind when a horse tells me “no.” It’s not a sign that I’ve failed as a trainer — it’s proof that our communication is open, that the horse is allowed to express itself. Of course, safety is always the priority, and it is within clearly set boundaries that this openness can truly exist.

A horse’s “no” is not rejection — it’s an opinion. If a horse doesn’t want to do something, there is likely a very good reason for it. Our perspectives don’t always have to align, but it can always become a starting point for dialogue.

It doesn’t mean we always give in to the horse, or that it only does what it likes. It means we listen. It means we understand that the horse is not our servant, but our partner.

K.

If you, too, long to truly cooperate with your horse rather than simply control him, my book 📖How to Become a Better Rider📖 might be just what you’re looking for. You can find the link to the e-book in the bio and on the website.

Sometimes a horse “protests” during work – and it may be saying something important.Behavior often labeled as disobedien...
04/05/2026

Sometimes a horse “protests” during work – and it may be saying something important.

Behavior often labeled as disobedience or problem behavior may actually have another cause – anticipation of pain or discomfort.

Research shows that, for example, mouth pain or dental problems can produce typical signs during riding:
➡️Opening the mouth
➡️Avoiding the bit
➡️Sticking out the tongue
➡️Shaking the head
➡️Uneven contact on the reins

Similarly, chronic back pain can affect a horse’s relationship with humans. Some studies found that horses with more severe spinal issues showed higher levels of aggression or less willingness to interact with people.

It is therefore important not to automatically interpret problem behavior as a training issue or “bad temperament.”

Sometimes this behavior is one of the few ways a horse signals that something is wrong.

Careful observation of changes in behavior can help detect health problems before they become more serious 🧡.

Source: Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024). Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life. Part 2: Horse-human interactions.
Photo: Canva

Pain, fear, or stress? It’s not always easy to tell in horses.One of the major challenges in assessing horse welfare is ...
30/04/2026

Pain, fear, or stress? It’s not always easy to tell in horses.

One of the major challenges in assessing horse welfare is that different negative emotions can trigger similar behaviors. This means that signals we interpret as pain may sometimes be linked to fear or anxiety instead.

Research comparing horses’ reactions to painful stimuli versus social isolation revealed interesting differences:
🔹 Pain often led to reduced movement and less seeking of contact.
🔹 Anxiety or stress, on the other hand, caused more movement, vocalization, and restlessness.
🔹 A combination of pain and stress resulted in pronounced agitation.

This shows that context is crucial when interpreting behavior. For example, isolation from other horses can itself alter behavior to resemble signs of pain even if pain is not the main cause.

Researchers therefore emphasize that welfare assessment should consider the horse’s full situation, like its environment, social conditions, and recent experiences 🧠.

Source: Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024). Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life. Part 2: Horse-human interactions.
Photo: Canva

A Simple Practice Before RidingBefore you get into the saddle today, try this simple exercise.👉Pause for a moment.👉Take ...
28/04/2026

A Simple Practice Before Riding

Before you get into the saddle today, try this simple exercise.
👉Pause for a moment.
👉Take a slow breath in through your nose.
👉Exhale slowly.
Repeat this for a minute or two.
👉Notice your body.
👉Relax your shoulders.
👉Soften your breathing.

This small moment of awareness can completely change how you approach your horse.🦄
When riders calm their nervous system, horses often feel safer and more relaxed.

These simple practices are exactly what I explore in the ebook:
🧘 Meditation with Horses for Beginners

And if you are curious about the deeper connection between the rider’s inner state and riding, you might also enjoy my ebook:
📘 How to Become a Better Rider

Check links in BIO 🐴

😶 Pain in horses sometimes looks like “calm.” And this can be a problem.When we imagine an animal in pain, we often expe...
26/04/2026

😶 Pain in horses sometimes looks like “calm.” And this can be a problem.

When we imagine an animal in pain, we often expect dramatic signs. In horses, it is often the opposite—severe pain can lead to restricted movement or near-total immobility 🐎.

Studies show that horses in pain often:
➡️Limit movement to avoid worsening the pain
➡️Seek less contact with humans
➡️Spend less time eating or drinking
➡️Appear more apathetic or less responsive to their surroundings

These behaviors can sometimes resemble “calm behavior,” making them easy to overlook.

For example, after surgical procedures, horses were observed reacting less to new stimuli or sounds—potentially a sign of ongoing pain or discomfort.

Changes in their relationship with humans can also be an important signal. Some horses may avoid contact, while others may react irritably or aggressively.

If a horse suddenly behaves differently than usual, it may not just be a change in mood. It could be a silent warning of a health problem that deserves attention 🔍.

Source: Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024). Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life. Part 2: Horse-human interactions.
Photo: Canva

👀 Do we really understand what horses are telling us? Maybe less than we think.When assessing horse welfare, we often ob...
22/04/2026

👀 Do we really understand what horses are telling us? Maybe less than we think.

When assessing horse welfare, we often observe their behavior. But interpreting these signals is not always straightforward—and can sometimes even be misleading 🧠🐎.

Research shows that a horse can appear “calm” or “obedient” yet still experience stress. For example, during simulated clipping, some horses behaved very cooperatively, yet their cortisol levels indicated that they found the procedure unpleasant.

Another study showed that different people—trainers, veterinarians, or riders—can interpret the same horse behavior differently. This means human experience and perspective strongly influence how we assess horse welfare.

Scientists therefore emphasize the need to combine behavioral observations with physiological indicators and focus more on recognizing subtle signs of pain or discomfort 🔎.

Current research aims to better understand horse-human interactions—from handling and transport to training—and to find ways to make these situations less stressful and more positive for horses 💛.

Source: Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024). Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life. Part 2: Horse-human interactions.
Photo: Canva

What was the Conscious Energy Work course like? ❤Launching a new course for the first time is always a challenge—especi...
21/04/2026

What was the Conscious Energy Work course like? ❤

Launching a new course for the first time is always a challenge—especially one focused on energy work. I felt a deep sense of respect for it.

My intention was to create a solid foundation to build upon—whatever it is that truly calls to you. I’m not drawn to fixed methods or rigid systems; I believe in each person’s own unique approach. Energy work is our personal signature—it cannot be copied. We create it within ourselves, for ourselves, and for others.

We learned to slow down, to feel, to listen, to allow, to flow, to receive and to let go. To reconnect with the body and understand how deeply we need it.

We worked in stillness as well as in the fiery rhythm of dance. We spent time both indoors and outside. We began at 9 in the morning and finished at 9 in the evening.

We could feel energy moving through our bodies and our hands, and we explored when and how it is ethical to use it.

These were incredibly full and rich four days, carried by a natural, effortless flow. Nothing got stuck, nothing felt forced. We were truly present.

And for that, I thank you deeply.

How did the “Five Freedoms” come about?Today, animal welfare is considered a natural part of breeding and sport ethics. ...
19/04/2026

How did the “Five Freedoms” come about?

Today, animal welfare is considered a natural part of breeding and sport ethics. But 60 years ago, this was not the case.

In 1965, the Brambell Report was published in the United Kingdom in response to growing concerns about intensive farming conditions. Based on this report, the “Five Freedoms” concept was later formulated, becoming a cornerstone of modern welfare 🐎💚.

These five freedoms define the minimum standard of care for an animal:
1️⃣ Freedom from hunger and thirst
2️⃣ Freedom from discomfort
3️⃣ Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
4️⃣ Freedom to express normal behavior
5️⃣ Freedom from fear and distress

For the first time, welfare was considered not only in terms of survival but also psychological well-being.

For the equestrian world, this marked a significant shift: it is not enough for a horse to simply “function.” It must be able to live a life that meets its biological needs.

The Five Freedoms thus became an ethical compass that continues to influence legislation and daily management ✨.

Source: Animal Humane Society
Photo: Canva

🌗 What determines a horse’s shedding? Study offers practical answersSeasonal coat change in horses is a finely regulated...
30/03/2026

🌗 What determines a horse’s shedding? Study offers practical answers

Seasonal coat change in horses is a finely regulated biological process that also responds to changes in day length 🌞🐎. Researchers therefore focused on a question that concerns many stables: can hair growth and shedding be deliberately influenced using artificial light and using rugs?

The study observed horses and ponies using light masks that extended the day to approximately 15 hours. Coat quality and the speed of shedding were regularly assessed.

Results showed that the effect of interventions depends heavily on the time of year ⏳:
🔹 If the extended day was applied shortly after the summer solstice, it helped maintain the summer coat
🔹 For outdoor horses before the winter solstice, shedding occurred more quickly
🔹 Conversely, if applied later (in autumn or after the winter solstice), the effect was minimal

The study confirms that “coat management” is not a universal tool. Respecting a horse’s natural seasonal rhythms while monitoring thermal comfort is essential for welfare 🌡️.

In practice, modern management can help—but only if we work with the horse’s biology, not against it 🐴✨.

Source: O’Brien, C., Darcy-Dunne, M. R., & Murphy, B. A. (2020). The effects of extended photoperiod and warmth on hair growth in ponies and horses at different times of year. PLoS ONE, 15(1).
Photo: Canva

Adresa

Hustopece
69301

Internetová stránka

https://awequestrian.com/e-books/meditation-not-only-wit

Upozornění

Buďte informováni jako první, zašleme vám e-mail, když Awakened Equestrian zveřejní novinky a akce. Vaše emailová adresa nebude použita pro žádný jiný účel a kdykoliv se můžete odhlásit.

Kontaktujte Společnost

Pošlete zprávu Awakened Equestrian:

Odkazy

Sdílet

Kategorie