The Gift In Learning to Follow

We often approach horses with ideas about what we should teach them. It is true that we have valuable lessons to share, but horses are here to teach us just as much as we are here to teach them. They experience the world without the burden of preconceived notions, responding to each moment with instinct, presence, and authenticity. They do not judge based on appearances, nor do they carry the weight of past regrets or future anxieties. They find deep fascination in the simplest things, a shift in the wind, the feel of the earth beneath their hooves and they express their emotions freely and without hesitation. Horses live fully immersed in the present moment, seeing everything with the clarity that comes from deep awareness. In this sense, they are our greatest teachers.

When we approach horses with the awareness that they are guiding us, we naturally become more present. We must listen, observe, and respond to their lead, rather than imposing rigid expectations. Instead of assuming the role of constant instructor, we surrender to a space of mutual learning where we step into their world, attune to their rhythms, and discover the power of subtle communication. In this place of connection, horses teach us how to let go, how to trust, and how to move with the flow of life.

Since we also serve as their loving guides, our horses can teach us the delicate balance between leading and following. As we transition between these roles, we learn to dance with them in the present moment, shifting, adjusting, and responding with softness and awareness. In this dance, we remember what it means to be fully alive, to communicate without force, and to build a partnership rooted in trust and understanding.

Nancy Zintsmaster

P.S. Want to become the best trainer for your horse by building your relationship first? Contact us for a complimentary call to learn more about the Carolyn Resnick Method and how you can give your horse a better deal!