This weekend I am attending the third annual Horses and Humans Research Foundation’s (HHRF) research conference. Years ago, as a member and the president of the board, I advocated for events like this, where people could come together and share their questions, explore methods of inquiry, and discuss the results of their efforts at increasing our knowledge of the ways in which horses-human interactions contribute to the wellness of both horses and people.

We come know things in a lot of different ways. There is focused and casual observation, experience, intuition, direct education, inculturation, among others. In my experience, the world of horse-human interactions has been dominated by the emotional and spiritual. It makes sense to me because of the powerful reactions and responses that so many have in the presence of the horse. Powerful personal experience with no real understanding of the process, the “why”, or the underlying mechanisms have always led people to invoke the spiritual.

This weekend I am reminded of a different way of knowing or coming to know. Knowing through application of the scientific method. Knowing through careful, thoughtful, and controlled research.

One of my early mentors, Cliff Notarius, used to say that “science is a way to minimize the probability that we are lying to each other.” Those who know me well, know that I am not one to engage in the worship of empirical science to the exclusion of the full range of human experience. But, I am one to value empirical science as crucial way of knowing the world. I deeply believe that our investment in the science of horse-human interactions can make the world a better place for ourselves and our equine partners.

If you believe the same, check out HHRF and consider supporting them in pursuit of their mission. I know that you and your horse, as well as the generations to come, will be glad you did. ~ Paul

#knowiing#horses#scientificmethod#horseshealinghumans#horsesandhumansresearchfoundation#equestrian#equestrianlife#sportpsych#equestriansportpsych#sportpsychology#equestriansportpsychology

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Last year my son Luke received a grant to compose a piece that “elevated the voices of post-incarcerated women” for the Freedom Fighting Missionaries (FFM) that serves post-incarcerated and justice-involved individuals and families. Last night his piece premiered at FFM’s annual fundraising gala. On a personal note, I am incredibly proud of this young man for his talent, vision, compassion, hard work, and the creation of this powerful piece. After his piece was played, he walked back over to our table and said something to the effect, “400 man hours and… that’s it.”

The parallel to any riding competition, or any project culminating in a defined outcome for that matter, is striking. After hours, years, and sometimes decades, it all boils down to a few minutes and… that’s it.

Imagine for a moment that your sense of self-worth and your identity was all wrapped up in the performance. What stood out for me last night was the difference between the performance which will be judged by each individual through their own personal filters and Luke’s experience of creation. I know my son to be the man who sought to serve the community rather than himself. I know my son to be the man who endeavored to connect with and compassionately understand the experiences of the women he interviewed. I know my son to be the man who worked diligently and creatively to give these experiences life in music. And, he is so much more than the performance of one piece. So much more than a composer.

It is a reminder for me this year as I enter into our clinic season and step into working equitation competition that I am so much more than my performance in any of these roles at any time. Join me in knowing and embracing our larger selves, drawing our sense of value and esteem from all of who we are and all of what we do. Then we might say, “400 man hours… Yes!!!”

~ Paul

#performance#performanceidentity#selfworth#bestself#equestrian#equestrianlife#sportpsych#equestriansportpsych#sportpsychology#equestriansportpsychology

We are excited about our latest endeavor: providing specialized resources for riding instructors. Through our work, we’ve realized that many instructors, particularly in the United States, receive extensive training in horsemanship and technical expertise but little guidance on teaching people effectively. This gap in training is significant. Understanding human learning and emotions is crucial for successful instruction.

Riding often evokes strong emotions in students, such as fear, excitement, or self-judgment. Yet, instructors are rarely equipped with strategies to address these emotional responses or the science behind how people learn. To bridge this gap, we’re developing resources to help instructors manage emotions, implement effective teaching strategies, and better support their students.

As part of this initiative, we’re offering a free online class designed specifically for riding instructors, coaches, and clinicians. Join us for one of three live sessions:

• June 12 at 7:00 PM EDT
• June 16 at 12:00 PM EDT
• June 18 at 7:00 PM EDT

In this session, you’ll discover:

• Why emotional outbursts occur in the saddle, even when lessons seem to be going well
• What’s happening in a student’s nervous system during moments of distress
• How to support students without taking responsibility for their emotions

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of these dynamics and practical tools you can apply immediately in your teaching.

We’d love for you to join us!
Save your seat here (Button: https://course.ridingfar.com/join-us )

As a dedicated riding instructor, you’ve invested time and effort to hone your skills and deepen your knowledge. Your passion lies in helping your students grow, progress, and succeed in their riding journey. You can see the path forward clearly, and the next step is right there, waiting for them to take. Yet, sometimes, something holds them back.

Every trainer knows the story of a promising student whose progress stalls. You recognize their potential and have equipped them with the skills to take the next step. But when they reach that threshold, they freeze, as if an invisible barrier blocks the way. The culprit? Fear.

Fear is a natural part of our human experience, hardwired into our neural architecture to keep us safe. It has helped us survive and navigate an uncertain world, encouraging caution as we explore new territory. However, not everyone experiences fear in the same way. Some riders can step far outside their comfort zone while staying grounded and composed. Others have a smaller window of tolerance, becoming overwhelmed by anxiety, which may manifest as argumentative behavior, tears, or freezing in the saddle.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with riders to navigate their fears and supported instructors in developing the understanding and tools to guide their students through these challenges. Helping students grow emotionally as riders is much like training horses: while occasional breakthroughs happen, progress is often gradual, built through small, steady steps. To stay on this path, you need confidence in your skills and a supportive community to turn to when challenges arise.

We’ve heard your calls for accessible resources and support, and we’re here to help. Join us for our upcoming Emotions in the Arena webinar, where you’ll learn three key strategies to help your riding students manage their emotions, stay focused, and build resilience in the arena.

We know your time is precious, so we’re offering this free webinar on three different days and times to fit your schedule. Reserve your spot here (https://course.ridingfar.com/join-us) and take the first step toward empowering your students to overcome fear and thrive. We look forward to seeing you there! 

~ Paul

#RiderConfidence #EquestrianMindset #OvercomeFear #emotionsinthearena #horses #ridingfear #ridingfar #ridingfarllc #equestrian #equestrianlife #sportpsych #equestriansportpsych #sportpsychology #equestriansportpsychology

As riding instructors, we often witness intense emotions in our students. The challenges of horseback riding—whether mastering a new skill or facing a horse’s unpredictable nature—can spark fear, frustration, or tears. When a student has a meltdown, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure how to respond.

Our instinct might be to control the situation with phrases like, “It’s not that bad,” or “Stop crying,” or even offer bribes to regain calm. While these tactics may seem effective in the moment, they often fall short and can lead to recurring emotional outbursts.

There’s a better way: empathic connection. By pausing to see the situation through your student’s eyes, understanding their experience, and showing genuine curiosity, you can defuse intense emotions and build trust. This isn’t about agreeing with their perspective—it’s about making them feel seen and safe.

Here’s how to put empathy into practice:

1. Pause and Observe: Take a moment to notice your student’s emotional state without judgment.
2. Reflect Their Experience: Say something like, “I can see this feels really tough right now. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
3. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions without trying to fix them immediately. For example, “It’s okay to feel scared; riding can be challenging.”

Empathy engages the nervous system’s natural ability to regulate emotions. While it’s not a magic fix—some riders may still struggle with anger or tears—it creates a safe space for emotional growth. This approach fosters resilience, strengthens the instructor-student bond, and helps riders feel valued, setting them up for success both in the saddle and beyond.

Let’s embrace empathy in our teaching to create a supportive environment where our students can thrive. How do you support your riders’ emotional regulation? Share your strategies below!

~ Paul