Some of my favorite times to write are right in the middle of a learning experience. These days, many of my most treasured learning experiences are with Pippa Callanan. This weekend, I pulled my old buddy Revel out of the field and asked him to join me for a session. As we worked on finding balance and exploring the postural and engagement benefits of rein-back to forward, Pippa gave me a simple request: Believe in him.

We got a lot of try, and even managed a rein-back to canter depart, but I left the session feeling a little frustrated that we hadn’t accomplished more. Something was holding us back.Then it hit me. Something so obvious, yet so powerful, that I know will shape all of my riding going forward. Believing in him wasn’t just a thought or idea. It had to live in my body, in the way I offered my aids, in my whole being.  

I think this is what’s meant when we’re asked to ride as if our horses were already trained to the highest levels. I’m beyond excited to ride today. I’ll be working with my mare, Nubble, and my young horse, Lil’ Joe. I can’t wait to feel what it’s like to truly believe in them, the way I know they already believe in me. ~ Paul Haefner

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