Lately, God is prompting me to work on my anxiety through my riding lessons. Horses are known for mirroring the energy of their riders, but until recently, I didn’t fully understand just how true this could be or how it might further propel me on the journey I had already embarked on to calm my mind and spirit.

During one of my lessons, I was surprised to discover that my horse has a slower, more relaxed setting at a lope. It doesn’t have to feel like we’re barreling down a track every time we pick up a lope. Instead, by intentionally relaxing in the saddle and focusing on slower, steady breathing, I realized I could influence my horse’s stride. When I bring down my energy, my horse follows suit, becoming calmer, more in tune, and responsive to the subtler cues I give. And it does need to be intentional at this point to do so. Otherwise, I’m quick to revert back to what feels like my natural, tense, in a hurry state that only leads to more struggles when trying to work with my horse to complete the task at hand.

We’ve talked before in lessons about energy levels and how the rider’s state directly impacts the horse. Adding more energy can encourage longer strides, while a calm, deep breath can slow things down, creating smaller, more controlled strides. But until recently, it was just theory for me, a way to control speed while riding. This past lesson, something shifted, and it finally felt like a real breakthrough especially with this particular horse.

It’s incredible to see how the principles of riding connect so directly with managing anxiety. I can help calm my horse with a slower breath and steady focus. Similarly, I’m learning that I need to intentionally approach my own anxious moments the same way—by centering myself, checking in with God and slowing down. Each time I ride, I’m practicing trust, patience, and learning to give up control in a healthy way, and in doing so, I’m seeing that God is using these lessons to work on my heart.

Riding has become a reminder that calmness is a skill I can practice, one step (or one lope) at a time. It’s amazing to see how God can use something as simple as a horseback ride to reveal new ways to grow. As I continue this journey, I’m grateful for these small victories, both in the saddle and in my spiritual journey.

Grace and peace!

Jo