In this episode of the Liberated Equestrian Podcast, I’m coming to you fresh off an experience of discovering the importance of understanding context for not only humans but also our horses as a result of a visit to the Charlestown Raceway in West Virginia. It was humbling, convicting, and motivating to see how my journey with the Remarkable Kodiak Jack, my off-the-track Thoroughbred, has unfolded as a result of what we both brought to the relationship.
I had no idea how much Kody’s years on the track, in addition to the unfortunate experience of neglect, had shaped the way he responds to everyday routines—like grooming, tacking up, and riding out. But after recently witnessing the latest crop of young Thoroughbreds prepare to race, I immediately recognized how many of Kody’s behaviors were simply old neuropathways activated in a context I was not educated enough to read.
These deeply wired habits formed by past experiences affect all of us — horses and humans alike!
I’m convinced more than ever that we need to deepen our commitment to understanding context. When it comes to horses, we need to know their breed and training along with a trauma-informed understanding horsemanship and humanship.
As I write and teach about in Finding Calm, the transformation we desire is dependent upon a felt sense of safety and trust, for without that learning is impossible. Equally so, I’ve believed what I shared in Meet the New You nearly a decade ago, that transformation does not occur overnight — it takes a series of overnights strung together to lead to lasting change.
Whether we’re training horses or developing as humans, it is one step in the direction of the desired outcome, built upon another and another, that delivers the outcome we desire.
This, my friend, is what I’ve experienced with Kodiak Jack — a racehorse through and through who has remarkably transformed into the best recreational riding horse while continuing to develop as my equine-assisted partner. But if you had told me when I adopted him that it would take three years to get to this place, I would have run in the opposite direction! And yet, if I were stuck in destination addiction with Kody, I would have missed the rich and valuable lessons we’ve both gleaned in the process of getting to this point.
The same is true in my personal journey of comeback from fear and anxiety to delight in riding with confidence and courage! And equally so in my personal mental health work, continuing to be transformed from the inside out by God’s grace and the grit He’s given me to continue to look deeper into my mindset and habits for ways to live healthier, holier, and more authentic as a child of God.
These principles of transformation — for horses and humans — are what I hope this episode leaves you pondering for yourself. Isn’t it time to dig deep into the transforming work your heart, soul, mind, and body are begging you for! Yes, this episode is an invitation to dig down and lean into the small, faithful steps that lead to lasting transformation.
Helpful Links
Finding Calm: Helping Riders Navigate through Fear & Anxiety
Stableminded Coaching for Equestrians
Liberated Equestrian Membership
Giveaway Celebration
Since this episode is also a milestone marker since Kodiak Jack’s Gotcha Day, and one year since the release of Finding Calm, I’m celebrating by giving away a coaching session! To enter, click here!
