Knowing how it looks before we practice it...

🐴 Know What It Looks Like Before You Ask for It

Whether you're working from the ground or in the saddle, one thing’s for sure - if you don’t know what the exercise should look like, it’s going to be really tough to bring it out in your horse. In this blog, based on my podcast episode, I want to share why visual understanding is a vital part of horsemanship success and how it impacts your horse, your training, and your growth.

🎯 Why the Visual Matters

Let’s say you’ve been riding for a few years and it’s time to learn something new like shoulder-in. Great! But… do you actually know what shoulder-in is supposed to look like? Do you understand the biomechanics behind it? What should the horse’s body be doing, and just as importantly, what shouldn’t it be doing?

Without a clear picture in your mind, it becomes nearly impossible to guide your horse effectively. And it doesn’t matter if you're on the ground or in the saddle, your understanding directly affects the quality of your training.

🧠 Your Brain Learns Through Pictures

One of the most effective things you can do when learning a new movement is to study it. Watch videos, read books and observe people you admire. Understand where the horse’s legs, shoulders, and neck should be. 

Visualize softness. 

Visualize connection. 

When that picture becomes imprinted in your brain, you give yourself and your horse a better chance of success. Even with the best trainer in the world, if you don’t know what you’re aiming for, how can you expect your horse to know?

🔁 What You See Is What You Absorb

We are incredibly impressionable. If your idea of “riding well” is based on the experience of someone flapping and nagging with their legs, and bumping their horse’s mouth with every rise in the trot, then that image will become your standard. It is therefore harder to rise above the standards we surround ourselves with - unless we intentionally seek better ones.

That’s why I encourage you: look beyond your local circle. Look at people who ride in a way that inspires you. And if you’re unsure of what to aim for, simply ask your coach or trainer. They will likely be thrilled to guide you toward helpful resources or share examples from their own work.

🧩 The Power of Intention and Focus

When you know what you’re working toward, you show up with greater focus, clearer intention, and more purpose - and horses thrive on that!

In my own journey, I’ve stepped away from the word “leadership” in training, as I’ve found it can trigger unwanted rigidity in people. Instead, I use softer words like focus, intention, and presence because these help people feel more connected rather than more dominant.

Your horse doesn’t just need a leader; they need a teacher, friend and parent. And those roles shift constantly depending on the moment. One session you might be 60% teacher, 30% friend, and 10% parent and then another session 50% teacher, 20% friend, and 30% parent. Adaptability is key and it becomes easier when you truly understand what you're trying to teach.

🧠 Protect Your Mindset

Did you know? If you’re constantly observing beginners or surrounded by less refined practices, it’s natural for your own habits to drift. I’ve caught myself doing it too! This is why staying sharp, inspired, and exposed to higher-level skills is so important.

Keep studying. 

Keep watching.

Keep growing.

Even knowledge you’re not using right now might resurface later when the time is right.

✅ Practice the Vision, Not Just the Movement

When you teach your horse a new exercise, don’t just “go through the motions.” Ask yourself:

• Do I know what this should look like?
• Do I know what I want to feel?
• Am I prepared to adjust based on what my horse is telling me?

You can’t draw a picture without a clear image in your mind and it’s the same with your horse. 

Build the image.

Practice the vision. 

And bring it to life.

💬 Final Thoughts

Every time you learn something new, your horsemanship gets a little better. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s always more to see, more to study, and more to refine.

Nobody ever said it was easy, so we might as well get stuck in and do the best we can so the horse can too.

And remember, if you're ever stuck, unsure, or just need clarity, reach out. I'm here to help. 
Thanks for reading—and as always, keep getting good with horses. 🐴

🌐 Learn with me at getgoodwithhorsescourses.com
📲 Follow me @getgoodwithhorses on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok

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