Horses have a way of teaching us lessons we didn’t even know we needed. They challenge us, ground us, and remind us what truly matters. Over the years, my horses have shaped who I am, both in and out of the saddle.

Many of the lessons I bring into breeding didn't come from books or courses - they came from time spent with horses. In this post I share five lessons that have stayed with me.

1. Flexibility

If there’s one thing horses teach you quickly, it’s that anything can happen. One day you’re scheduled for a training session, and your horse comes in missing a shoe. Another day, the same stone you’ve passed a hundred times suddenly becomes a terrifying monster. Then they get colic on a Friday night — because of course they do.

No matter how much we try to plan or prevent things from happening, horses have their own way of reminding us that control is an illusion. Our job is to keep them happy, healthy, and let them be horses. Studies even show that isolating them can increase the risk of injury, so the best thing we can do is let them live as naturally as possible.

So, even though I'm very attentive to behavioral changes and would rather call the veterinarian than take any chances, I have learned to breathe through the chaos. I try to keep calm when things go sideways, and remember — flexibility is part of the journey.

2. Patience

Progress with horses is never a straight line. One day, everything clicks, and the next, it feels like you’ve gone backwards. I’ve learned that the horse decides the pace, not me.

When things don’t go to plan, I remind myself that every step, even the frustrating ones, is part of the process. My horse is a mirror of me, and if she feels distracted or off, I take a walk, do some groundwork, or just spend quiet time together. Those moments of respectful listening and adapting build trust far more than pushing ever could.

It’s the same in life — growth takes time.

Look back six months or a year, and you’ll see how far you’ve come. Be kind to yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

3. Presence

The stable is my sanctuary. The moment I step inside, the noise of the world fades away. But if my mind is still racing, my horse will tell me.

When she’s unfocused, it’s usually because I am. So I pause, take a few deep breaths, and start again. Sometimes I skip riding altogether and just groom, walk, or sit quietly with her. Those are often the most grounding moments.

Horses live entirely in the moment, and they invite us to do the same.

Every day with them is a gift — that’s why they call it the present.

4. Curiosity

With horses, there’s always more to learn. Every topic — from hooves to half-pass — opens up a whole new world of knowledge. That’s one of the things I love most about this lifestyle.

But it can also be overwhelming. There’s so much information out there, and not all of it applies to your horse. I’ve learned to trust people who are open to discussion, not those who claim to know it all. My trainer, farrier, veterinarian, and equi therapist are my partners in learning. We ask questions, share ideas, and figure things out together.

Curiosity keeps you humble, connected, and always growing — both as a horse owner and as a person.

5. Courage

Every time we step into the saddle, we choose courage. Whether it’s trying something new, facing a setback, or simply showing up on a tough day, horses remind us that bravery isn’t about being fearless — it’s about moving forward despite being uncertain.

They teach us to trust ourselves, to get back up when things go wrong, and to keep believing in the partnership we’re building. That kind of courage spills over into every part of life.

Horses are incredible teachers. They show us patience, presence, and resilience in ways no book ever could.

If you’d like more stories and inspiration like this, you're always welcome to join the newsletter for more insights. And if you're starting to think about breeding, I suggest that you download the free resource The Breeding Journey Workbook.