No Fear: Lessons from Horses and the Mind

 

At Clear Sky Retreat Center, surrounded by forests and wide-open spaces, I was invited into an unexpected journey—one that involved horses and the mind.

I had never been particularly drawn to horses. In fact, I was afraid of them. I shared this openly with the group during our first session with Yvonne, the Natural Horsemanship trainer. What followed was not correction or reassurance, but quiet support. My vulnerability was witnessed and accepted. And that was the beginning.

At Clear Sky, I’ve learned that true growth starts with honesty. With guidance from my teacher, Catherine Sensei, I began to see how fear doesn’t have to control my life. She teaches that training our minds allows us to experience life differently. Suffering may happen—but we don’t need to stay stuck in it.

Another powerful teaching came from Qapel, who once said,

“You must be willing to die, no matter what.”

At first, this felt extreme. But in time, I understood: it was about letting go of fear, and stepping into the unknown with courage. That teaching stayed with me as I began working with the horses.

Through the Natural Horsemanship lessons, I noticed a shift. I began to understand their language—one built on energy, presence, and intention. I didn’t need to control them. I needed to listen, and adjust. As I changed, they responded. And slowly, fear turned into trust.

The horses became mirrors for my inner state. If I was anxious, they noticed. If I was clear, they relaxed. Each moment with them reflected something within me. And the more I trained with them, the more I trained my own mind.

Catherine Sensei often reminds us that how we treat others—humans or animals—is a reflection of our inner world. Through this experience, I saw how connection, patience, and presence reduce suffering. Not just for the horses, but for myself and those around me.

At times, being seen in this process was difficult. Fear doesn’t like the spotlight. But I also saw that being witnessed brings connection. And connection brings growth.

This journey with the horses reminded me that fear is not something to avoid. It's something to meet—with awareness, with support, and with a willingness to grow.

Through this, I’ve discovered a quiet strength I didn’t know I had. And with it, a deeper sense of trust—in myself, in others, and in the path of awakening.