Training with Fear: What Horses Taught Me About the Mind

At Clear Sky Retreat Center, I didn’t expect to learn so much from horses—but stepping into Natural Horsemanship training became a powerful mirror for my inner world. I came in with fear and uncertainty. “I’ve never understood horses,” I admitted, “and honestly, I’m afraid of them.” What surprised me was how simply sharing that fear—without judgment or fixing—was the beginning of transformation.

Horses are incredibly intuitive. They respond to what’s beneath the surface—our body language, our energy, our mindset. Under the guidance of trainer Yvonne and spiritual teachers like Catherine Sensei and Qapel, I began to see that working with horses was really about training my own mind. When I changed my inner state, the horses responded differently. They were mirroring me.

Fear didn’t disappear overnight. But I learned how to be present with it—how to let it be felt, witnessed, and moved through. As I softened and grew more confident, my fear lost control over my actions. What replaced it was curiosity, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection—with the horses, the group, and myself.

The lessons I took from the paddock now shape my daily life. When I’m mindful, clear, and grounded, I respond more effectively to challenges. As Sensei says, “To train others, you must first train your own mind.” This practice—of awareness, compassion, and presence—has become my path forward.