On Sunday , I had the incredible opportunity to attend Gabor Maté’s talk in Sydney. Sitting in the audience, I found myself deeply moved by his insights into the mind-body connection and how suppressed emotions and stress manifest as physical illness. As he spoke, I couldn’t help but reflect on how relevant his work is to dressage riders and horses.
We are immersed in a sport where harmony and perfection are the ultimate goals—every movement judged for precision, every ride measured against an ideal. But in this relentless pursuit of excellence, how often do we stop to consider the emotional toll it takes—not only on us but on our horses?
If we are carrying stress, tension, and emotional suppression, our horses feel it too. They mirror our emotions, responding to our tight shoulders, our held breath, our mental state. A tense rider creates a tense horse. A distracted, emotionally overwhelmed rider creates confusion and unease in their equine partner. Just as we can develop chronic issues from unresolved stress, so can they—manifesting in physical stiffness, resistance, behavioral changes, or even chronic pain.
Dressage riders are no strangers to pressure. The pursuit of perfect movements, competition nerves, and the weight of expectations create a breeding ground for stress. Maté's work emphasizes how ignoring emotional signals can lead to chronic tension, pain, and even illness – issues familiar to many riders. We push through discomfort, often dismissing the body's signals in the quest for "better."
Our horses, sensitive and intuitive, mirror our emotional state. A tense rider transmits tension through their reins and body impacting the horse's movement and responsiveness. A distracted or emotionally overwhelmed rider creates confusion and anxiety in their equine partner. Just as unresolved stress manifests physically in humans, it can appear in horses as stiffness, resistance, behavioral changes, or even chronic pain. They become a reflection of our internal landscape.
And the pressures of dressage often extend beyond the arena. Juggling work, family, finances, and limited time creates a constant undercurrent of stress. This juggling act can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and a sense of never doing enough. Riders often sacrifice sleep, personal time, and even their health in the pursuit of equestrian goals. But at what cost? A depleted rider cannot be a truly present partner for their horse...or any human in their life.
Applying Maté’s Principles to Dressage Training
Maté's work offers a framework for a more mindful approach to dressage, benefiting both horse and rider:
Notice: Tuning into your body and your horse: Pain, fatigue, and chronic tension are not just physical problems; they are often messengers. Are you holding tension in your shoulders? Clenching your jaw? These can be indicators of unprocessed stress. Similarly, is your horse bracing against the bit, struggling with suppleness, or showing signs of discomfort? These could be signs of stress, either their own or a reflection of yours. Develop a keen awareness of both your own and your horse's physical and emotional state.
For the Rider: Pay attention to physical sensations. Is your breathing shallow? Are your muscles tight? Notice recurring aches and pains. These can be clues to underlying emotional tension.
For the Horse: Observe your horse's posture, facial expressions, and behavior. Are they pinning their ears? Swishing their tail excessively? Showing resistance to the aids? These can be signs of discomfort or stress.
Additionally, working with an Osteopath or other body worker can be helpful relieving symptoms and creating better alignment.
2. Acknowledge: Recognizing emotional states and responses: Many riders suppress emotions, pushing through discomfort in the pursuit of perfection. But ignoring frustration, fear, or self-doubt only embeds them deeper, influencing posture, movement, and interactions with the horse. Have you ever had a ride where nothing seemed to go right, only to realize afterward that you were carrying worry or frustration into the saddle? Acknowledge your own emotions and pay close attention to your horse's reactions. This awareness is the first step to breaking the cycle of tension and miscommunication.
For the Rider: Reflect on your emotional state before, during, and after your ride. Are you feeling anxious? Frustrated? Name the emotion and acknowledge its presence.
For the Horse: Observe how your horse responds to your emotional state. Do they become more reactive when you're stressed? Do they relax when you're calm?
Explore activities that help creating calm in you and your horse, like grooming, going for a graze, or mindfulness practices involving / in the presence of your horse.
3. Re-evaluate: Examining boundaries, habits, and training approaches: Are you riding through pain to meet external expectations? Are you sacrificing your well-being for results? Are you pushing your horse beyond their limits? Reflect on your current approach: Are you prioritizing your needs and your horse's? Are you allowing for adequate rest and recovery? The relentless pursuit of "more" – more training, more lessons, more competitions – can lead to burnout for both partners. Re-evaluating your approach can pave the way for healthier, more sustainable progress.
For the Rider: Consider incorporating activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Re-evaluate your training schedule and ensure it's realistic and sustainable.
For the Horse: Ensure your horse's training is balanced and varied. Include hacking out in nature, free lunging, and other activities that promote mental and physical well-being. Consider incorporating equine bodywork or massage into their routine.
4. Set Boundaries: Protecting Well-being and Welfare: Learning to say "no" without guilt is essential. This might mean limiting training hours, choosing a coach who prioritizes holistic well-being, or simply stepping back when needed. It also means setting boundaries for your horse – recognizing when they need a break, ensuring balanced and fair training, and advocating for their welfare. Riders balancing multiple responsibilities must recognize their limits, and extend that same compassion to their horses.
For the Rider: Prioritize self-care. This might include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Learn to say "no" to commitments that overwhelm you.
For the Horse: Advocate for your horse's needs. Ensure they have adequate rest, proper nutrition, and appropriate veterinary care. Be mindful of their limits and avoid pushing them beyond their capabilities.
Maté's work underscores that true excellence in dressage goes beyond technical skill. It requires emotional awareness and a holistic approach. When we honor the mind-body connection, we become better athletes and better partners for our horses. The most successful riders are not just technically proficient; they are mentally and emotionally present, attuned to their own bodies and their horses' needs.
By noticing, acknowledging, re-evaluating, and setting boundaries, riders can cultivate a more balanced and stress-free approach to training, creating a space where both horse and rider can thrive.
Ignoring stress has consequences. Dressage riders who understand this can enhance their well-being, refine their skills, and deepen their connection with their horses. The next time before stepping in the saddle, ask yourself: Am I truly present? Am I honoring my well-being and my horse's? Is my pursuit of perfection enhancing or hindering our experience? The answers may transform your riding and your partnership, fostering trust, awareness, and balance in mind and body of both athletes.