Yoga with horses, a beautiful connection between mind, body, and horse. So why yoga with horses?
To answer this question, we perhaps first need to answer is why horses?
Most people who know me know how much I love horses and how passionate I am about them, horses has always been a part of my life, I was fortunate enough to grow up with horses and they are still to this day a big part of my life, if not to say, my entire life!
But it might not be something that is obvious to everyone. Especially not to people who have not had much contact with horses, don’t know much about them or perhaps even feel fearful towards them.
But the fact is that horses posess incredible healing powers. Just like yoga. Horses are healing because they embody presence, sensitivity, and non-judgment. Their energy is grounding yet expansive, offering a space where humans can reconnect with themselves, nature, and something greater than what words can express.
Just being in the presence of horses can be incredibly comforting and calming for our nervous system and that actually has a very scientific explanation.
A human’ heart puts out and electromagnetic field up to 10 feet, (three metres approximately). A horse’s electromagnetic field is five times larger than a humans. Which means that just by being in their presence they influence our heart rate, our blood pressure and overall emotional state and inner tides.
Horses have an extraordinary ability to sense and reflect human emotions. They don’t judge or analyze; they simply respond to the energy we bring. If we approach with anxiety, they may become restless. If we breathe deeply and center ourselves, they soften. This immediate feedback teaches us self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the power of presence.
Horses live entirely in the now. Unlike humans, who dwell in past regrets or future worries, horses exist in a state of pure presence. Simply being with them—watching their rhythmic breathing, feeling the steady warmth of their bodies—draws us into that same state of mindfulness. Their world is not one of deadlines and distractions but of wind, earth, and the unspoken language of connection.
The motion of a horse—gentle, rhythmic, and flowing—has a profound effect on the human nervous system. Equine-assisted therapy is often used to help those with PTSD, anxiety, and neurological conditions because the horse’s movement mimics the natural motion of walking, helping regulate the brain and body. Riding or simply standing beside a horse can lower stress hormones and increase feelings of peace.
Unlike people, horses don’t care about our past mistakes, social status, or self-doubts. They respond to energy, intention, and authenticity. This acceptance creates a rare and healing space where we can let go of pretenses and simply be.
Something ancient stirs within us when we stand beside a horse. They remind us of freedom, of a time when humans and animals moved together across open landscapes. They reconnect us to our primal essence, to the wisdom of intuition and movement, and to the quiet knowing that we, too, belong to the rhythm of the earth.
Something ancient stirs within us when we stand beside a horse. They remind us of freedom, of a time when humans and animals moved together across open landscapes. They reconnect us to our primal essence, to the wisdom of intuition and movement, and to the quiet knowing that we, too, belong to the rhythm of the earth.
To be with a horse is to be seen, to be felt, to be understood—without words, without conditions, just as we are. And that is where healing can begin.
Yoga with horses is a unique practice that unites movement, breath, and awareness with the presence of these magnificent animals. Even if you are not an experienced horse rider or perhaps not a rider at all it is a practice that can be enjoyed, and that has so many incredible benefits, not only the physical body but for the mental body as well as our spiritual body.
It is just like yoga in itself, more than just physical exercise—it is a way to cultivate mindfulness, deepen the bond between human and horse, and develop a beautiful, balanced and intuitive, joyous partnership.
The practice can be divided into two main approaches: ground-based yoga with horses and mounted yoga (yoga on horseback). Each offers unique benefits and deepens the connection between human and horse in different ways.
Ground yoga with horses is practiced in the presence of the horse, whether in a pasture, stable, or arena. It involves traditional yoga postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation, all while attuning to the horse’s energy and movements.
Enhances trust and communication: Horses are incredibly sensitive to body language and emotions. Practicing yoga near them encourages calm energy, helping to build mutual trust.
Encourages presence and mindfulness: Being near horses requires a deep awareness of your surroundings and emotional state. Yoga helps cultivate this mindfulness.
Prepares the body for riding: A yoga sequence before riding improves flexibility, balance, and coordination, allowing for a more fluid connection in the saddle.
Promotes relaxation and emotional grounding: The presence of horses has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace, making yoga even more effective.
Yoga on horseback is a dynamic practice that challenges balance, coordination, and core strength. The horse’s natural movement requires constant micro-adjustments, making every pose an active engagement of the stabilizing muscles.
Improves balance and stability: The instability of sitting on a moving horse forces deep engagement of the core and postural muscles.
Strengthens the connection between rider and horse: Moving with intention and breath makes the rider’s aids more subtle and harmonious.
Enhances flexibility and mobility: Gentle stretches and movements in the saddle improve range of motion, reducing stiffness while riding.
Encourages mindful riding: Yoga teaches riders to move with breath and awareness, leading to a softer, more intuitive riding experience.
