What Drew Me to Breathwork: Discovering the Secret Language Between Horses and Humans
When I began exploring breathwork, it felt as though I’d discovered a key to unlocking a new level of self-awareness and understanding with my horse. This simple practice opened my eyes to the connection we share with all living things. Breath is more than just air—it’s a bridge that connects us not only to our horses but also to ourselves.
With each mindful inhale and exhale, we access a quiet strength within, a place of clarity and presence that deepens our bond to our true self. Our breath, though it flows automatically, is a powerful tool when we engage with it consciously. Most of the time, we don’t even notice it, yet the moment we do, we tap into a remarkable capacity to shift our mental state and bring ourselves into the present.
It had been a long year of supporting Skye with her herd separation anxiety, especially when we tried to move even a few steps beyond the paddock gate. During one of our training sessions, my frustration bubbled over, and I let out a long sigh, unsure of what to try next. To my surprise, Skye mirrored my sigh and took a step forward. Skeptical yet curious about what had just transpired between us, I repeated my breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling with intention—and again, she released a sigh and took a step. We continued this way, step by step, across the field, discovering a unique rhythm together. It felt as though I had unlocked something truly powerful. I raced home and began my deep dive into conscious breathing.
This experience with Skye taught me that breath is far more than a physical process of inhaling and exhaling. Our breath, like a breeze, carries our emotions, intentions, and energy—creating a path to presence and a deeper connection with our horses. Horses, as highly perceptive beings, attune to the energy we bring, sensing even the subtlest shifts in our breath. When our breath is hurried or tense, they pick up on it; when it’s calm and balanced, they feel that too.
Consciously connecting with our breath links body, mind, and spirit, anchoring us deeply into the present moment. Being grounded allow us to navigate life’s external challenges with greater resilience and peace. No matter what’s happening around us, we can always return to this steady center within, using the magic of the breath. Whether or not you work with horses, breathwork is a powerful tool for grounding and reconnecting with yourself.
As I continued to consciously play with my breath, I noticed how it positively impacted my interactions with Skye. By connecting with my breath, I had cultivated a grounded presence, which in turn had made me a place of peace and safety for her. Regular breathing sessions with my horse helped weave a tapestry of trust and connection between us.
Here is a simple breath practice I use to reset which you may find helpful in finding calm amidst life’s chaos:
A Simple Breath Practice to Reset and Reconnect
1. Find a Quiet Space: Sit comfortably, either indoors or outside, where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes.
2. Close Your Eyes and Begin to Breathe Mindfully: Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, feeling the air fill your lungs, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on each inhale and exhale, letting your mind settle into the rhythm of your breath.
3. Extend Your Exhale: Try to make each exhale a bit longer than your inhale. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. A count of 4 seconds in and 6 seconds out is a good place to start, but adjust as needed to find what feels natural for you.
4. Set an Intention: As you breathe, allow yourself to bring an intention to your practice—whether it’s finding peace, letting go of tension, or connecting more deeply with yourself. Imagine that each breath carries this intention through your body.
5. For Horse Stewards: If you have access to a horse, gently place your hand on their belly or chest and try to sync your breathing with theirs. Feel the rise and fall of their breath and allow this shared rhythm to deepen your connection. Imagine that, with each breath, you’re harmonizing with your horse’s energy, creating a space of trust and mutual calm.
6. Observe Any Shifts: As you continue this practice, observe any changes in your body, mind, or emotions. You might notice a subtle sense of calm or a release of tension. Embrace these sensations, knowing that this inner stillness is accessible to you at any time.
When we engage in breathwork regularly, we become more attuned to our emotional landscape, discovering spaces for healing and transformation. By sharing the space of conscious breathing with our horses, we honour their sensitivity and their capacity to mirror our emotions without judgment. Our breath becomes our common language, bridging the gap between our species and uniting us in a connection that is both ancient and sacred.
Breathwork, whether practiced alone or with a horse, is a journey back to our own center—a reminder that even amidst life’s chaos, calm and connection are only a breath away.
As a certified Breath Coach and Equine-Assisted Life Coach, I combine my deep belief in the healing power of horses with my passion for breathwork and meditation to create a unique, holistic program. In a nurturing environment with my herd, we create a sacred space for your soul to breathe, inviting healing, harmony and health.