Advertise on podcast: The Thinking Horse and Rider: Unlocking Magnetic Equestrian Partnerships with Anna Fox

Do horses understand competition—or is “don’t let them win” a human projection? In this episode of The Thinking Horse and Rider, Anna explores Leadership in Flow and why dominance-based ideas about leadership don’t align with how horses actually think and learn. Drawing from equine behavior science and real-world riding examples, this conversation challenges the myth that horses are trying to win or take control. Instead, horses respond to safety, comfort, clarity, and emotional steadiness—not power struggles. Inspired by Seed 7 of Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart, this episode invites riders to rethink leadership as shared direction rather than control, and to explore what becomes possible when leadership feels like. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!  

What if autonomy is the very thing that makes horses safer, more confident, and more capable of true self-carriage? In this episode, we dive into the concept of autonomy through both lived experience and research—specifically a study exploring the relationship between horse welfare, rider safety, and rider satisfaction. What surprised me most was discovering that what researchers often call “control” actually aligns closely with what I teach as supported autonomy: clarity, predictability, choice, and mutual influence. We’ll unpack: What autonomy really means for horses (and riders) Why mammals thrive when they feel they have influence over their environment How clear communication increases safety without domination How to build autonomy step-by-step from the ground into the saddle Why “advanced” movements are simply the basics, taught in thoughtful pieces and then brought together like a puzzle If you’ve ever felt stuck, over-controlling, or confused about how to progress without shutting your horse down, this episode offers a different lens—one rooted in understanding, empathy, and leadership as a flow state. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

In this episode, Anna sits down with biomechanics and adaptive riding instructor Teresa Pilegaard to explore how riders can move beyond the old obedience-based training model and build true partnership with their horses. Teresa shares insights on rider biomechanics, nervous system regulation, groundwork, and why so many riders get pushed past their experience level. Together, they break down how to create safer, more confident, and more connected rides by focusing on awareness, observation, and communication — not force. If you’ve ever struggled with fear, tension, or feeling “stuck” in your riding, this conversation will help you rethink your approach and reconnect with your horse on a deeper level. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild Find Teresa Pilegaard, Dorato Performance Horse, and North Star Stables NOVA https://doratoperformancehorses.com/ Join the Everyday Equestrian https://doratoperformancehorses.com/everyday-equestrian Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

What if the simplest thing your horse can do—stand still—was actually the foundation of everything you’ll ever teach them? In this episode, Anna dives into how true self-carriage begins with the simplest asks and why the classical masters (and the best modern trainers) all agree: advanced work is just the basics, done better. You’ll learn why returning to fundamentals isn’t regression, it’s refinement—and how every new level of dressage is just a deeper version of the same conversation. Anna also introduces the next Seed of Partnership: Relational Consistency—and how it bridges the gap between your horse’s physical balance and emotional trust. Stay tuned to the end for this week’s Ten Minute Tuesday experiment—your invitation to rediscover precision, presence, and partnership in the simplest moments. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild   Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding

What if your horse doesn’t need a boss — but a calm, clear partner? In this episode, Anna explores Seed Two: Empathic Discipline and why real leadership isn’t about control. Drawing from her time as a 911 dispatcher and lessons inside her RRR cohort, she shares how to stay present with your horse without losing yourself in guilt, fear, or perfectionism. For riders ready to lead with clarity instead of pressure — this one’s for you. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild Weekly challenge video: https://youtube.com/shorts/XcHtSc6VSig   Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

In this episode of The Thinking Horse & Rider Podcast, Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened explores the deeper layers of rider awareness — beyond reading your horse’s body language and into recognizing how our own fears, habits, and control patterns shape every ride. We talk about the quiet “sins” of good riders: the ways we unintentionally limit our horses’ freedom, the contradiction between our love of liberty and our need for control, and how to release judgment so true connection can grow. You’ll learn why awareness without judgment is the missing ingredient in modern horsemanship, how fear disguises itself as discipline, and why forgiveness — both for ourselves and our horses — is the foundation of trust. If you’ve ever felt like the joy that drew you to horses has been replaced by pressure or perfectionism, this conversation will remind you what’s been missing — and how to find it again. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: The psychology of control vs. freedom in riding How fear quietly shapes horse-human relationships Awareness as an act of love, not guilt Why judgment blocks learning and limits connection The Reconnect, Rebuild & Ride with Heart program — for riders ready to rediscover peace, presence, and partnership 💫 Ready to rebuild your connection? Join the next Reconnect, Rebuild & Ride with Heart cohort: https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild-ride Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild   Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

Most horse-and-rider problems don’t begin in the arena — they begin the moment we overlook the subtle ways our horses are already communicating with us. In this episode, Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened introduces The Thinking Horse & Rider Podcast and explores how small shifts in awareness can transform your partnership. We’ll also talk about why boundaries matter, how to avoid both extremes (too soft vs. too rigid), and why true partnership lives in the middle space of communication and clarity. You’ll leave this episode with a simple awareness exercise you can try today — and an invitation to go deeper in the Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart cohort, where we’ll explore the 7 Seeds of Partnership together. Because being a thinking rider isn’t about over-analyzing — it’s about noticing what’s real in the moment, and meeting your horse there. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Find out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

In this season finale of Come Ride With Me, host Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened answers a powerful listener question: “Did my horse actually do evil on purpose?” This episode is a must-listen for perfectionist riders who feel stuck, frustrated, or disconnected from their horse. Anna breaks down the truth behind so-called “bad” horse behavior using insights from equine neuroscience, nervous system responses, and the horse’s perspective—offering an empowering shift from blame to understanding. She also reflects on key takeaways from the Letting Go of Perfectionism season, and shares how perfectionism blocks the connection we truly crave with our horses. 💡 Then, big news: Come Ride With Me is transforming into 🎙️ The Thinking Horse and Rider —a new season and new name focused on strengthening the horse-human partnership through empathy, science, and lived experience. Finally, Anna introduces her new course, Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart, a practical, heart-led guide for riders who want more connection, softness, and clarity with the horse they already have. Whether you’ve ever questioned your horse’s behavior, your own reactions, or how to rebuild trust after disconnection—this episode is your bridge to a more compassionate, thinking approach to horsemanship. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

Have you ever caught yourself grabbing the reins when you feel off balance? Maybe it’s not even conscious—you just realize later that your horse’s mouth became your safety net. Here’s the truth: if you’re balancing on your reins, you’re not riding with your seat. Ditch the reins for 5 minutes a day and improve your riding! Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

Feeling unbalanced in the saddle? You might be relying on your hands instead of your seat—and your horse can feel it. In this episode of Come Ride With Me, host Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened busts common riding position myths like “heels down” and “shoulders back,” explains why gripping the reins destroys feel, and shares simple, proven exercises to improve your balance, coordination, and rhythm. Learn how to ride with a softer seat, even contact, and true harmony with your horse. Perfect for dressage riders, novice equestrians, and anyone ready to replace tension with feel. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

Why Your Horse Won’t Try Anymore In this episode of Come Ride With Me, we’re flipping the script on rider perfectionism and taking a hard look at how our need to control every moment — in and out of the saddle — can shut down our horse’s ability to think, learn, and self-regulate. From micromanagement to mistake-shaming, we explore why so many domestic horses struggle with emotional resilience and how riders may unknowingly create defensive, shutdown, or “difficult” behaviors through pressure and overcorrection. You’ll learn: Why obedience isn’t the same as confidence How frustration and fear of punishment affect your horse’s brain What behavior science and equine neuroscience (including Dr. Steve Peters’ work) reveal about learning under pressure Simple ways to rebuild trust and offer your horse the space to think again If you’ve ever wondered why your horse seems hesitant, anxious, or like they’ve stopped trying altogether — this episode is for you. ✨ Let go of perfection. Reclaim your partnership. And make room for a curious, thinking horse again. 🎧 Listen now. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Join me at a live clinic in VA September 28, 2025 https://clinics.equusenlightened.net/s/clinic-participant-flow-lgop Happy Riding!

Obedience might get a response—but real partnership comes from dialogue. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to have a conversation with your horse. Anna shares the origin story of her “3 Questions That Build Partnership”—softness, responsiveness, and alignment—and how they can transform the way you ride, train, and connect. You’ll hear a personal story about Gus, the amazing horse who taught Anna that doing everything “right” isn’t always enough. She also draws on her experience as a 911 dispatcher to explain why asking questions—not barking commands—is the key to getting the clearest, safest, most effective response from your horse. 🎧 Plus, you’ll get this week’s experiment: a guided reflection to help you explore one of the 3 Partnership Questions in your next ride. 📝 Download the free Conversation Starter Experiment journal page. 🎯 Take the Perfectionist Rider Quiz and get a bonus mini-series of calming, connection-based exercises. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage:Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the DressageNaturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen toall of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened Read blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

In this episode of Come Ride With Me, I combine two powerful experiments—“Find the Rhythm” and “Make It Messy”—to show how letting go of control actually creates more clarity in the saddle. You’ll ride along with me and Namastee as we explore how to feel what’s happening, respond without overcorrecting, and use messy moments to build better communication. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting a perfect ride and not wanting to micromanage your horse, this one’s for you. ✨ Let it be messy. Let it be real. Let it be progress. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is Equus Enlightened. https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

 Why Force Fails and Feel Wins Control might feel like safety, but in the saddle, it’s often one of the little things holding you—and your horse—back. In this episode of Come Ride With Me, Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened unpacks the sneaky ways force shows up in riding (hint: it’s not just harsh bits or whips). We’ll explore how perfectionism drives us to override instead of ride with, and why force—even when it’s subtle—creates resistance and anxiety. Plus, you’ll get a feel-based riding experiment you can try today to shift from bracing into flow. Learn how to sync with your horse’s rhythm and soften the silent tension that’s blocking connection. Because when you trade control for curiosity, you unlock a whole new kind of ride. 🎧 Ready to let go and ride with feel? Hit play. 🔗 Take the “Perfectionist Rider” quiz at: https://link.equusenlightened.com/widget/quiz/gSHHFApTgfne26EonbkF Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is Equus Enlightened. https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!

In this episode of Come Ride With Me, we’re throwing perfectionism out of the saddle and riding straight into the messy, beautiful truth: your horse doesn’t want you to be perfect—they want you to be present. Host Anna Fox explores how horses, in their natural state, model emotional regulation, alignment, and presence without judgment or pressure. We dive into why so much of the traditional horse world runs on outdated, fear-based systems—and how embracing imperfection can free both you and your horse. You’ll also get this week’s experiment: Make It Messy—a bold exercise in letting go of compensation patterns and learning to feel crookedness before you fix it. Whether you’re stuck in “shoulds,” burnt out from over-trying, or just ready to feel more you in the saddle, this episode invites you to drop the pressure and reconnect with what riding was always meant to be: a relationship. 🧠 Listen in and let the mess be the message. 🐴 Then head back to Season 1 for deeper insights into leading, following, and building the freely forward horse. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.com Find me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened. You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is Equus Enlightened. https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened Email me at [email protected] Happy Riding!