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

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.comFind 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/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedFind out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuildEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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.comFind 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/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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.comFind 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/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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.comFind 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/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

 Why Force Fails and Feel WinsControl 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/gSHHFApTgfne26EonbkFFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy 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.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

Why forcing the perfect response from your horse might be the very thing holding you both back.Ever feel like the harder you try to ride correctly, the more your horse resists—or delays their response altogether?In this episode of Come Ride With Me, we’re digging into the learning science behind latency—that hidden gap between cue and response—and how perfectionism in the saddle can actually slow your horse’s learning (and yours too).I’ll walk you through a simple experiment you can try today with your horse to test how your energy and intention affect timing, clarity, and flow.Spoiler alert: it’s not about riding less.It’s about trying less hard.🎧 Ready to turn tension into timing magic?Let’s ride.Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

What do McDonald's and Smartphones have in common? Speed! Why does that matter? Speed is important in the learning process and as a perfectionist, your speed might be hurting you and your horse's learning curve. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

This is a follow-up to the weekly experiment in episode one. You can also watch the video on YouTube. Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

Take the Are You a Perfectionist Quiz? at www.equusenlightened.comFind 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/equusenlightenedEmail me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

For those of you interested in videos of the podcast, there are some up on YouTube. My channel is Equus Enlightened.Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.com or 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.Email me at anna@equusenlightened.netHappy Riding!

Join Anna Fox as she navigates the complex world of horse training, focusing on building harmonious equine partnerships through curiosity and awareness. This episode pivots from a planned topic to address a recent scandal involving Olympic equestrian Charlotte Dujardin. Anna emphasizes the value of understanding horse psychology and human emotional responses, advocating for a more thoughtful, less reactive approach to training. Tune in for insights on creating an enriching environment for both horses and riders, and stay updated on her plans for the podcast's upcoming second season.

In this episode I play with a young horse working to build confidence around trailer loading. We often hear the phrase "it isn't about the trailer". While this is very true, trailer loading is often a tangible goal that fits the human mindset. I use highlight techniques that build confidence and trust, but the most important lesson is to remain perceptive and mindful. I talk about some of the things I noticed in previous sessions with this horse that might make his desire to load questionable. I ask Remi a few different questions so I can gauge his responses before we even go near the trailer. Then, I focus on his mind being engaged and curious with the trailer. Which allows him to have the courage to step inside. Listen to this episode and get some practical guidance on nurturing your equine partner's bravery and curiosity. Discover strategies for teaching your horse to explore independently and handle challenging situations with ease. Dive into an insightful journey of fostering emotionally stable equine companions and becoming a perceptive rider. For more resources, visit Equus Enlightened online. For those of you interested in videos of the podcast, there are some up on youtube. My channel is Equus Enlightened and it’s linked in the linktree below.      Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net   Happy Riding!

Anna guides listeners through harmonizing with their equine partners by being present and understanding their needs. This episode delves into Anna’s interactive approach, focusing on gathering non-judgmental information and adjusting training based on the horse's responses. Through real-time examples, Anna emphasizes relaxation, straightness, and adapting to the horse's mindset. Perfect for equestrians looking to simplify their riding sessions and build a more intuitive relationship with their horses. For those of you interested in videos of the podcast, there are some up on youtube. My channel is Equus Enlightened and it’s linked in the linktree below.      Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net   Happy Riding!

This week, I team up with Ibo to explore the critical relationship of balance, relaxation, and energy for both horse and rider. I'll jump into how to improve the qualities of relaxation energy, and balance separately; before you start to combine them. Helping you and your horse have a better understanding of what is expected. In these episodes, I delve into techniques for maintaining physical and mental well-being, ensuring proper self-carriage, and addressing common riding challenges. Perfect for equestrians aiming to deepen their understanding of their horses' needs and enhance their riding experience. Don’t miss this comprehensive guide to achieving harmony with your horse. For those of you interested in videos of the podcast, there are some up on youtube. My channel is Equus Enlightened and it’s linked in the linktree below.      Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net   Happy Riding!

In this episode, I explore the concept of engagement in horsemanship. I discusses how engagement goes beyond simply increasing energy and impulsion, and instead focuses on creating involvement, participation, and a conversational attitude between horse and rider. I share tips for creating engagement, including working on relaxation, energy, and balance, and emphasize the importance of being present and aware as a rider. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a playful and engaged partnership with your horse. If you are interested in videos of the podcast, check out my YouTube channel, Equus Enlightened. It's linked in the linktree below. If you'd like to see ALL the videos head on over to Patreon.com/equusenlightened.    Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net   Happy Riding!

In this episode of "Come Ride with Me," host Anna Fox celebrates Mother's Day by honoring all the moms out there, including horse moms. She gives a shoutout to her own supportive mom and acknowledges the challenges of being a mom while also pursuing a passion for horses. Anna emphasizes the importance of maintaining a playful mindset and encourages listeners to approach their interactions with horses and children in a playful and lighthearted way. By doing so, she believes we can create a healthier and more joyful environment for everyone involved. Stay playful and happy riding! Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net    

Join host Anna Fox on the "Come Ride with Me" podcast as she explores movements from third-level dressage. Through playful experimentation, Anna gauges Namastee's progress and identifies areas for improvement in their training. From stretching and collection exercises to shoulder mobility and half-passes, Anna focuses on building strength and harmony with her horse. Tune in to discover how Anna uses intention and a meditative approach to enhance her partnership with Namastee. For those of you interested in videos of the podcast, there are some up on youtube. My channel is Equus Enlightened and it’s linked in the linktree below.  Find out more about Equus Enlightened at www.equusenlightened.net or on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Powerful Equestrian Partnerships or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.   https://linktr.ee/equusenlightened   Email me at anna@equusenlightened.net   Happy Riding!