The Importance of Being Present During Your Training Sessions

Monty Gwynne
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

Training a horse is more than just a routine or a task to check off your list. It requires focus, patience, and a deep connection between you and your horse. One of the most overlooked aspects of effective horse training is being present during your sessions. When you fully engage in the moment, you create a stronger bond, improve communication, and make the training more enjoyable for both you and your horse.

This post explores why taking time to be present in your training matters, how it benefits your horse training, and practical ways to cultivate presence during your sessions.

Why Being Present Matters in Horse Training

Horse training is a two-way conversation. Horses are highly sensitive animals that pick up on subtle cues, emotions, and energy. If your mind is elsewhere, distracted by worries or plans, your horse will sense it. This can lead to confusion, frustration, or resistance.

When you are present, you:

Read your horse’s body language clearly. You notice small signs of discomfort, attention, or willingness.
Respond immediately and appropriately. Timing is crucial in training; being present helps you give clear, consistent signals.
Build trust and connection. Your horse feels your calm focus, which encourages cooperation.
Enjoy your horse training more. The experience becomes rewarding and fulfilling rather than stressful or mechanical.

Presence is not just about physical attention but also mental and emotional focus. It means setting aside distractions and fully committing to the moment.

How Presence Enhances Communication with Your Horse

Communication in horse training is subtle and nonverbal. Horses rely on body language, tone, and energy to understand what you want. Being present sharpens your ability to communicate effectively.

Improved timing: You can reward or correct behavior at the exact right moment, reinforcing learning.
Clearer cues: Your body stays relaxed and consistent, avoiding mixed signals.
Better observation: You catch small changes in your horse’s mood or readiness, allowing you to adjust your approach.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Being Present in Your Training

Being present takes practice. Here are some ways to bring your full attention to your horse training sessions:

Start with a clear intention. Before you begin, take a moment to set your focus on the session. Remind yourself that this time is for connection and learning.
Limit distractions. Turn off your phone or leave it out of reach.
Use breathing techniques. Take deep, slow breaths to calm your mind and body before and during training.
Engage your senses. Notice the sounds, smells, and sights around you and your horse. This anchors you in the present moment.
Practice mindfulness exercises. Simple mindfulness practices outside of training can improve your overall ability to stay present.
Observe without judgment. Accept whatever happens in the session without frustration or impatience. This mindset helps you stay calm and focused.

Examples of Presence Improving Training Outcomes

Many riders find that when they commit to being present, their training sessions improve dramatically.

The Role of Patience and Presence Together

Patience and presence go hand in hand. Training a horse takes time, and rushing often leads to frustration for both horse and rider. When you are present, you naturally become more patient because you are focused on the process rather than the outcome.

You learn to appreciate small progress.
You avoid pushing your horse beyond its limits.
You create a positive learning environment where your horse feels safe.

This combination of patience and presence makes training sessions more productive and enjoyable.

How Being Present Supports Long-Term Success

Horse training is a journey, not a quick fix. Being present during each session builds a foundation of trust and understanding that lasts. Over time, this leads to: