Fear is a natural companion when we face something for the first time—or the first time again after a setback. For riders, returning to the saddle after an accident, injury, or surgery can stir up a swirl of emotions: nervousness, doubt, and those “what if” thoughts that creep in uninvited.

Recently, I experienced this myself after recovering from a Laterjet shoulder surgery. Getting back in the saddle was not just about riding again—it was about rebuilding trust, honoring my body’s healing, and reconnecting with myself through the steady presence of my horse.

Let's explore 3 strategies to get back in the saddle...

One of the most common questions I hear in relation to Equine Coaching is: 
​“How can horses help me learn about myself?”

At the heart of this work lies the horse’s unique ability to show up as their truest, most authentic selves. Horses don’t pretend, perform, or wear masks. They simply are. And in their presence, we are invited to step into that same authenticity.

Throughout history, horses have walked alongside us—once roaming free, then partnering with humans to travel great distances, fight wars, plow fields, provide transportation, and later, offer sport and companionship. Their role in human history is profound. Horses have not only helped us survive, but also evolve. That deep and enduring connection is still alive today, and it continues to shape how we learn and grow.

Horses as Mirrors
In the horse world, you’ll often hear the phrase: “Horses are our mirrors.” This means they reflect back to us what we are truly feeling on the inside—not the image we may be trying to project on the outside. Horses notice when we are out of alignment, when our inner experience does not match the way we are showing up in the world.