Journeying: The Path We Walk With Our Horses

When we hear the word journeying, many of us think of travel, moving from one place to another. But in horsemanship, journeying is not about miles covered or rosettes won. It’s about the quieter, more meaningful path we walk alongside our horses.

For some, journeying is a spiritual practice - going inward, exploring the unseen, and listening deeply. For others, it’s about personal growth: facing fears, building confidence, and learning to be present in the moment. With horses, these ideas come together in a unique way.

Our horses are not passengers on our journey - they are our companions and teachers. Each interaction, whether in the saddle, the stable, or the round pen, asks us to reflect. Are we listening as much as we are leading? Are we creating space for comfort and trust? Are we allowing the relationship to grow at its own pace?

A round pen is a place of journeying: a safe, quiet space where horse and human explore communication, respect, and mutual understanding. Inside its circle, distractions fall away. There are no corners to hide in, no rush to move on … just the invitation to be present with one another. What begins as a simple walk or movement around the pen often becomes something deeper: a conversation without words, where body language, energy, and intention guide the connection. Many people find that in the round pen, they not only meet their horse more honestly, but also meet themselves.

Journeying with a horse means noticing the subtle shifts:

• A softening of the eye when anxiety fades

• A step closer when trust begins to bloom

• A moment of stillness where both horse and human simply are

This journey is not measured in straight lines or quick fixes. It meanders, circles back, and unfolds slowly, just like life itself. And that really is the beauty of it - every step is part of the story.

✨ Next time you spend time with your horse, pause and ask yourself: What part of the journey are we on today?

Write down one thing you notice about your horse’s response to you

And,

one thing you notice about yourself.

You may be surprised how the two reflect one another.