#156 The Weird Way Horses ‘Feel’ Your Emotions (and Why It Matters)

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You storm into the barn after a rough day. Your brain’s still chewing on a conversation you had hours ago, your jaw’s tight, your shoulders are up around your ears… and the second you swing a leg over? Your horse is tense, distracted, maybe even downright cranky.

And we think they're the problem? Nah.

Sometimes your horse isn’t being a brat. They’re just mirroring YOU!

I know that’s a tough pill to swallow—but hang with me.

What if I told you there's actual neuroscience behind this? Not just woo-woo “energy” stuff—but hard, proven brain science that says your horse is literally mirroring your nervous system?

Today we’re breaking down how that invisible connection between your state and their behavior works—and more importantly, how to use it in your favor.

Welcome to Day 2 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Each day this week, you’re getting a short and practical episode that blends mindset work, neuroscience, and in-the-saddle strategy—because what’s going on in your brain shows up in your reins.

Today’s Topic: Day 2 —Magic Mirror On The Wall, Who’s The Best Horse of All? The Science of Mirror Neurons and How They Impact Your Horse’s Responses

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle!

Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st.

👉 Sign up here

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your riding crew.

I’d love to hear how your horse responds when you check your energy first. Seriously—DM me your “ah-ha” moment or tag me in your barn stories!

And hey—don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes. It helps other riders find the show and join this wild and resilient community we’re building together. 🐴🤠

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

What mirror neurons are and why they matter in the barn
How your emotional state directly impacts your horse’s focus and behavior
The unexpected reason your horse might be “off” during a ride
Why “checking yourself” before a ride matters more than checking your tack
A simple, effective mindset shift you can use before every ride to reset your energy

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

Why does my horse act differently when I’m stressed or upset?
Can my horse really sense my emotions—or is that just a myth?
What’s the fastest way to reset my energy before a ride?
How do I stop bringing outside stress into my time with my horse?
What does neuroscience say about horse and rider connection?

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!